Toronto Maple Leafs: John Lilley named new Director of Amateur Scouting
By James Reeve
The Toronto Maple Leafs continued their off-season work with the announcement that John Lilley has been promoted to Director of Amateur Scouting.
John Lilley has been a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs organization for over 12 years now, originally joining them as an amateur scout before the 2006-07 season.
Lilley held that position within the organisation for 10 years, after which he was promoted to Director of United States Scouting.
The @MapleLeafs announced today that John Lilley has been promoted to Director of Amateur Scouting. #TMLtalk
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) July 9, 2018
In his new role as Director of Amateur Scouting, Lilley will now be charged with the organisation of the Leafs’ amateur scouts, ensuring their assessments of junior-level players is conducted to the highest standard.
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Lilley has arguably had his best time in hockey since he decided to retire from playing.
He was once a seventh-round pick in the 1990 draft, being selected by the original incarnation of the Winnipeg Jets – a team he would never step on the ice for.
His 23 NHL regular season appearances all came during the mid-90s for the then-named Mighty Ducks of Anaheim – where he registered three goals and eight assists.
During his playing days, Lilley featured for teams in the WHL, IHL, AHL and in the top tier of ice hockey in Germany.
The Wakefield, Massachusetts native hung up his skates in 2002 and was named Assistant Coach for the USA Under-18s team, helping the team during the World Junior Championships – with the likes of Phil Kessel and Jack Johnson featuring for both teams during Lilley’s spell.
It was after this that Lilley moved into scouting and joined the Leafs organisation, with his longevity being rewarded with his latest promotion.
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What do you think Leafs Nation? Are you pleased for Lilley? Who else within the organisation deserves recognition for their service or performance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!