Claimed by Jets from Cleveland Crusaders in Intra-League Draft, June, 1975.
The Jets claimed veteran defenseman Larry Hillman from the Cleveland Crusaders in the Intra-League Draft in the summer of 1975. He played one season with the Jets in which he provided a steadying influence and some depth on the blue line as the Jets captured their first AVCO Cup championship. After more than two decades in pro hockey, Hillman retired following the 1975-1976 season and became an assistant coach and general manager with the Calgary Cowboys. After one season in Calgary, Hillman succeeded Bobby Kromm behind the bench as the Jets' coach and he led them to their second AVCO Cup championship in his first season as the head coach. With the loss of all three members of the “Hot Line”, the Jets struggled in 1978-1979 and Hillman was fired late in the year.
