A former Cranbrook Colts player is headed behind one of hockey’s most prominent benches.
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced the hiring of Jim Hiller as the club’s new head coach, bringing the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League alumnus back to an organization where he previously served as an assistant coach.
Hiller played for the Cranbrook Colts from 1985 to 1987 before embarking on a hockey career that included stops as a player and coach at several levels of the game.
A native of Port Alberni, B.C., Hiller was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the 10th round, 207th overall, of the 1989 NHL draft. He appeared in 63 NHL games with the Kings, recording eight goals and 12 assists.
After his playing career, Hiller spent more than a decade coaching junior hockey in Canada, including a successful run with the Western Hockey League’s Tri-City Americans. He was named Canadian Hockey League coach of the year and Western Hockey League coach of the year in 2011-12 after leading Tri-City to a 104-point season.
Hiller later moved to the NHL coaching ranks, serving as an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 2015-16 to 2018-19 and with the New York Islanders from 2019-20 to 2021-22.
He joined the Los Angeles Kings as an assistant coach in 2022 before being promoted to head coach. Over parts of three seasons behind the Kings’ bench, Hiller compiled a 93-58-24 record in 175 games.
The Maple Leafs said Hiller becomes the 41st head coach in franchise history.
“Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today’s NHL,” general manager John Chayka said in a statement. “He has worked with successful teams throughout his career, connects well with players and brings a clear approach behind the bench.”
Hiller said returning to Toronto is an opportunity he is looking forward to.
“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to return to Toronto and lead the Maple Leafs,” he said. “This is a special organization with great players, passionate fans and high expectations.”
For hockey fans in the Kootenays, the hiring marks another milestone for a former Cranbrook Colt who has risen from the junior ranks to one of the most high-profile coaching jobs in professional hockey.
