Births on February 6

Scott Gordon, American ice hockey player and coach

Scott M. Gordon: A Distinguished Career in Professional Ice Hockey

Scott M. Gordon, born on February 6, 1963, is a prominent American figure in professional ice hockey, renowned for his extensive contributions as both a coach and a former professional goaltender. His career trajectory showcases remarkable longevity and adaptability across various high-level leagues, transitioning from a successful playing career to impactful leadership roles behind the bench.

Early Life and Massachusetts Roots

Gordon's journey in hockey began in Massachusetts; he was born in Brockton and subsequently grew up in the adjacent town of Easton, fostering a strong foundation for his future in the sport from a young age within the rich hockey landscape of New England.

A Distinguished Professional Playing Career as a Goaltender

Before establishing himself as a respected coach, Scott Gordon enjoyed a significant professional playing career as a goaltender. His tenure in the net spanned several seasons across multiple leagues, showcasing his resilience and skill. Gordon played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for teams such as the Quebec Nordiques, Buffalo Sabres, and New York Rangers, contributing to their rosters during the 1980s. Beyond the NHL, he was a consistent presence in the American Hockey League (AHL), International Hockey League (IHL), and the ECHL, notably playing for franchises like the Salt Lake Golden Eagles, Rochester Americans, and Binghamton Whalers. This extensive playing background provided him with invaluable practical insights into the demands of professional hockey, which would later profoundly inform his coaching philosophy and player development strategies.

Transition to Coaching and AHL Success

Following his playing career, Gordon seamlessly transitioned into coaching, where he has left an indelible mark, particularly within the American Hockey League (AHL), a crucial league for developing NHL talent.

• Providence Bruins (Head Coach): From 2000 to 2008, Gordon served as the head coach of the Providence Bruins, the AHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins. During his impressive eight-season tenure, he consistently guided the team to strong regular season performances and multiple playoff appearances, establishing a reputation for effectively developing prospects and building competitive rosters.
• Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Head Coach): From 2015 to 2020, Gordon led the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. Under his guidance, the Phantoms became a highly competitive force, frequently making deep playoff runs and playing a crucial role in the development of numerous prospects for the Flyers organization, preparing them for the rigors of NHL play.

Impactful Roles on the NHL Bench

Scott Gordon's coaching expertise has also seen him occupy significant positions within the National Hockey League, demonstrating his capability at the sport's highest level, ranging from head coaching to specialized assistant roles.

• New York Islanders (Head Coach): Gordon received his first NHL head coaching opportunity with the New York Islanders, serving from 2008 to 2010. His tenure provided crucial experience navigating the demanding landscape of NHL leadership and team management.
• Toronto Maple Leafs (Assistant Coach): From 2011 to 2014, Gordon contributed as an assistant coach for the storied Toronto Maple Leafs, further broadening his NHL coaching experience and tactical acumen.
• Philadelphia Flyers (Interim Head Coach): In a critical mid-season period during the 2018-2019 season, Gordon stepped in as the interim head coach for the Philadelphia Flyers, providing steady leadership and demonstrating his readiness to take on immediate challenges at the NHL level during a period of transition for the team.
• San Jose Barracuda (Assistant Coach): Following his time with the Flyers, he briefly served as an assistant coach for the San Jose Barracuda (the AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks) during the 2020-2021 season, continuing his work in player mentorship and development.
• Dallas Stars (Assistant Coach): Since 2022, Scott Gordon has been an integral part of the coaching staff as an assistant coach for the Dallas Stars, an NHL playoff contender. This current role highlights his continued value and contribution to an NHL franchise at the highest competitive tier of professional hockey.

Scott Gordon's Enduring Legacy in Hockey

Scott M. Gordon's career is a compelling testament to dedication, versatility, and profound impact within professional ice hockey. From his foundational years as a resilient goaltender to his diverse and impactful coaching roles across the AHL and NHL, he has consistently contributed to the development of individual players and the competitive success of numerous teams. His ability to adapt and lead effectively across different levels of the sport solidifies his status as a highly respected and enduring figure in the hockey community, known for his commitment to excellence and player growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scott M. Gordon

Who is Scott M. Gordon?

Scott M. Gordon is an American professional ice hockey coach and a former professional goaltender, widely recognized for his extensive career spanning both playing and coaching roles in the NHL and AHL, demonstrating profound dedication to the sport.

What are Scott Gordon's primary roles in professional hockey?

His primary roles have included professional goaltender for NHL teams like the Quebec Nordiques, Buffalo Sabres, and New York Rangers; head coach in the AHL for the Providence Bruins and Lehigh Valley Phantoms; and head coach (New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers interim) and assistant coach (Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Barracuda, Dallas Stars) in the NHL.

Which NHL teams has Scott Gordon coached?

Scott Gordon has served as head coach for the New York Islanders (2008-2010) and as interim head coach for the Philadelphia Flyers (2018-2019). He has also been an assistant coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs (2011-2014) and currently holds an assistant coaching role with the Dallas Stars (since 2022).

What AHL teams has Scott Gordon coached?

He has served as head coach for two prominent American Hockey League teams: the Providence Bruins (2000-2008) and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (2015-2020). He also had a brief stint as an assistant coach with the San Jose Barracuda during the 2020-2021 season.

Where was Scott Gordon born and raised?

Scott Gordon was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, and subsequently grew up in the nearby town of Easton, Massachusetts, where he began his journey in ice hockey.

Does Scott Gordon still coach in the NHL?

Yes, as of 2022, Scott Gordon continues to be an active part of the National Hockey League coaching fraternity, serving as an assistant coach for the Dallas Stars.