The New York Islanders have announced that Jay McKee, a 48‑year‑old former NHL defenseman, will serve as the head coach of their newly formed American Hockey League affiliate, the Hamilton Hammers.
McKee arrives with a strong coaching résumé, having guided the Brantford Bulldogs to the best record in the Ontario Hockey League last season and steering Hamilton to a league championship and a Memorial Cup berth in 2021‑22.
His playing career, which spanned 14 professional seasons, included 802 games in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues and Pittsburgh Penguins, as well as 24 AHL appearances for the Rochester Americans after being selected by Buffalo in the 1995 draft.
Over the past five years, McKee has divided his time between the Ontario Hockey League and the AHL, serving as an assistant coach in Kitchener and Erie before taking the reins of the Brantford Bulldogs and later the Hamilton team.
A Coaching Legacy Built on Experience
McKee’s coaching journey began in earnest after his retirement, when he joined the Kitchener Rangers staff and later helped the Rochester Americans refine their defensive systems.
His ability to translate NHL‑level tactics to junior players has earned him respect across the league, and his recent championship with Hamilton underscores his capacity to produce winning teams under pressure.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his strategic vision will shape the Hammers’ roster moves and power‑play strategies as the upcoming season approaches.