On August 12th, 2008 the New York Islanders appointed Providence Brins Head Coach Scott Gordon to the vacant Head Coaching position on Long Island after Ted Nolan was axed, for a second time, for what was “philosophical differences”.
Gordon wasn’t what you would call a standard hire. Gordon had never coached an NHL team before. He had built his brand coaching up the ranks of the hockey world. Moving from the tiny IHL, through the ECHL, before landing in Providence of the AHL.
Gordon earned enough accolades in coaching for eight years in Providence to be considered for the NHL.