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San Jose’s Sommer becomes winningest coach in AHL history

RoySommer

Roy Sommer etched his name into the record books on Wednesday night.

Sommer, who’s been the coach of San Jose’s minor-league affiliate for the last 18 seasons, recorded his 637th win at the American League level to surpass Hockey Hall of Famer Fred “Bun” Cook as the winningest coach in league history.

More, from the Sharks:

Sommer ranks 1st in the AHL in games coached (1,388) and now victories (637) with the 4-2 victory over the Ontario Reign (AHL affiliate of the LA Kings). In the AHL, he has coached 120 players who have gone on to play in the NHL, including 95 who have spent a portion of their careers with the San Jose Sharks.

In all, 20 players who have dressed for the San Jose Sharks this season played for Sommer in the AHL at one point in their career.

Sommer, 58, was a former Maple Leafs draftee that appeared in three career NHL contests, all with Edmonton during the 1980-81 campaign. He transitioned to coaching immediately upon the end of his playing career and, prior to taking San Jose’s minor-league gig, spent two years as an assistant with the Sharks from ’96-98.