Millar, 27, spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach with the Bonnyville Junior A Pontiacs. Upon joining the Alberta Junior Hockey League and the Pontiacs in 2018-19, he took a lead role with the team's defencemen and led individual and team video analysis. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, he also facilitated and connected incoming players with their billets, assisted players in SAT preparation and coordinated nutrition and recovery meals. Prior to joining Bonnyville, Millar spent two seasons with the Nipawin Hawks of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, where the club won the SJHL title in his second season. The Calgary native also attended the University of Finland, obtaining a Sport Management Master's Degree specializing in hockey coaching. While overseas, he served as an assistant coach with the Vierumki United U20 team of the Jr. A Suomi-sarja league. Between 2014 and 2018, Millar also worked with Hockey Canada as an On-And-Off-Ice Instructor.
In his role with the Leafs organization, Millar will have on and off-ice mentorship opportunities with head coach Sheldon Keefe and his staff, the club's player development staff, the organization's ECHL and AHL coaching staffs, and various other leaders within the hockey program.
In line with its commitment to advance diversity and inclusion, and to help eliminate barriers within the game of hockey, the Maple Leafs unveiled its new Management and Coaching Development Program this past May. Commencing this season, the program will provide full-time, one-year paid contract positions within the organization's management team and coaching staffs, respectively, to Black or Indigenous candidates or those who identify as part of another marginalized and/or racialized group and looking to gain exposure in a professional sports organization.
The primary goal of this recurring annual employment program is to provide two individuals the opportunity and training to forge their own careers in hockey. The program will provide valuable professional hockey front office and coaching experience, increase the candidates' social capital within the broader hockey community as well infuse a fresh perspective within the Maple Leafs organization. The club will seek two individuals with any level of experience in sport who exemplify a passion and dedication to growth within the game of hockey.
