Former WHL Coach of the Year Hiller named Los Angeles Kings Interim Head Coach

Los Angeles, Calif. – Former Chilliwack Bruins and Tri-City Americans Head Coach Jim Hiller has been named Interim Head Coach of the Los Angeles Kings, the team announced Friday.

Hiller was in his second season as an assistant coach with the organization.

“Jim is a well-respected member of our staff who is familiar with our players,” Kings Vice-President and General Manager Rob Blake said in a statement. “We are confident in his ability to lead our team effectively during this pivotal time.”

This is Hiller’s first head coaching job in the NHL, though he has eight years of previous experience behind the bench with the Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders.

The Port Alberni, B.C. product coached the Chilliwack Bruins for three seasons, starting in 2006-07 before moving on for a second stint with Tri-City (he had served as an assistant and associate coach for the Americans from 2002-2004).

Hiller would spend five campaigns as the Head Coach in Tri-City, cementing himself as the second-longest serving coach in franchise history.

His tenure included leading the Americans to two U.S. Division titles, four 40+ win seasons, six playoff series wins an the team’s first trip to the WHL Final in franchise history (2009-10).

Hiller was awarded the 2011-12 Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy as WHL Coach of the Year and the Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award as CHL Coach of the Year.