from the New York Islanders,

The New York Islanders announced today that Doug Weight has been named Head Coach.

Weight was named the club's interim Head Coach midway through the 2016-17 season and led the team to a 24-12-4 record over the final 40 games. From Weight's first game on January 19 to the end of the season, the Islanders posted the second-best record in the National Hockey League with 24 wins and 52 points. The club also registered the most hits in the league during that stretch and scored the fourth-most goals (120).

"Doug has earned this opportunity from the tremendous work he has put in over the past five seasons in our front office and especially from the time he took over as interim Head Coach earlier this season," President and General Manager Garth Snow said. "His leadership and experiences from both playing and behind the bench are valuable intangibles that not every coach can translate into a winning formula. He's gained the trust and respect from our entire team, making him the best choice to become Head Coach."

Weight is the 19th head coach in Islanders history. He will continue to serve as the team's Assistant GM. Prior to filling the interim position, the Detroit, Mich. native served as Assistant Coach and Assistant GM.

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