David Nonis, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced Tuesday that Mark Hunter, a veteran forward of 12 seasons in the National Hockey League, has been named the club’s Director of Player Personnel. The Petrolia, Ontario native played in 628 career NHL regular season games and 79 more in the postseason from 1981 to 1993.

“I am very excited about joining the Toronto Maple Leafs organization,” said Hunter. “I am grateful for the opportunity that has been given to me by Brendan Shanahan, David Nonis and the entire management team. I would like to thank the London Knights organization for 12 great years. I am looking forward to the start of a new chapter in Toronto.”

Hunter, 51, has spent the last 12 seasons as Owner, Vice President and General Manager of the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights. He also spent a brief time as the club’s head coach during the 2011-12 season, leading the Knights to an OHL Championship and Memorial Cup Final. Hunter led the Knights to a CHL record 31 consecutive wins to start the 2004-05 season. The team would set a total of 13 CHL records that season, which culminated in a record of 79-9-2-0 and a 4-0 win in the Memorial Cup Final over Sidney Crosby and the Rimouski Oceanic.

Hunter has also led the Knights to tremendous growth on the business side of their operation. Under his direction, the team’s season ticket holder base grew from just over 1,200 when the team was first purchased in 2000 to 7,200 at the start of this season. London has led the OHL in attendance for six consecutive seasons.

In his role as Director of Player Personnel, Hunter will oversee the Maple Leafs’ pro scouting, amateur scouting and player evaluation departments.