Darche Officially Introduced; Keeps Roy, Ditches Assistants

ELMONT, N.Y. — A celebration over a month in the making for the New York Islanders. The organization officially unveiled Mathieu Darche as its newest general manager and executive vice president.

Darche, 48, couldn’t hide his smile throughout the presser. He made news throughout the nearly half-hour-long introduction, which satisfied plenty of burning questions.

The opening remarks came from John Collins, who spearheaded the search. Collins immediately announced the Islanders’ intentions to soon be playing games at this time of year, instead of hosting press conferences.

From there, Darche took over. He thanked the Tampa Bay Lightning profusely, talking about all things involving the franchise. He called Mike Bossy his hero, and brought up childhood memories of the Islanders running the league in the early 1980s.

Then, he turned his attention to the task at hand: taking over the modern-day New York Islanders

Patrick Roy:

First order of business came and went with his first remarks: Patrick Roy remains as Islanders’ Head Coach. The assistant Roy hired, Benoit Desrosiers, remains. Roy’s record through a year and a half with the Islanders is 55-47-17.

Assistants John MacLean and Tommy Albelin were let go. Albelin departs after one season coaching the defense, less than a calendar year since he was hired. John MacLean worked behind the Islanders’ bench for three years, focusing on the offense and the power play.

Those changes seemed to be the obvious ones to make since it became apparent Lou Lamoriello would not return as President of Hockey Operations and General Manager. Lamoriello had a major hand in hiring both MacLean and Albelin, and were seen as his guys on the bench.

Darche said he and Roy will work together to hire new assistants to fill the vacancies, while Desrosiers may take on an even larger role.

For Roy, he’ll enter his third year with the organization, but only his second summer aboard. Darche said he wants a fast team, something directly in line with Roy’s preferences, as opposed to what Lou had assembled.

Bridgeport:

In Bridgeport, Darche began cleaning house. While there remains no word on assistant and Bridgeport GM Chris Lamoriello’s status, Darche finished off the firing of Bridgeport’s remaining coaching staff.

Rick Kowalsky, Bridgeport’s Head Coach, will not return after another disappointing year. It’s going to be a new era in Bridgeport, something Darche emphasized as heavy as anything.

He talked up development being the bedrock of any organization, pointing out that a bulk of Tampa Bay’s best forwards were not first-round picks. Bridgeport has some pieces, but it’s time for a change.

Bo Horvat:

Bo Horvat suffered a tournament-ending injury while with Team Canada in the IIHF World Championship. At the time, some fear had grown, but in the end, it’s nothing to be concerned about.

Darche confirmed Horvat suffered a minor ankle injury that would ordinarily sideline him 4-6 weeks. He stated Horvat’s already rehabbing the injury, and there’s absolutely nothing to be worried about.

That was perhaps the best news of all. Had Horvat suffered a major injury, it would’ve been a terrible way for the summer to start for New York.