KENNEWICK, Wash. — The Western Hockey League’s Tri-City Americans have named Mike Williamson as the team’s new head coach.
The Americans, based in Kennewick, Wash., did not extend the contract of Jim Hiller after his five seasons behind their bench.
Tri-City lost in the first round of playoffs the past two seasons after reaching the Western Conference final in 2012.
Williamson was fired by the Calgary Hitmen last month after five years coaching that club. The Hitmen were upset in the first round of playoffs by the Kootenay Ice this past season.
Williamson guided the Hitmen to a WHL title in 2009-2010. Calgary lost in the MasterCard Memorial Cup semifinal that year.
The Hitmen’s regular-season record under Williamson was 210-129-10 and the team made the playoffs four of his five seasons in Calgary. Williamson also coached the Portland Winterhawks for seven seasons prior to joining the Hitmen.
Tri-City announced his hiring Tuesday on the team’s website.
