Islanders Elevate Rocky Thompson to NHL Staff After Successful AHL Season in Bridgeport
The Bridgeport Islanders have recently made headlines with the promotion of Rocky Thompson to the NHL staff after a successful season as head coach of their AHL affiliate. Thompson, who is 48 years old, led the team back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season, achieving a commendable record of 34 wins, 30 losses, and 8 overtime losses. Under his leadership, Bridgeport matched its franchise record for wins and points, finishing the season with 76 points. Despite their strong performance, the Islanders faced a tough challenge in the playoffs, being swept in the first round by the Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals. This season marked a bittersweet conclusion for the franchise, as it was the last for the Islanders in Bridgeport after 25 years. The team is set to relocate to Hamilton, Ontario, starting next season, which adds a layer of significance to Thompson's achievements during his tenure. Rocky Thompson's coaching journey has been impressive, with previous stints that include being an assistant coach for the Edmonton Oilers and head coach of the Windsor Spitfires, where he won a Memorial Cup Championship in 2017. His experience also includes three seasons with the Chicago Wolves in the AHL. Thompson's promotion to the NHL staff reunites him with Bob Boughner, a fellow coach with whom he has worked in the past. Thompson's background as a player, where he was drafted by the Calgary Flames and played a decade in professional hockey, including 25 games in the NHL, adds depth to his coaching credentials. As he steps into this new role, there is excitement surrounding his potential contributions to the Islanders at the NHL level.
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