The Hamilton Hammers have officially appointed Jay McKee as their first head coach, as announced on Friday. This announcement comes after their relocation from Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Hamilton, Ontario, marking a significant milestone for the franchise.
Hamilton Hammers Move to Ontario
The Hamilton Hammers, affiliated with the New York Islanders, are set to compete in the American Hockey League’s North Division next season. McKee will lead the team during this new chapter.
Coaching Experience of Jay McKee
- Age: 48
- Previous Role: Head coach of the Ontario Hockey League’s Brantford Bulldogs for three seasons.
- Record: Achieved a remarkable 48-10-8-2 record during the past season.
- Previous Teams: Coached Kitchener Rangers from 2016-2020.
- Recent Playoffs: Led the Bulldogs to the Eastern Conference Final, where they faced an elimination in Game 7 against Barrie Colts.
Background of the Former Bridgeport Islanders
The transition to Hamilton follows a challenging season for the Bridgeport Islanders. They concluded the AHL regular season with a record of 34-30-3-5 but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Hershey Bears.
With McKee at the helm, the Hamilton Hammers aim for a successful debut season in their new home. His proven track record in the OHL positions him as a strong candidate to lead this team to new heights.
