The New York Islanders appointed Jay McKee as head coach of their new American Hockey League affiliate, the Hamilton Hammers. McKee oversaw the team's 2026 development camp and introduced prospects to the organization's playing style.
Pete DeBoer, the Islanders head coach, praised McKee after observing him during camp. DeBoer noted his prior success in the Ontario Hockey League and said he was impressed with McKee's work.
McKee previously coached the Hamilton/Brantford Bulldogs to an OHL championship in his first season. Three Islanders prospects, including Gabriel Frasca, had played under him in junior hockey. Frasca said McKee helped him think the game at a higher level.
Kashawn Aitcheson, a 2025 first-round pick, faced McKee's teams in the OHL playoffs. Aitcheson described the systems as creative and difficult to play against. He added that conversations during camp provided valuable information for the prospects to apply.