Patrick Williamstheahl.com writer
No one pushes around Rocky Thompson In his game.
Thompson spent most of his 10 years in the AHL, becoming the reputation of someone who protects his teammates and brings a vibrant and all-round mindset every day.
Now, when he trails the Bridgeport Islanders’ bench, Thompson hopes to bring the same enthusiasm to a team that endured 57 hits in 2024-25. On June 23, New York Island Superintendent Thompson appointed Thompson as head coach of Bridgeport as part of a wide-ranging transformation of its AHL branch. New General Manager Mathieu Darche Quickly consider correcting AHL affiliates as the most important organizational priority.
Thompson vowed: “We will no longer be punching bags.”
Management has been active in strengthening its organizational depth. First, Bridgeport re-signs Chris Terrythe series is an all-time leader in scoring and assists in the 2024-25 AHL and a third-place scorer. New York also signed a defenseman Ethan Bearthe second AHL All-Star team last season, and a reliable two-way forward Matthew Highmorehe separated the season between Ottawa and Belleville. David Rittich Solve the depth in the net and move forward Julien GauthierHe has been on a contract for a year after year, the former Calder Cup champion who was injured last season.
Thompson served in the AHL for three seasons as head coach of the Chicago Wolves and led them to the Calder Cup final in 2019. John TortorellaPhiladelphia flyer staff.
One of Thompson’s key tasks is to create a new identity on the Bridgeport Club, which missed the Calder Cup playoffs for three consecutive seasons.
“When we got there, we had no identity in Philadelphia,” Thompson said. [Tortorella] Created identity with this hockey team. He asked very high, he was very enthusiastic and caring. And I was able to see how the players deal with his coaching style because he was his type and they knew he cared about them.
“It’s not for everyone, and over the years, there are a few players who may not feel they’re doing well in that kind of environment. But I’ve seen how he created a competitive environment.”
That is, Thompson has his own strong personality and he will take him to Bridgeport. Thompson also has to work hard to build confidence in the locker room for players who will return from last season’s team. A few days after his formal employment, Thompson always had 45 minutes of conversation with Terry.
“The AHL will humble everyone when the AHL gets there,” Thompson said, who played 566 games in the league before retiring in 2007. “It’s a hard league. In that environment (last season), it can be very tough for everyone. But it’s last year. We’re no longer the punch-hole bags for the American Hokey League.
“It’s a new beginning for everyone. They know to come in. When you come to the rink, they don’t see me holding my computer in my hands in the hall and showing them what they did wrong. I’ll ask them what they did last night. That’s my personality. That’s my personality. I love to meet these guys. I love to talk to them, just socialize.
The first step in the organization’s reconstruction of Bridgeport was taken this summer. As Thompson’s roster begins to blend together, there will be more training camps and head into October.
“It’s time to go to work now,” Thompson said. “It’s time to work.”
During the fifty years in the American Hockey League, Theahl.com writer Patrick Williams currently covers NHL.com and Flosports leagues and is a regular contributor to Siriusxm NHL New Network Radio. He won the AHL’s James H. Ellery Memorial Award for his outstanding league coverage in 2016.
