Jim Aldred

James Aldred was born on April 28, 1963, in Toronto, Ontario.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=9223|title=Jim Aldred Hockey Stats and Profile|website=HockeyDB|access-date=March 27, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://hockeydraftcentral.com/1981/81059.html|title=1981 NHL Entry Draft–Jim Aldred|website=Hockey Draft Central|access-date=March 29, 2025}} He began playing ice hockey as a four-year-old,{{cite news|title=Från Lissabon till Lycksele|date=July 20, 2018|work=Västerbottens-Kuriren|language=sv|location=Umeå, Sweden|url=https://www.vk.se/2018-07-20/fran-lissabon-till-lycksele|access-date=March 30, 2025}}{{cite news|title=Portugal on Ice!|last=da Costa Brookes|first=Cristina|date=September 5, 2022|newspaper=The Portugal News|location=Lagoa, Portugal|url=https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2022-09-05/portugal-on-ice/70039|access-date=April 1, 2025}} played minor ice hockey with the Humber Valley club in the Etobicoke Hockey Association,{{cite news|title=Conner's sharpshooting powers Martingrove to one-sided win|date=February 5, 1975|newspaper=Etobicoke Guardian|page=18|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/etobicoke-guardian-aldred-1975/169377185/}}{{cite news|title=Martingrove easily topples EHA clubs|date=January 14, 1976|newspaper=The Lakeshore Advertiser|location=Etobicoke, Ontario|page=18|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-lakeshore-advertiser-aldred-1976/169377525/}} and later played in the Greater Toronto Hockey League.

Aldred began playing junior ice hockey in 1978. He was a left-handed shooter, listed at {{convert|6|ft|2|in}} and {{convert|185|lb}}. During the 1978–79 season, he played for the Toronto Red Wings in the Metro Junior B Hockey League,{{cite news|title=McNamara stops 32 in shutout bid|last=Johnson|first=Phil|date=September 20, 1978|newspaper=The Weston-Downsview Mirror|location=Toronto, Ontario|page=50|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-weston-downsview-mirror-aldred-1978/169377717/}} and the Aurora Tigers in the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League.{{cite news|title=Aldred came to camp prepared|last=Scilley|first=Claude|date=September 6, 1979|newspaper=The Kingston Whig-Standard|page=13|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kingston-whig-standard-aldred-1979/169378312/}} He scored 22 goals and 44 points for Aurora, and was an offensive-minded player ranked 22nd by the Ontario Major Junior Hockey League (OMJHL) scouting bureau for the upcoming draft.

Primarily a defenceman at the time, he was drafted 30th overall by the Kingston Canadians in the third round of the OMJHL midget priority draft.{{cite news|title=Canadians make Vees' Wilson No. 1|last=Scilley|first=Claude|date=June 4, 1979|newspaper=The Kingston Whig-Standard|page=7|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kingston-whig-standard-aldred-1979/169378006/}} Kingston's coach and general manager Jim Morrison chose a defenceman with each of his first three picks, looking to solidify the team's defence.{{cite news|title=Canadians camp opens Friday|date=August 30, 1979|newspaper=The Kingston Whig-Standard|page=17|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kingston-whig-standard-aldred-1979/169378160/}} Seeking to earn his way onto the team, Aldred had daily skating sessions during the summer even though he was guaranteed a place on the team as a midget draft pick. At training camp, Morrison felt that Aldred handled the puck well and was a good skater. Battling injuries during the 1979–80 OMJHL season, Aldred missed two months with a broken collarbone,{{cite news|title=Canadians cling to 5–4 win; stretch streak to six games|date=October 15, 1979|newspaper=The Kingston Whig-Standard|page=37|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kingston-whig-standard-aldred-1979/169378646/}} then upon his return in February, missed the remainder of the season and playoffs with a separated shoulder.{{cite news|title=Canadians limp home for Spits|date=February 22, 1980|newspaper=The Kingston Whig-Standard|page=15|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kingston-whig-standard-aldred-1980/169378897/}} In 16 games played, Aldred scored one point and had nine penalty minutes.

In his second season with the Canadians, Aldred played 67 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) games. He led all rookies on the Canadians with 20 goals and 48 points in the 1980–81 OHL season,{{cite news|title=Returning crop of rookies positive sign for next year|date=May 2, 1981|newspaper=The Kingston Whig-Standard|page=9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kingston-whig-standard-aldred-1981/169391412/}} and scored the sixth-most points on the team.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0011501981.html|title=Kingston Canadians 1980–81 roster and statistics|website=HockeyDB|access-date=April 2, 2025}} In the divisional playoffs series victory versus the Ottawa 67's, Aldred scored consecutive game-winning goals in the first two games.{{cite news|title=Out of cards, 67's dealt out of playoffs by Canadians|date=April 4, 1981|newspaper=The Kingston Whig-Standard|page=9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kingston-whig-standard-aldred-1981/169391325/}} The Canadians were eliminated in the divisional finals in six games versus the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/playoffdisplay.php?league=ohl1989&season=1981&leaguenm=OHL|title=1980–81 OHL Playoff Results|website=HockeyDB|access-date=April 2, 2025}} He was subsequently drafted 59th overall in the 1981 National Hockey League entry draft by the Buffalo Sabres in the third round. He was the first of five Canadians selected in the draft, and the first North American-born player chosen by the Sabres that year.{{cite news|title=Jim Aldred the first of five Canadians to be selected|last=Scilley|first=Claude|date=June 11, 1981|newspaper=The Kingston Whig-Standard|page=12|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kingston-whig-standard-aldred-1981/169391540/}}

Aldred scored two goals and six points in the first ten games of the 1981–82 OHL season with the Canadians. Looking to increase goal scoring, the Canadians traded Aldred and Chuck Brimmer to the Greyhounds in November, in exchange for Ron Handy and a fifth-round draft pick. Greyhounds' coach Terry Crisp expected to use Aldred's size as a left winger, and in the corners of the rink.{{cite news|title=Sports|last=Crawford|first=Bill|date=November 17, 1981|newspaper=The Sault Star|location=Sault St. Marie, Ontario|page=10|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-aldred-1981/169379237/}}; {{cite news|title=Terry Crisp greets newest Hounds|date=November 18, 1981|newspaper=The Sault Star|location=Sault St. Marie, Ontario|page=13|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-aldred-1981/169379301/}} He became known as "Jungle Jim", and was a fan favourite in Sault Ste. Marie for his gritty style.{{cite news|title=Where are they now?|last=Russon|first=Randy|date=April 6, 2015|work=Hockey News North|location=Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario|url=https://www.hockeynewsnorth.com/ohl/where-are-they-now/|access-date=March 30, 2025}} He scored 16 goals and 31 points in the remainder of the regular season for the Greyhounds, and had four goals and 54 penalty minutes in 12 postseason games. In the playoffs, the Greyhounds defeated the Brantford Alexanders in a seven-game series, then lost in five games to the Kitchener Rangers in the division finals.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/playoffdisplay.php?league=ohl1989&season=1982&leaguenm=OHL|title=1981–82 OHL Playoff Results|website=HockeyDB|access-date=April 3, 2025}}

In the 1982–83 OHL season, Aldred accumulated 24 goals, 30 assists, 54 points, and 222 penalty minutes, in 79 games during the regular season and playoffs combined. The Greyhound placed first in the league during the regular season, received a first-round playoffs bye, defeated the Alexanders in five games in the second round, defeated the Rangers in seven games in the division finals, then lost in the OHL finals versus the Oshawa Generals in four games.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/playoffdisplay.php?league=ohl1989&season=1983&leaguenm=OHL|title=1982–83 OHL Playoff Results|website=HockeyDB|access-date=April 3, 2025}}

The Buffalo Sabres assigned Aldred to their farm team, the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League (AHL). Playing for coaches Joe Crozier and Yvon Lambert, Aldred impressed them with his aggressive play during training camp, and scored a game-winning power play goal in his first exhibition game.{{cite news|title=Aggressive Aldred a candidate among many at Amerk's left wing|last=Lewis|first=Michael|date=September 22, 1983|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=1D|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1983/169434106/}}; {{cite news|title=Aldred in running for left wing spot (From Page 1D)|last=Lewis|first=Michael|date=September 22, 1983|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=6D|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1983/169434250/}}{{cite news|title=When Yvon Lambert talks, the Amerks listen as 33-year-old player/coach is back for more|last=Lewis|first=Michael|date=September 16, 1983|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=1D|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1983/169424608/}}; {{cite news|title=Everyone Listens When Amerk's Lambert talks (From Page 1D)|last=Lewis|first=Michael|date=September 16, 1983|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=4D|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1983/169424397/}} Shifting permanently from defenceman to left winger, Aldred completed the 1983–84 AHL season with 10 goals and 19 points in 64 games. In the playoffs, the Americans defeated the St. Catharines Saints in seven games in round one, then defeated the Baltimore Skipjacks in six games in the second round.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/playoffdisplay.php?league=ahl1941&season=1984&leaguenm=AHL|title=1983–84 AHL Playoff Results|website=HockeyDB|access-date=April 3, 2025}} Not playing since game two of the second round, Aldred scored a first-period goal in a game-four overtime loss during the Calder Cup finals versus the Maine Mariners.{{cite news|title=Amerk's Lou Crawford is bench by League|last=Lewis|first=Michael|date=May 12, 1984|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=31|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1984/169435573/}}; {{cite news|title=Amerks lookin for a few breaks|last=Lewis|first=Michael|date=May 14, 1984|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=26|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1984/169435670/}} The Americans lost the Calder Cup finals in five games,{{cite news|title=Amerks surrender Cup, 5–2|last=Lewis|first=Michael|date=May 17, 1984|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=5|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1984/169435754/}} with Aldred scoring two goals in 11 playoff games.

In October 1984, the Buffalo Sabres assigned Aldred to play for the Flint Generals in the International Hockey League (IHL).{{cite news|title=Sabres demote 6 players to IHL; Amerks roster remains uncertain|last=Lewis|first=Michael|date=October 5, 1984|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=31|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1984/169437400/}} The Generals were the defending Turner Cup champions, and Aldred scored the first goal of the team's home opener in the 1984–85 IHL season.{{cite news|title=Generals bow, 6–3, in home opener|last=Hoyes|first=Len|date=October 21, 1984|newspaper=The Flint Journal|page=71|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-flint-journal-aldred-1984/169438329/}} He played right wing for the Generals, but missed two weeks in November with an injured knee.{{cite news|title=Generals waive Thibault, Wilson|last=Hoyes|first=Len|date=November 13, 1984|newspaper=The Flint Journal|page=29|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-flint-journal-aldred-1984/169438478/}}; {{cite news|title=Fiore quits Generals for Italy|last=Hoyes|first=Len|date=November 14, 1984|newspaper=The Flint Journal|page=30|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-flint-journal-aldred-1984/169438557/}} He was called up to Rochester on December 7,{{cite news|title=Langevin up, down with Sabres in 1 day|last=Lewis|first=Michael|date= December 9, 1984|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=1E|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1984/169437533/}}; {{cite news|title=Whalers win, 6–2, as Amerks' lead only two points (From Page 1E)|last=Lewis|first=Michael|date=December 9, 1984|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=7E|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1984/169437671/}} then sent back to Flint four days later after appearing in two games for the Americans in the 1984–85 AHL season.{{cite news|title=Orlando, Verret return|date=December 12, 1984|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=36|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1984/169437815/}} On January 11, 1985, Flint's coach and general manager Dennis Desrosiers, traded Aldred and Don Waddell to the Toledo Goaldiggers in exchange for Bill Joyce and Mark Plantery.{{cite news|title=Generals, 'Diggers swap four|last=Hoyes|first=Len|date=January 11, 1985|newspaper=The Flint Journal|page=43|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-flint-journal-aldred-1985/169439032/}} At the IHL deadline to reduce rosters for the playoffs, Aldred was placed on waivers then released by the Goaldiggers in March.{{cite news|title=Goaldiggers waive 2|agency=Associated Press|date=March 16, 1985|newspaper=The Marion Star|page=7|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-marion-star-aldred-1985/169439243/}} During the 1984–85 IHL season, he played in 52 games, scoring 12 goals and 18 points.

Returning to the Toledo Goaldiggers for the 1985–86 IHL season, Aldred scored 9 goals and 26 points in 51 games played, and accrued 110 penalty minutes. Following a spitting incident with an on-ice official on February 22, Aldred was suspended for the remainder of the IHL season. He was supposed to have been called up to the Americans, but could not play in the AHL until the suspension expired on March 10.{{cite news|title=Scortscope: Amerks lose IHL prospect|date=February 25, 1986|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=24|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1986/169440152/}}; {{cite news|title=Amerks can't check steak of hard luck|last=Oklobzija|first=Kevin|date=March 5, 1986|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=36|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1986/169440352/}} He scored one goal and four points in 10 games with the Americans, but did not appear in the 1985–86 AHL season playoffs since he was signed after the December 15 deadline.{{cite news|title=Last call before playoff rush|last=Oklobzija|first=Kevin|date=March 12, 1986|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=1D|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1986/169440554/}}; {{cite news|title=Amerks await Orlando; Davis on playoff list (From Page 1D)|last=Oklobzija|first=Kevin|date=March 12, 1986|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=4D|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1986/169440459/}} He became a free agent after the season when not offered a contract.{{cite news|title=Hockey Notebook|date=June 8, 1986|last=Oklobzija|first=Kevin|newspaper=Democrat and Chronicle|location=Rochester, New York|page=82|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-aldred-1986/169389945/}}

Aldred tried out with the Flint Spirits of the International Hockey League, but was released during training camp for the 1986–87 IHL season.{{cite news|title=They're coming, going at Spirits' practices|last=Hoyes|first=Len|date=October 8, 1986|newspaper=The Flint Journal|page=19|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-flint-journal-aldred-1986/169390106/}}

After not playing for a season, Aldred joined the Nijmegen Tigers of the Eredivisie in the Netherlands. In the 1987–88 Eredivisie season, he scored 40 goals and 88 points in 41 games. His point total was ninth best in the league, and second best on the Tigers behind Robert Forbes with 122 points. The Tigers placed second in the league cup, placed first in the playoffs round-robin, then defeated the Rotterdam Pandas in five games in the semifinals, and defeated the Heerenveen Flyers in four games to win the playoffs championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockeyarchives.info/PaysBas1988.htm|title=Championnat des Pays-Bas 1987/88|website=Hockey Archives|language=fr|access-date=April 2, 2025}} Aldred retired from playing after the season, when battling more frequent injuries.{{cite news|title=Ex AHL Player Helping Portugal Become a Hockey Nation|date=August 26, 2024|work=The Puck Authority|url=https://thepuckauthority.com/ex-ahl-player-helping-portugal-become-a-hockey-nation/|access-date=March 29, 2025}}

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Coaching in junior ice hockey, Aldred guided the Shelburne Red Wings in the Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League (GMHL) during the 2010–11 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/5528/jim-aldred|title=Jim Aldred Team Staff Profile|website=Elite Prospects|access-date=March 27, 2025}} The Red Wings were described as "the first foreign junior hockey team in Canada", with a roster of mostly Russian-born players, made possible since the GMHL had no limits on foreign-born players.{{cite news|title=Young Russians chase hockey dream in small-town Ontario|last=Cribb|first=Robert|date=December 4, 2010|newspaper=Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/young-russians-chase-hockey-dream-in-small-town-ontario/article_fc7dc7c9-c47c-5580-ad64-7d43906eb661.html|access-date=April 1, 2025}} Aldred felt that the Russian players were tough on each other and needed strict guidance, and that he was privileged to coach them coming to Canada to "better themselves" despite his suspension by Hockey Canada for coaching in an unaffiliated league. His initial game strategy was based on his players' strengths in stickhandling, skating, and goal scoring, then switched to improving defensive zone coverage.{{cite news|title=Loss to Deseronto doesn't deter Shelburne Red Wings playoff aspirations|date=December 28, 2010|newspaper=Orangeville Banner|url=https://www.orangeville.com/life/loss-to-deseronto-doesn-t-deter-shelburne-red-wings-playoff-aspirations/article_3f99c673-6265-5ef9-8f25-d9270cdfdfb8.html|access-date=April 1, 2025}} The Red Wings earned 25 wins in 42 games, placing fifth in the GMHL with 52 points.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/gmhl20082011.html|title=2010–11 Greater Metro Junior Hockey League Standings|website=HockeyDB|access-date=April 4, 2025}}

In the 2011–12 GMHL season, Aldred became head coach of the Vaughan Stars, playing home games at Canlan Ice Sports at York University.{{cite web|url=https://gmhl.net/team/_/54875|title=Vaughan Stars—2011–2012|website=Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League|access-date=April 4, 2025}} He led Vaughan to 11 wins in 16 games,{{cite web|url=https://www.hockeydb.com/stte/vaughan-stars-11946.html|title=Vaughan Stars Statistics and History|website=HockeyDB|access-date=April 4, 2025}} until the GMHL revoked their membership on November 28, ending the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/150445/jakub-varga|title=Jakub Varga–Stats, Contract, Salary & More|website=Elite Prospects|access-date=April 4, 2025}}

Joining the Alliston Coyotes to develop players during the 2014–15 GMHL season, Aldred's team placed seventh in the South Division with 20 wins in 42 games, and 40 points.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/gmhl20082015.html|title=2014–15 Greater Metro Junior Hockey League Standings|website=HockeyDB|access-date=April 4, 2025}} Seeking a "positive impact on the players, both personally and professionally", he returned for the 2015–16 GMHL season, he developed a fast-skating, and puck-possession team, using systems-oriented coaching.{{cite news|title=Old Hound leads pack of Coyotes|last=Russon|first=Randy|date=October 7, 2015|work=Hockey News North|location=Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario|url=https://www.hockeynewsnorth.com/aaa/old-hound-leads-the-coyotes/|access-date=March 30, 2025}} He focused on defensive zone coverage, and let the players create their own play in the attacking zone.{{cite news|title=Coyotes end regular season in second place|last=Lockhart|first=Brian|date=February 17, 2016|newspaper=The New Tecumseth Times|location=Bolton, Ontario|url=https://newtectimes.com/coyotes-end-regular-season-in-second-place/|access-date=April 4, 2025}} Alliston led the Central Division with 28 wins in 31 games by January, with Aldred and two of his players named to Team World in the league's all-star game.{{cite news|title=Jim Aldred, 2 Coyotes are all-stars|date=January 3, 2016|work=Hockey News North|location=Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario|url=https://www.hockeynewsnorth.com/aaa/aldred-and-2-coyotes-are-all-stars/|access-date=April 1, 2025}} Alliston finished the season second place in the Central Division with 36 wins in 42 games, having led the division for most of the season until surpassed by the Tottenham Steam{{cite web|url=https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/gmhl20082016.html|title=2015–16 Greater Metro Junior Hockey League Standings|website=HockeyDB|access-date=April 4, 2025}}

Aldred was hired to coach the Tottenham Steam for the 2016–17 GMHL season by the team's new owners,{{cite news|title=Tottenham Steam going strong|last=Lockhart|first=Brian|date=May 18, 2016|newspaper=The New Tecumseth Times|location=Bolton, Ontario|url=https://newtectimes.com/tottenham-steam-going-strong/|access-date=April 1, 2025}} but was replaced by Dennis Maruk before the season began.{{cite news|title=Steam take OT loss in home opener|last=Lockhart|first=Brian|date=September 14, 2016|newspaper=The New Tecumseth Times|location=Bolton, Ontario|url=https://newtectimes.com/steam-take-ot-loss-in-home-opener/|access-date=April 1, 2025}}

In 2017, Aldred relocated to Portugal with his wife. Looking to remain involved in hockey, he searched online to locate a group in Sintra who played inline hockey, and on temporary ice rinks at Christmas markets at shopping malls in winter.{{cite news|title=Ver a seleção portuguesa de hóquei no gelo nas Olimpíadas é um sonho|last=Silva|first=David|date=February 27, 2024|newspaper=Esporte ao Minuto|language=pt|location=Oeiras, Portugal|url=https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/desporto/2508101/jim-aldred|access-date=April 1, 2025}} The largest rink in Portugal at the time was inside a converted bullring in Elvas, which was not an regulation-sized rink for hockey. He joined them and conducted training sessions at {{ill|Coliseu de Elvas|pt}}, and the shopping mall {{ill|UBBO|pt}} [Dolce Vita Tejo], and entered the team into tournaments.{{cite web|url=https://fdiportugal.pt/jim-aldred-o-senhor-hoquei/|title=Jim Aldred, o senhor Hóquei|date=2019|website=Portuguese Winter Sports Federation|language=pt|access-date=April 1, 2025}} Their talent was noticed by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) at an event in Spain, which led to Aldred's group affiliating with the Portuguese Winter Sports Federation (FDIP) and an invitation to oversee the Portugal men's national ice hockey team, with Aldred as the coach and his wife as the manager.{{cite news|title=Could new ice rinks be on the cards for Portugal?|last=da Costa Brookes|first=Cristina|date=October 11, 2024|newspaper=The Portugal News|location=Lagoa, Portugal|url=https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2024-10-11/could-new-ice-rinks-be-on-the-cards-for-portugal/92646|access-date=April 1, 2025}} Joining the FDIP provided financial support for the team, which Aldred and the players had paid for all travel themselves until then.

The first international event Aldred coached for Portugal was the inaugural IIHF Development Cup, hosted in Andorra in 2017. Winning their debut game in a shootout by a 3–2 score versus the Andorra national team, Portugal had losses to the Ireland national team and the Morocco national team. In the third-place match, Portugal defeated Andorra by a 5–3 score for the bronze medal.{{cite web|url=https://www.iihf.com/en/news/7911/morocco-makes-it|title=Morocco makes it|last=Merk|first=Martin|date=October 1, 2017|website=International Ice Hockey Federation|access-date=April 5, 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://www.eurohockey.com/league/1538-development-cup.html?season=2018|title=Development Cup details|website=Eurohockey|access-date=April 5, 2025}} Later in 2017, Aldred led Portugal to a second-place finish at a ten-team tournament in his former hometown of Nijmegen. Returning to the Development Cup in 2018, Aldred added players from the Portuguese diaspora to earned a silver medal, following a loss by a 4–5 score to the North Macedonia national team.{{cite web|url=https://www.iihf.com/en/news/7915/second-development-cup-held|title=Second Development Cup held|last=Merk|first=Martin|date=November 29, 2018|website=International Ice Hockey Federation|access-date=April 5, 2025}} Portugal had two wins and one loss, and scored 27 goals in three tournament games.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurohockey.com/league/1538-development-cup.html?season=2019|title=Development Cup details|website=Eurohockey|access-date=April 5, 2025}}

In 2018, Aldred established the Luso Lynx Hockey Club, based in Sintra, which became the first club affiliated with the FDIP. The Lynx played in the amateur Andalusian Hockey League in Spain, where the team travelled to Granada to play several games in a weekend.

Aldred coached Lycksele SK senior team for the 2018–19 season, in the third division of ice hockey in Sweden. He also oversaw the junior team, and training at the Tannbergsskolan high school.{{cite news|title=Aldred slutar som LSK-tränare|last=Nordlund|first=Eric|date=September 11, 2019|newspaper=Lokal Tidningen|language=sv|location=Lycksele, Sweden|url=https://www.lokaltidningen.nu/2019-09-11/aldred-slutar-som-lsk-tranare|access-date=April 1, 2025}} His senior team earned promotion to the Sweden second division for the 2019–20 season, but chose not to return due to family reasons.

Since 2021, Aldred has conducted regular practices for children at Serra da Estrela arena in Covilhã, and coordinated travel to youth games Majadahonda, Spain. Early interest in youth hockey in Portugal came from expatriate families wanting their children to play. He since planned certification sessions for hockey officials and coaches, and sought sponsors and volunteers to grow the program. To expand hockey in Portugal, Aldred subsequently helped create a three-on-three hockey league including the Luso Lynx and three other teams, with games played at Serra da Estrela.

Aldred has cited the lack of a standard-sized rink as the primary obstacle to developing ice hockey in Portugal, and that the country only has temporary ice rinks for half of the year. He stated that governments and municipalities are not interested in hockey, making it difficult to obtain land in a large city. In collaborating with the FDIP, Aldred hopes for a rink in the Lisbon metropolitan area, in addition to the Olympic-sized rink scheduled for the Porto metropolitan area, to open in Trofa in 2025.

Seeking to raise hockey's profile in Portugal, Aldred established HC Porto in 2023, a professional team playing in the top-level Spanish league. HC Porto was the fourth team to affiliate with the FDIP, and joined the Liga Nacional de Hockey Hielo in Spain. Under the agreement to join, HC Porto was ineligible to compete for the Spanish championship, and played its "home" games at the arena of the opposing team.{{cite news|title=El Ice Hockey Club Porto se une a la Liga Española|last=Noboa|first=Jose|date=July 31, 2023|work=Pio Deportes|language=es|url=https://www.piodeportes.com/el-ice-hockey-club-porto-se-une-a-la-liga-espanola/|access-date=April 1, 2025}} During the 2023–24 season, HC Porto won seven of its 14 games, and placed fifth of eight teams.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockeyarchives.info/Espagne2024.htm|title=Championnat d'Espagne 2023/24|website=Hockey Archives|language=fr|access-date=April 5, 2025}}

In 2024, the FDIP and the Spanish Ice Sports Federation established the Liga Ibérica de Hóquei no Gelo, encompassing the Iberian Peninsula and allowing any team to win the championship. HC Porto's first game of the season was delayed when the players' equipment did not arrive on the same flight as them. Their opponent, SAD Majadahonda, loaned their away jerseys and extra equipment to play the game, which HC Porto lost by a 5–1 score. When the lost equipment arrived, the next day's game was played resulting in 2–1 victory for HC Porto. Aldred's team won nine of their 18 games in the 2024–25 season, placing fourth of seven teams.{{cite web|url=https://www.hockey.fedhielo.com/league/2857|title=Liga Nacional Hockey Hielo–Loterias 2024/25|website=Liga Nacional de Hockey Hielo|date=March 31, 2025|language=es|access-date=April 5, 2025}}

When the IIHF Development Cup resumed in 2022, Aldred coached the Portugal national team each year since.{{cite web|url=https://www.iihf.com/en/news/65069/iihf_contributors_class_2025|title=IIHF Contributors' Class 2025|last=Podnieks|first=Andrew|author-link=Andrew Podnieks|date=1 January 2025|website=International Ice Hockey Federation|access-date=March 27, 2025}} After two consecutive cups without winning a game,{{efn|Portugal were winless in five games in 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.iihf.com/en/news/33476/colombia_wins_at_debut|title=Colombia wins at debut|last=Pierre|first=Christian|date=May 9, 2022|website=International Ice Hockey Federation|access-date=April 5, 2025}} Portugal were winless in four games in 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.eurohockey.com/league/1538-development-cup.html?season=2023|title=Development Cup details|website=Eurohockey|access-date=April 5, 2025}}}} Portugal placed second at the 2024 Development Cup with a loss to the Ireland national team by a 5–1 score in the final game.{{cite news|title=Ireland win gold at IIHF Cup in Slovakia|last=Glennon|first=Michael|date=April 28, 2024|work=Raidió Teilifís Éireann|location=Dublin, Ireland|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/other-sport/2024/0427/1446089-ireland-win-gold-at-iihf-cup-in-slovakia/|access-date=April 5, 2025}}

In 2024, Aldred completed the USA Hockey Level 4 coach certification course for international competitions.{{cite magazine|title=Jim Aldred certificado como Treinador de Nível 4 da USA Hockey|date=December 22, 2024|magazine=Jogada do Mes|language=pt|location=Almada, Portugal|url=https://www.jogadadomes.pt/?p=39084|access-date=March 31, 2025}} He was recognized by the IIHF for contributions to developing youth ice hockey, with the Johan Bollue Award presented during the 2025 IIHF World Championship in Sweden.

After retiring from playing professionally, Aldred returned to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, {{cite news|title=Hounds hoping walk-on turns out to be Dutch treat|last=Montague|first=Bill|date=September 3, 1988|newspaper=The Sault Star|location=Sault St. Marie, Ontario|page=10|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-aldred-1988/169390393/}} and worked in the painting and interior decorating business.{{cite news|title=Painting|date=September 30, 1988|newspaper=The Sault Star|location=Sault St. Marie, Ontario|page=29|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-aldred-1988/169390572/}} He later played recreational men's hockey,{{cite news|title=Hockey: Molson's|date=October 27, 1990|newspaper=The Sault Star|location=Sault St. Marie, Ontario|page=12|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-aldred-1990/169370526/}} participated in alumni games for the Greyhounds,{{cite news|title=Hickey's 2 Lead Wolves|date=December 9, 1996|newspaper=The Sault Star|location=Sault St. Marie, Ontario|page=21|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-aldred-1996/169370931/}} and was an assistant coach for the Ramada Inn Canadians AAA midget team.{{cite news|title=Canadians, Legion home for weekend games|last=Bellerose|first=Dan|date=September 30, 1993|newspaper=The Sault Star|location=Sault St. Marie, Ontario|page=9|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-aldred-1993/169370571/}}

Aldred married in Sault St. Marie,{{cite news|title=When hockey and love meet|last=Leeson|first=Ben|date=July 9, 2009|newspaper=The Sault Star|location=Sault St. Marie, Ontario|page=B1|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-aldred-marriage/169379983/}}; {{cite news|title=The boys who said 'I do'|last=Leeson|first=Ben|date=July 9, 2009|newspaper=The Sault Star|location=Sault St. Marie, Ontario|page=B3|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sault-star-aldred-marriage/169371288/}} to Cristina Lopes from Portugal. They moved to Torres Novas in 2016, to be closer to her elderly parents, and have lived in Covilhã since 2021.

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Category:1963 births

Category:Living people

Category:20th-century Canadian sportspeople

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Category:Aurora Tigers players

Category:Buffalo Sabres draft picks

Category:Canadian expatriate ice hockey players in the Netherlands

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Category:Canadian ice hockey coaches

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Category:Flint Generals (IHL) players

Category:Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League

Category:Ice hockey coaches in Sweden

Category:Ice hockey in Portugal

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Category:Toledo Goaldiggers players