Cranbrook’s Jim Hiller has been promoted to head coach of the L.A. Kings.
Hiller was born in Port Alberni but spent his teen years in Cranbrook.
He played one season for the Kimberley Knights who are now the Dynamiters.
Hiller was an assistant coach for the Kings and took over as interim head coach back in February after Todd McLellan was fired.
Hiller was originally drafted by the Kings back in 1992 and played 40 games for them.
“Just shy of 35 years ago I was drafted by the L.A. Kings, so to be sitting here today is an honour to say it lightly,” Hiller said in his first press conference after being named head coach.
“The team that drafts you, you’re forever tied to them. That’s your team. So to be sitting here today after all those years is emotional, exciting and it’s a proud moment.”
Hiller was given a three-year contract with the option of an additional fourth year. He’s now the 30th head coach in the team’s history.
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