Facts and figures on the playing and coaching career of Ron Wilson, the new head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs:
Born: May 28, 1955, Windsor, Ont.
Playing career: Set several U.S. university scoring records for defencemen. Was Eastern College Athletic Conference player of the year (1975) and two-time All-American at Providence College for then coach Lou Lamoriello. Selected 132nd overall in the NHL draft by the Maple Leafs in 1975 after being selected 176th overall by the Houston Aeros in the 1974 WHA draft. Played parts of three seasons with Toronto, then six years in Switzerland with EHC Kloten and HC Davos. Joined the Minnesota North Stars in 1985, and retired as a player in 1988.
Coaching career: Joined the Vancouver Canucks as an assistant coach in 1990. Was named the first coach of the expansion Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 1993. Coached Team USA to the championship at the inaugural World Cup of Hockey in 1996. After being let go by Anaheim in 1997, took over the Washington Capitals and guided the team to the Stanley Cup final in his first season. Coached the U.S. entry at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. Joined the San Jose Sharks after Darryl Sutter was fired in the 2002-03 season and guided the Sharks to two first-place and two second-place finishes in the Pacific Division in four-plus seasons. Sharks lost in the Western Conference championship in 2004, but didn't get past the second round in the past three seasons. Has a 518-426-101-46 NHL regular-season record.
All in the family: His father, Larry Wilson, and uncle, Johnny Wilson, have both coached the Detroit Red Wings.
