BROOKLYN (May 30, 2017) – The New York Islanders announced today that Scott Gomez has been named an Assistant Coach. Gomez retired from hockey at the completition of the 2015-16 season and will begin his coaching career with the Islanders this upcoming season.
His 16-year NHL career included a Calder Memorial Trophy in 1999-00 as the league’s top rookie, as well as two Stanley Cup Championships with the New Jersey Devils (2000, 2003). A two-time NHL All-Star, Gomez scored 756 points (181 goals, 575 assists) in 1,079 career regular-season games with the Devils, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues and Ottawa Senators. In 2003-04, Gomez led the NHL in assists (56, tied with Martin St. Louis).
“Scott brings an immense amount of hockey knowledge to our coaching staff,” Head Coach Doug Weight said. “His offensive instincts, expertise on the power-play and the way he could control the game with his skating and smarts, are all key elements that we want implemented into our group. He played in the league as recently as the 2015-16 season so he can relate to today’s NHL player in an effort to bring out the best in each member of the team.”
The New Jersey Devils selected Gomez in the first round, 27th overall, of the 1998 NHL Draft. A native of Anchorage, Alaska, Gomez scored 101 points (29 goals, 72 assists) in 149 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
On the international stage, Gomez played for Team USA at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and the 1998 and 1999 World Junior Championships.
