Gordan Named Head Coach Of NYI

The Islanders fired Ted Nolan on July 14th. Nearly a month to the day later, they found their bench boss. 45 year old AHL coach Scott Gordon has been tapped as the new coach of the New York Islanders.

Gordon, coach of the Providence Bruins for the past 5 seasons, led his team to an impressive 55-18-3 record last season en route to being named AHL Coach of the Year. He brings 23 games of NHL experience as a goalie for the  Quebec Nordiques. Gordon was a standout at Boston College, the rival school of Isles G Rick DiPietro.

Garth Snow said from the first interview he liked Gordon's communication skills and proven ability to develop youth. He brings a tight defensive system and a strong forecheck to a young Isles team that needs help in both areas.

At his press conference, Gordon particularly impressed when he stated that to win the Stanley Cup, you have to believe you can win every game. While the 2008-09 Islanders certainly won't do that, you can bet that Gordon will have them believing.

Posted By, Pete

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