Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Americans Tab Hiller To Be Head Coach

Press Release

KENNEWICK, WA - Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today that the team has signed Jim Hiller to a multi-year contract to serve as the club's new head coach. Per team policy, the terms and conditions of the agreement were not disclosed. Hiller replaces Don Nachbaur on the Tri-City bench, becoming the 19th coach in the franchise's history.

Hiller brings a wealth of Western Hockey League experience to Tri-City after spending the past three seasons with the Chilliwack Bruins. Hiller's 72 wins are second only to Seattle's Rob Sumner for most WHL wins among active coaches in the U.S. Division. His 216 WHL games coached are also 5th among active coaches in the Western Conference.

"Coaching is all about building relationships with your players to maximize potential and performance," explained Tory. "I have known Jim for many years and watched him grow into one of the WHL's premier coaches. His firm, fair and calm approach is exactly what our team needs to continue the commitment to excellence that has previously been established."

"Jim played for and learned from some of the NHL's top coaches, including Tom Renney, Bryan Murray, Mike Keenan and Scotty Bowman," Tory continued. "We look forward to him returning to the Americans."

After concluding a 13-year playing career, including 63 NHL games, Hiller began his coaching career with the Americans in 2002-03 as an assistant coach under Shawn Clouston. Hiller was then promoted to the team's associate coach before the start of the 2003-04 season, the first under former head coach Don Nachbaur.

"It is a great day for my family and I, as we are thrilled to be calling the Tri-Cities home again," said Hiller. "The energy and enthusiasm by players and fans alike make this an exciting team to be part of. I'm also fortunate to have an experienced coach in Terry in place to ease the transition."

Before the 2004-05 season, Hiller took an opportunity to serve as the General Manager and Head Coach of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the British Columbia Hockey League. In two seasons with the Bulldogs, Hiller compiled a 75-32-3-8 record (0.682 win%), including two second-place finishes in the Island Division, back-to-back Conference Semi-Finals appearances and won the BCHL's Coach of the Year award in 05-06.

Hiller returned to the Western Hockey League in 2006-07, this time as the head coach of the new expansion team, the Chilliwack Bruins. Tasked with competing in the always-competitive B.C. Division, Hiller led the Bruins to the post-season in their inaugural season after a 25-40-5-2 record. Then, in Year 2, Hiller's Bruins won 28 games and collected a franchise-high 65 points while claiming 3rd in the B.C. Division and the #6 seed in the 2008 Playoffs.

"The way this team is built suits my philosophy of an up-tempo, attacking style of hockey," Hiller explained. "We will continue to be an aggressive, forechecking team with an equal emphasis on defensive intensity."

To welcome Coach Hiller to the team, the Americans will be holding a 'Meet and Greet' session on Tuesday, August 25 at Kimo's Sports Café in Richland starting at 3:00 p.m. The 'Meet and Greet' will be open to the public and Tri-City fans are encouraged to come and visit with Coach Hiller.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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