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Posted Sept. 1 2002
Ams new assistant retired last spring as European pro player
By Annie Fowler
Herald staff writer
Sometimes who you know is just as important as what you know.
Such was the case when Jim Hiller was hired June 28 as assistant coach of the Tri-City Americans.
"Kevin Scott is a mutual friend and he and Jim played together at Northern Michigan (University)," said Tri-City head coach Shaun Clouston. "Kevin had called to congratulate me on my job, then mentioned that a friend of his (Hiller) was interested in coaching and he put us in touch.
"Jim and I hit it off from the start. When Portland offered (ex-Ams assistant coach) Blake Wesley an assistant job, we were ready to go with Jim."
Americans general manager Bob Tory did his homework on Hiller and gave the former NHL and European player a passing grade.
"Some of his references were people I respect," Tory said. "It was Shaun's decision in the end. We are fortunate to have someone of Jim's experience."
Hiller, 33, enjoyed a worldly, profitable, but not illustrious professional playing career.
"For whatever reason, I moved around a lot," Hiller said. "For my (playing) career, it wasn't the best thing, but for life skills and getting to see different places and meet different people, it could be a blessing in disguise."
The native of Cranbrook, British Columbia, played three games in the Western Hockey League for the Prince Albert Raiders during the 1986-87 season, but he began to make a name for himself playing at Northern Michigan.
As a sophomore, the 6-foot, 190-pound forward helped the Wildcats win an NCAA title in 1991. His junior season, Hiller was second in scoring in the NCAA. He then turned pro.
He came up with the Los Angeles Kings, who drafted him in the 10th round in 1989. In January 1993 after scoring six goals and six assists in 40 games, Hiller was traded to the Detroit Red Wings and was later claimed off waivers by the New York Rangers.
Hiller never logged much ice time in the NHL, yet he had a 10-year career that included stops in the International Hockey League, American Hockey League and Europe.
"No one wanted me," Hiller joked.
Hiller ended his career in Milan in April, helping the Vipers win the Italian title.
"We hired him for his playing experience, enthusiasm and his passion for the game," Clouston said.
Hiller, his wife Kathy and children Trivia, 4, and Talon, 16 months, have settled into the Tri-Cities and the Americans.
"I think the people involved are very positive and Shaun and I are excited," Hiller said. "We are big believers in Bob (Tory) and he bought in which means we will be getting good players in the Tri-Cities and that will make our job a little easier."
Today is the final day of the Americans camp, where the staff has been evaluating 67 players.
"To not have the jersey on but to have the track suit is a dream for me," said Hiller as he zipped up his jacket and headed back onto the ice.
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