Hitmen hire Williamson

As expected, the Calgary Hitmen hired former Portland coach Mike Williamson as their new head coach yesterday. He got what was described as a multi-year deal, which I would guess is probably something like two years plus an option.

Williamson is only 36 years old but already has six and a half years experience as a head coach in the WHL. I think a lot of people may associate his name with the crappy years in Portland but in reality, the team was above .500 for four of the six full seasons he was coach - including a trip to the WHL finals in 2000-01. He also won the Memorial Cup with the Hawks in 1997 as assistant coach to Brent Peterson. All in all, I think it's a pretty decent hire.

The only team still looking for a coach now is Tri-Cities. Last word there is that G.M. Bob Tory had five candidates he planned to interview, and then would make a decision after that.