AL SIMS -- HEAD COACH
Alliston, Ontario
August 31, 2014
The Alliston Coyotes are very proud to announce that Al Sims has been hired as the clubs new Head Coach. Sims comes the Coyotes having one of the most accomplished playing and coaching careers in North America. He will be a welcomed asset to aid the advancement our teams talents.
Al's playing career started in the QMJHL playing with the Cornwall Royals. After two successful seasons as a major junior superstar, the Boston Bruins selected him in the 3rd round of the 1973 NHL Entry draft.
Sims made the jump right from juniors to the Bruins line-up as a young 18 year old. Sims played near 500 games in the NHL between the Boston Bruins, Hartford Whalers and Los Angeles Kings organizations. He spent the majority of his career playing as Bobby Orr's defense partner with the Bruins.
Following retirement from the NHL, Al shifted his attention from playing to coaching. Where he has enjoyed just as much success.
Sims began his coaching career with the Fort Wayne Komets, a minor pro team that played in the now defunct IHL. Following leading the club to a convincing league championship, Sims found himself back in the NHL. This time however, it was behind the bench.
Al was selected to join the Anaheim Ducks coaching staff alongside future hall-of-fame Head Coach Ron Wilson. Sims spent three seasons behind the Ducks' bench before being hired away by the San Jose Sharks in 1996. The Sharks named Sims Head Coach of the squad.
Sims has coached some of the game's greatest players. Including Owen Nolan, Ed Belfour, Paul Kariya, and many more.
Most recently, Sims has spent the past 10 seasons as the Head Coach with the Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL). He led the club to four championships in the past six seasons. The club served as the farm team for the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets.
Sims joined the GMHL last season, as the Head Coach of the Bradford Rattlers and named the GMHL's Director of Player Advancement. He coached the 6th place Rattlers to a Russell Cup Championship Finals appearance.
Al brings a level of professionalism and expectation of winning that align with the Coyotes organizational goals. Al has been working with many of the Alliston players through the Coyotes affiliate, the World Hockey Centre, and will enter the year a step ahead of other coaches.
Alliston could not be more impressed with the passion and excitement Al is bringing to the position. His connections, experience and dedication to the improvement of the Coyotes are all welcomed assets to the club.