Phil Goyette, picked by Bill Torrey to be NY Islanders first head coach, dies at 92

Phil Goyette, the first head coach in New York Islanders history and a decorated NHL forward, has died. He was 92.

One of the most respected players during his distinguished career, he was tabbed by GM Bill Torrey to guide the expansion franchise in their 1972-73 inaugural season. “Today's players need a new kind of coach,” Torrey explained. “The game isn't like it was in 1946 or 1956 or even 1966. You can't arbitrarily dictate to a player today. They have to understand why you want something done.

Tasked with guiding a brand-new roster through the growing pains of expansion, Goyette struggled to find success behind the bench. “My first thought on coaching is that I want the players to know me and me to know them,” he said via the New York Times. “There are some I don't know beeause they're much younger than. I am. I must have their respect. We want to build a team that acts well off the ice as well as on. I want gentlemanly personnel.”

He was replaced midway through that first season by Earl Ingarfield Sr. and never coached again, leaving his NHL coaching record at 6–38–4. Still, his place as the Islanders’ first coach secures his role in the franchise’s early history.

Born in Lachine, Quebec, Goyette made his NHL debut with Montreal in the 1956–57 season and quickly became part of one of the league’s great dynasties. He helped the Canadiens win Stanley Cup titles in each of his first four seasons, establishing himself as a skilled, reliable center. Over a 16-year playing career, Goyette also suited up for the New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres and St. Louis Blues. He went on to win the Lady Byng Trophy in 1970, recorded 674 points (207-467) over 940 career regular-season games. He added 46 points (17-29) over 94 career playoff games.