Vancouver Island's NHL Coaching Influence Grows: Port Alberni's Jim Hiller Joins Toronto Maple Leafs as Head Coach

Vancouver Island's NHL Coaching Influence Grows: Port Alberni's Jim Hiller Joins Toronto Maple Leafs as Head Coach

Vancouver Island has become a hotbed for NHL head coaches, with nearly 10% of all head coaches now originating from the island. The latest addition to this list is Port Alberni's Jim Hiller, who was named the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, becoming the 41st head coach in the franchise's history. Hiller joins Victoria's Spencer Carbery of the Washington Capitals and Campbell River's Rod Brind'Amour of the Carolina Hurricanes as NHL bench bosses from the Island.

Hiller expressed the personal significance of landing the Toronto job, highlighting his roots as a B.C. boy who grew up watching hockey with his dad. With the addition of Hiller, the Island now boasts three active NHL head coaches out of the 31 in the league. The provincial total rises to seven with the recent hiring of Abbotsford's Ryan Craig as the head coach of the Vegas Golden Knights.

Hiller's coaching journey began in the BCHL with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs before moving on to the WHL and eventually making his mark in the NHL as an assistant coach with various teams. His experience and understanding of the game led to his appointment as the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he aims to lead the team to success.

The Maple Leafs' decision to hire Hiller comes after parting ways with Craig Berube and finishing the 2025-26 season with a 32-36-14 record. With the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft on June 26, Toronto will have the first overall pick as they look to strengthen their roster under Hiller's leadership. The Island's influence in the NHL coaching landscape continues to grow, showcasing the talent and expertise that B.C. coaches bring to the league.