Why The Islanders Are Trusting Jay McKee With Their Future In Hamilton
The Islanders hired Jay McKee to lead the Hamilton Hammers. Here's why his track record of development, culture-building, and winning made him the ideal choice.
On Thursday, the New York Islanders named former NHLer Jay McKee head coach of the Hamilton Hammers.
McKee played 14 years in the NHL as a shutdown defenseman and was known as one of the best shot-blockers in the league. His committment to putting his body on the line and playing a trusted brand of hockey is what allowed him to last so long in the league.
While blocks weren’t tracked until 2007-08, McKee still recorded 485 in 197 games from 2008-2010, averaging 2.46 per game.
He wasn’t known for offense—registering just 125 points—but finished his career at +55.
McKee played in 60 playoff games, with one Stanley Cup Final appearance, with his Buffalo Sabers falling to the Dallas Stars in 1999.
Since retiring, McKee has accumulated 15 years behind the bench, including nine as head coach for the Kitchener Rangers and Hamilton Bulldogs before their move to Brantford.
McKee has won an OHL Title, coming away victorious in his first season in Hamilton, advancing to the Memorial Cup Final.
His familiarity with Hamilton and its community is a major plus. He can also help players ease into a new environment.
I’m told McKee is a player’s coach, similar to Rocky Thompson, recently promoted from Bridgeport head coach to Pete DeBoer’s NHL staff, hence the need for a Hamilton coach.
I’m also told that McKee was a finalst for the Bellville Senators’ job.
When considering Thompson’s replacement, I thought it needed to be someone who could build on what Rocky established in Bridgeport last season.
I mentioned Ian Laperriere as a fit for that reason. But McKee seems to fit the mold.
General manager Mathieu Darche values players whose success stems from work ethic and drive, traits central to McKee’s career and coaching style.