Ex-Laker named to CHL director's post

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

The Central Hockey League announced today that Jim Wiley has been named the CHL’s director of hockey operations.

The veteran of more than 25 years in professional hockey in various capacities will join the CHL front office staff on Monday.

Wiley is no stranger to the CHL coaching in the league for two and a half seasons manning the bench for the Amarillo Gorillas (2006-08) and the Memphis RiverKings (2003-04). In 159 CHL games as a head coach, Wiley posted a 71-74-14 record.

“We couldn’t ask for a better person to join the league office than Jim,” said CHL commissioner Duane Lewis. “He has experience in all the areas that are needed in this role, and will be an excellent communicator with our member teams. We are certain that he can step in immediately and do the job at the highest level.”

Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the former Lake Superior State University standout (1968-1972) played in 485 games in the professional ranks including 62 games in the National Hockey League with Pittsburgh and Vancouver and 305 games in the CHL with Seattle and Tulsa. His best season came with the Oilers during the 1975-76 season where he scored 33 goals with 63 assists.

His coaching career began with the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League where he coached from 1984-1990. His professional debut came with the Kansas City Blades of the old International Hockey League in 1993. He coached two-plus seasons with the Blades recording a 77-72-16 record and led the team to the Turner Cup Finals in 1995. After just three games with Kansas City during the 1995-96 season, Wiley left the team and was named the head coach of the San Jose Sharks.

Along with his time in the CHL, Wiley later coached in the AHL, ECHL and UHL. He has also served in various hockey operations capacities with the Kentucky Thoroughblades (AHL) and the Cleveland Barons (AHL).

“I am extremely excited to be given the opportunity to work for the Central Hockey League as its director of hockey operations,” said Wiley. “In this role, I am looking to uphold and build on the strong professional endeavors and standards set by the CHL.”