Minors: Sound Tigers Name Brent Thompson As Coach

ECHL

The Islanders and Sound Tigers have announced that Brent Thompson has been named the new head coach of the team. Thompson was most recently the coach of the ECHL's Alaska Aces for the past two seasons, where he compiled an 83-50-11 record, leading the team to the Kelly Cup (ECHL's championship) in 2010-11. He also won the 2011 John Brophy Award, which goes to the ECHL's best coach. Before that, Thompson was an assistant for St. Louis' farm team, the Peoria Rivermen from 2005-09. 

Thompson was a second round pick of the Los Angeles Kings, and plated 120 NHL games with the Kings, Winnipeg Jets, and Phoenix Coyotes.

CH: I really like this. Thompson definitely seems ready to make the next step in his coaching career, and the Isles were in a good opportunity to give it to him. The Sound Tigers were miserable last year, and were in need of a new personality. Thompson is faced with a very important task, as it is extremely important for Bridgeport to have a good season next year. He also has a chance to propel himself into the NHL circle with a solid job across the Sound. Overall, a good hire as both entities will be better off for it. Now, Snow has to go get some AHL depth in free agency to round out the tons of Isles prospects down there.

AT: He seems like the kind of guy who was ready to take the next step to the AHL. Obviously he knows the game even if it was at the equivalent of Single A baseball. Can't wait to see what he does with the Sound Tigers especially with an influx of extremely talented players coming in such as De Haan, Donovan, Ness and Cizikas. Good luck, Brent!

Minors: Webster Bank Arena Opens Its Doors

According to the Connecticut Post, the finishing touches were put on the Webster Bank Arena, as the company bought the naming rights to the home of the Bridgeport Sound Tiger. The arena was formerly known as the Arena at Harbor Yard.

CH: This is good because Charles Wang owns the Sound Tigers and he will get some ROI on the team by having a company own the naming rights to the building. Other than that, not really much of a big deal at all. It's been rumored the Islanders will play a pre-season game this season, so stay tuned for when that schedule comes out.

External Links: Islandermania