New York Islanders Hire AHL Coach; Reach Deal with Ty Wishart

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By Christian Arnold (@CA_NYHockey)

The Islanders handled some housekeeping issues Wednesday, resigning Ty Wishart to one year, two way deal and hiring former Manchester Monarchs assistant coach Scott Pellerin as head coach of their minor league affiliate.

Pellerin takes over for Brent Thompson, who was promoted to an assistant coach on the Isles staff several weeks back. “It all happened so quickly,” the Sound Tigers new coach told the team’s official website.

He has spent the last six years as an assistant for the Monarchs and worked with current Isles star Matt Moulson. Pellerin is an alum of the University of Maine hockey program and won the Hobey Baker Award in 1992.  During his time there he played alongside Islander general manager Garth Snow.

And Pellerin’s former teammate, and new boss, is confident on what he brings to the table.

“Scott brings tremendous experience to the Sound Tigers from not only coaching, but also his playing career,” Snow said in a team release. “Over the past six seasons with the Manchester Monarchs, he has developed numerous prospects into everyday NHL players, including current Islander Matt Moulson.  We look forward to seeing that continuing trend with our young prospects.”

The Maine alum is equally as confident in his ability to take over as bench boss for the Sound Tigers.

“I’m 42 years old and have been an assistant coach for six seasons,” He said. I was looking for the opportunity, and sometimes those chances don’t come along. I’ve learned so much from Coach (Mark) Morris in Manchester, and had a lot of responsibility early on. I had great support from the Monarchs and I look forward to this next chapter of my coaching career with the Sound Tigers.”

In addition, the Islanders were able to come to terms on a new contract for defensemen Ty Wishart.

The 24-year-old will serve as a depth player on the defensive end and will likely start the year in the AHL. Last season he scored 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) in Bridgeport and appeared in one game for the Islanders.