"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."
"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."
Rocky Thompson has been elevated to assistant coach of the NY Islanders after leading the Bridgeport team to a significant turnaround. Under his leadership, Bridgeport improved from a historically poor season to a playoff appearance. Thompson previously served as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Flyers and has NHL experience with the San Jose Sharks and Edmonton Oilers. The Islanders currently have Thompson, Bob Boughner, and Ray Bennett as assistant coaches, while the search for Thompson's replacement in Bridgeport is ongoing as the AHL affiliate prepares to relocate to Hamilton.
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