The New York Islanders have named Scott Gordon as the 14th head coach in franchise history. Gordon, 45, signed a multi-year contract to coach the Isles. Terms were not disclosed. Gordon replaces Ted Nolan, who was let go last month after two seasons on the job.

The Islanders' new coach spent the last five seasons as the head coach of the AHL's Providence Bruins and led them to a 221-141-20-27 record. In 2007-08, Gordon was named the AHL's Coach of the Year and led the Bruins to a league-best 55-18-3 mark.

"Scott has been one of the top up-and-coming coaches in hockey and with good reason," said Snow. "Through his work in the minor leagues and most recently with Providence over the last eight years, he has gained an impeccable reputation. The entire Islanders organization looks forward to working with Scott."

"Garth has given me an unbelievable opportunity to coach in the NHL with the
Islanders," said Gordon in a statement released by the team. "From my time coaching in Providence, I've seen firsthand the talented young players in this organization. I look at the direction and the vision for this team and see a bright future."

Gordon was the only candidate interviewed by Snow who lacked NHL coaching experience. However, since the Islanders are looking at a long term building program that will emphasize young players, hiring a coach who has been successful at the minor league level makes sense. Gordon coached current Islanders Andy Hilbert and Ben Walter at Providence and coached against key Isles' prospects like Jeff Tambellini, Blake Comeau and Kyle Okposo.

Gordon was a goaltender at Boston College from 1982-86 and led the Eagles to the Frozen Four 1985. He played in 23 NHL games with the Quebec Nordiques and was the first ECHL alumni to appear in an NHL game. In addition to coaching at Providence, Gordon has been behind the bench for the IHL's Atlanta Knights from 1994-96 and then spent two seasons with the IHL's Quebec Rafales from 1996-98. From 1998-2000, he was the bench boss of the ECHL's Roanoke Express.

Gordon will be introduced at a press conference at the Nassau Coliseum at 1:00 PM ET on Wednesday.