B.C.\u2019s Jim Hiller lands Toronto Maple Leafs head coaching job<\/p>\n
Published 4:30 pm Wednesday, June 17, 2026<\/p>\n
Nearly 10 per cent of all NHL head coaches now hail from Vancouver Island.<\/p>\n
That number jumped on Wednesday (June 17) when the Toronto Maple Leafs tapped Port Alberni\u2019s Jim Hiller to take over their bench. Hiller was named the 41st head coach in the franchise\u2019s history.<\/p>\n
He joins Victoria\u2019s Spencer Carbery of the Washington Capitals and Campbell River\u2019s Rod Brind\u2019Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes on the list of NHL bench bosses from the Island.<\/p>\n
During a virtual media availability on Wednesday, Hiller reflected on the personal significance of landing the Toronto job.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a B.C. boy, I grew up sitting on the couch with my Dad, with the greatest memories of hockey, watching the Leafs and Canadiens on Hockey Night in Canada,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
His hiring adds to B.C.\u2019s massive presence across the modern NHL coaching landscape.<\/p>\n
With the Edmonton Oilers holding the league\u2019s only vacant position, the Island alone accounts for three of the 31 active head coaches.<\/p>\n
Expanding the map, the provincial total rises to seven after a double-header of hires on Wednesday. Hours before Toronto announced Hiller, the Vegas Golden Knights promoted Abbotsford\u2019s Ryan Craig to head coach.<\/p>\n
The two newly minted coaches join Prince George\u2019s Jon Cooper, the Tampa Bay Lightning boss who captured the 2025-26 Jack Adams Award, Castlegar\u2019s Travis Green of the Ottawa Senators and Cranbrook\u2019s Ryan Huska of the Calgary Flames.<\/p>\n
Hiller\u2019s climb to the Original Six franchise began at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.<\/p>\n
The 57-year-old launched his head coaching career in the BCHL with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs from 2004 to 2006.<\/p>\n
He then moved to the WHL for a three-year stint with the Chilliwack Bruins, the franchise that later relocated to become the Victoria Royals, before spending five seasons leading the Tri-City Americans.<\/p>\n
His junior career was marked by elite hardware. Hiller won the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy as WHL coach of the year and added the Brian Kilrea Award as the top coach across the entire CHL, both in 2011-12.<\/p>\n
Hiller transitioned to the NHL ranks as an assistant with the Detroit Red Wings ahead of the 2014-15 season.<\/p>\n
From there, he built a decade-long resume as an assistant with Toronto, the New York Islanders, and the Los Angeles Kings.<\/p>\n
He eventually took over the head coaching duties in Los Angeles before moving to the Leafs.<\/p>\n
His coaching logic is backed by 63 games of NHL playing experience with the Red Wings, Kings, and New York Rangers.<\/p>\n
\u201cJim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today\u2019s NHL,\u201d Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka said in a press release.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has worked with successful teams throughout his career, connects well with players and brings a clear approach behind the bench. We believe he\u2019s the right person to lead our team and help us reach our goals.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hiller replaces Craig Berube, who was let go by the Leafs in May. Toronto finished the 2025-26 season with a 32-36-14 record. They will select first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26.<\/p>\n