Glass and Out Charlottetown Islanders Head Coach Jim Hulton: Improving situational awareness, in-game adjustments and people before players
Dec 23, 2025
Jim Hulton, the Head Coach and General Manager of the Charlottetown Islanders, shares his wealth of experience from over 30 years in hockey. He emphasizes the importance of situational awareness in player development and the value of community in junior hockey. Hulton discusses how to balance short-term wins with long-term player growth, the significance of teaching off-puck skills, and fostering a culture of accountability. His insights reveal that coaching goes beyond tactics—it's about shaping character and learning life skills.
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Sell The Place, Not Just The Hockey
- Sell the unique off-ice environment when recruiting players and families to junior programs.
- Emphasize safe community, strong billet families, and academic supports to secure buy-in.
Junior Hockey Is Broader Than The NHL
- Junior hockey's value extends beyond pro pathways into education and community roles.
- The CHL now offers nearly a decade of elite development whether players turn pro or go to university.
Push For Continuity And Runway
- Seek organizational continuity to build a lasting program and allow development to play out.
- Push ownership and leaders to accept multi-year plans rather than survival coaching.