Sommer ties record with 1,256th game

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.Roy Sommer of the Worcester Sharks tied the American Hockey League record for most regular-season games by a head coach as he led his team against the Providence Bruins at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, R.I., today.

This afternoon’s game was the 1,256th of Sommer’s AHL head coaching career, tying the record held by Hockey Hall of Fame honored member Frank Mathers. Mathers coached the Hershey Bears from 1956-73 and again in 1984-85.

Sommer, 56, has spent his entire 16-year AHL coaching career at the helm of the San Jose Sharks’ affiliates, the Kentucky Thoroughblades (1998-2001), Cleveland Barons (2001-06) and Worcester Sharks (2006-present). His 571 regular-season victories (entering Sunday) rank fourth all-time.

Sommer will eclipse Mathers’ record on Wednesday night when the Sharks visit the Portland Pirates in Lewiston, Maine.