 With his appointment to the Canucks' staff, Williams became the first Newfoundland native to serve in an NHL coaching position in league history.Prior to joining St. John's, Williams served in a number of coaching capacities including head coaching duties with the Kansas City Outlaws of the United Hockey League, and assistant coach with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the American Hockey League.The Labrador City, Newfoundland native played 11 seasons in the American Hockey League and International Hockey League, highlighted by a two-game call up to the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings in the 1992-93 season.