On Monday, the New York Islanders [http://thn.com/isles] announced that they have hired Rocky Thompson to serve as Bridgeport's head coach. For the past three seasons, the former 10-year NHL vet had served as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers under John Tortorella. He was unable to help the Flyers' power play, averaging a 14.1% success rate in his three season behind their bench (2022-2025). How much of that was on Tortorella, who knows. What likely made Thompson an enticing option for Bridgeport was that he led the AHL's Chicago Wolves to a Calder Cup Final appearance in 2019 and won a Memorial Cup championship with the OHL's Windsor Spitfires. His track record in development is rock solid -- pun intended -- and that's a clear need for the Islanders' organization, with the likes of Cole Eiserman, Danny Nelson, likely Matthew Schaefer, Kamil Bednarik coming sooner than later, along with getting the most out of the prosepcts who alread reside in Bridgeport. Thompson does have a familiar face in the organization in new assistant coach Bob Boughner, who served as his associate coach during their time in San Jose. Having strong leadership in Bridgeport was a priority after the failures of the last few seasons, particularly this past year, when they set an AHL record with just four home wins and finished last in their division, yet again. Despite a lack of analytics success in Philadelphia, there is no question that Thompson's time there will have value for Bridgeport. The Flyers are a young team, and there is a discipline and mentality required when dealing with youngsters. Inside the unique way the Flyers are trying to fix their biggest problem [https://static01.nyt.com/athletic/uploads/wp/2024/10/05192250/GettyImages-2102379316-scaled-e1728170590818.jpg?width=1200&height=630&fit=cover] Inside the unique way the Flyers are trying to fix their biggest problem Flyers assistant coach Rocky Thompson is tasked with fixing the power play, which finished with a 12.2 percent success rate last season. [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5819296/2024/10/06/flyers-power-play-problems/] Rick Kowalsky, who served as Bridgeport's head coach for the last two seasons after being on Brent Thompson's staff for years, struggled to get Bridgeport to play a disciplined brand of hockey. Without discipline, particularly in terms of structure, team chemistry, and a willingness to compete, it's impossible to build a winning culture. Making Bridgeport a place where prospects can grow and become legitimate NHL options for head coach Patrick and general manager Mathieu Darche will be Thompson's task. We'll see how it goes. Based on past experiences, the AHL head coach is typically the person responsible for running the club's development camp and speaking to the media. The Islanders will be opening development camp on June 27, so if Rocky is running it, that will be our first chance to get a look at Thompson with the club's most promising prospects. Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwpuDfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story. PHOTO: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
