On Sunday, June 9, 2025, the New York Islanders made a new coaching decision. The team officially shared that Ray Bennett and Bob Boughner will join the Islanders as assistant coaches. Both will now work under Head Coach Patrick Roy. This update was shared through a press release posted on the team’s official website.
Ray Bennett and Bob Boughner join New York Islanders coaching staff
The announcement came from the New York Islanders organization on the morning of June 9, 2025. Ray Bennett and Bob Boughner will now be part of the coaching team for the 2025-26 NHL season. They are joining Head Coach Patrick Roy’s bench, along with returning assistant coach Benoit Desrosiers and goaltending coach Piero Greco.Ray Bennett brings a lot of NHL experience. He has been coaching in the league for more than 20 years. His last job was with the Colorado Avalanche, where he worked as an assistant coach from 2017 until 2024. Bob Boughner is also a well-known name. He was the head coach for the San Jose Sharks from 2019 to 2022. More recently, he worked with the Detroit Red Wings as an associate coach.The Islanders hired Patrick Roy as head coach in January 2024. Roy, a Hall of Fame goaltender, helped lead the team to a playoff run last season. Now, with Bennett and Boughner, the Islanders are adding more NHL experience behind the bench.Also Read: Gary Bettman Confirms New York Islanders Will Host 2027 NHL All-Star Event
Islanders training camp 2025 to start with new assistant coaches
The decision to bring in Ray Bennett and Bob Boughner was made as part of a plan to build a stronger team for the next season. Patrick Roy, who led the Islanders into the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, now has a full support staff.During a team interview shared on June 9, Patrick Roy said, “Ray and Bob are great coaches who have seen a lot in this league. I’m happy to have them with us as we prepare for next season.” The Islanders are hoping that the experience of both Bennett and Boughner will help the team grow and perform better.The new coaching team will begin working together when training camp starts in September 2025 at the Islanders’ facility in East Meadow, New York.
