The NY Islanders name Rocky Thompson as Assistant Coach

The NY Islanders announced today that the organization has elevated Rocky Thompson from his position as head coach in Bridgeport to assistant coach with the Islanders under Peter DeBoer.

Thompson named Assistant Coach

Thompson was hired to take over the helm in Bridgeport after relieving Rick Kowalsky of his duties following two seasons in charge. With Thompson in charge, the organization went from having one of the worst AHL seasons in history, winning just 15 games, to finishing fourth in the Atlantic Division and earning its first playoff appearance in three seasons.

Before joining the Islanders organization, Thompson spent the previous three seasons behind the bench as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers. Before that, he's had NHL experience as an associate coach with the San Jose Sharks from 2020-22, and as an assistant with the Edmonton Oilers in 2014-15.

As things currently stand, the Islanders have Thompson, Bob Boghner, and Ray Bennett listed as assistant coaches. During Thompson's time with the Sharks, he worked under the guise of Boughner, who was the head coach.

Before entering the coaching ranks, Thompson played 25 NHL games with the Calgary Flames and Florida Panthers, failing to record a point. He spent the majority of his career in the AHL, playing 566 games and recording 69 points (17 G, 52 A) and racking up 1,919 penalty minutes.

The Islanders have yet to name a candidate to take over Thompson's position, with the AHL affiliate preparing to relocate to Hamilton, that will be next on Mathieu Darche's docket.

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