Thompson spent 12 years with the Islanders organization, coaching the Bridgeport team for 10 of those years across two stints: first from 2011 to 2012, and again from 2014 to 2023.<\/p>\n
“It’s a special place for me,” Thompson said. “I’ve been there for a long time. I was in the organization for 12 years, coaching there for 10, and have a house there. And so, when I heard the news, it was a little disappointing. You know, it is a hockey area, and obviously, they had a couple of tough years after I left. And you know, they’re building it back. But I feel bad for the local people, for the hockey lovers.”<\/p>\n
Thompson’s fondest memories in Bridgeport center on playoff success, including a win over the Providence Bruins.<\/p>\n
“I think playing the playoffs there would be Providence, when we won the season banner there,” Thompson said. “When you win, those are memories. And just the Providence win, when we won in the playoffs, was outstanding. Had a lot of fun that year.”<\/p>\n
The Islanders announced their move to Hamilton, Ontario, ending AHL hockey in Bridgeport. For Thompson, who still owns a home there, the closure of that chapter stings.<\/p>\n
“Anytime you play a former team, you always have a little bit of an emotional memory, if you will,” Thompson said. “And you know the hope of always coming back and knowing that it might not actually be there anymore, that’s going to be disappointing.”<\/p>\n
Despite the emotion tied to the visit, Thompson said his primary focus remains on Hershey’s playoff push.<\/p>\n
“Our objective is to win the hockey game and go in and do our best job,” he said. “But yeah, obviously, emotions get to you when you go back to the old place that you once were at.”<\/p>\n
While he closes the door on Bridgeport, Thompson expressed strong enthusiasm for his role with the Bears and what Hershey represents as a hockey market.<\/p>\n
“It’s such a special place. Hershey is a special place,” Thompson said. “24 years ago, I played here and saw how the organization was run, first class. And fast forward to here I am again. Same thing, the fan support is incredible. It’s the best. There’s nothing better in the American League than Hershey, as far as the fan support, the way they run it, just everything. So very, very excited to be part of it.”<\/p>\n
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