Atlanta, GA -- (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Thrashers have named John Anderson their new head coach.

Anderson spent the past 11 seasons as head coach of the Chicago Wolves, the Thrashers' American Hockey League affiliate since 2001. He guided the Wolves to the Calder Cup title this past season.

"John has an impressive record of success as a head coach and we are excited to be adding him to our organization," said Thrashers general manager Don Waddell in making the announcement. "He's a proven winner whose leadership and experience behind the bench will play a vital role in the resurgence of our hockey club."

The Thrashers were in need of a head coach after Waddell fired Bob Hartley when the club lost its first six games of the 2007-08 season. Waddell remained behind the bench for the remainder of the campaign and the Thrashers finished with a record of 34-40-8 to miss the playoffs, one season after winning the Southeast Division title to reach the postseason for the first time in franchise history.

Anderson also led the Wolves to a Calder Cup title in 2002, and the International Hockey League's Turner Cup in 1998 and 2000. He posted a record of 506-283-99 with Chicago.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Chicago, but I'm thrilled to now have the opportunity to take those achievements and advance my career in Atlanta with an exciting organization like the Thrashers," said Anderson. "This team has some great talent, and I look forward to the challenge or maximizing our potential and returning to the playoffs."

Before taking over the Wolves, Anderson spent one season as head coach of Quad City in the Colonial Hockey League -- winning the Colonial Cup -- and one year with Winston-Salem in the Southern Hockey League.

Anderson played 12 seasons in the NHL from 1977 through 1989, registering 282 goals and 349 assists for 631 points in 814 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Quebec Nordiques and Hartford Whalers.

The Toronto native was selected by the Maple Leafs with the 11th overall pick of the 1977 Entry Draft. He led the Leafs in scoring during the 1982-83 season with 80 points, posting 31 goals and 49 assists, in 80 games.