Al Sims Hired as Advisor for Player Development & Advancement

The GMHL is very proud to announce that Al Sims has been hired as the GMHL Director of Player Development & Advancement. Sims comes the GMHL having one of the most accomplished playing and coaching careers in North America. He will be a welcomed asset to aid the advancement our league's 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 has already implemented several motions to improve the player advancement process in the GMHL. He will be taking over the GMHL's "12 Week Training Program" this spring. The '12 Week Program' is a league initiative that offers players the opportunity to continue their training from April through June. The program will serve as a development opportunity while showcasing their talents to higher levels of the game that frequently attend the program.

In addition, Sims will be running two showcases to help players advance to the professional and NCAA ranks. A 'Free Agent Pro Camp' in conjunction with the league has been confirmed for next summer. In addition, a NCAA/CIS Showcase will commence next offseason.

The GMHL 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 GMHL are all welcomed assets to the league.

Players, we encourage you to explore the opportunities that the league is setting up to help you advance to higher levels of hockey. Al is a resource for all players to capitalize upon; the league has made this investment with your best interests in mind so please take advantage!

More information on these initiatives will be posted to www.gmhl.net soon. Please contact GMHL Head Office at 1-800-905-0270 if you have any questions.