The New York Islanders announced today that Brent Thompson has officially been named an assistant coach.

Thompson served as the Head Coach of the Islanders’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, in the 2011-12 season. He led the Sound Tigers to their first division championship in 10 years with a 41-26-3-6 (W-L-OT-SO) record.

“Brent did a great job in Bridgeport last year molding our young prospects into a division-winning team,” said Islanders General Manager Garth Snow. “With his coaching experience and defensive expertise, we’re excited for him to join our coaching staff.”

A native of Calgary, AB, Thompson served as the head coach of the Alaska Aces of the ECHL in the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons, compiling a record of 83-50-11. In his final season with Alaska, he led the Aces to a league-best 47-22-0-3 record and the club’s second Kelly Cup Championship in team history. Thompson also won the John Brophy Award as the ECHL Coach of the Year.

Prior to his time with Alaska, Thompson served as an assistant coach with the AHL’s Peoria Rivermen from 2005-09.

Thompson entered the coaching ranks following a 15-year playing career, which concluded in 2005 with the Providence Bruins of the AHL. During his 15-year career, the 6’2” 210-pound defenseman appeared in over 900 professional games including 121 NHL contests. The Los Angeles Kings selected Thompson in the second round (39th overall) of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft.