It was released earlier today on the Bridgeport Sound Tigers website that Mercyhurst Alum, Matt Bertani, a former teammate of Coach Tom McKinnon in the mid to late 90's has just been hired by General Manager Garth Snow of the NHL's New York Islanders. Bertani has been hired as an assistant coach for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the Islanders' American Hockey League affiliate where he will be mainly responsible for assisting with video analysis for the upcoming season. Bertani will join head coach Jack Capuano and assistant coach Pat Bingham, for the upcoming 2008-09 AHL season. 

“I am looking forward to this exciting opportunity that Garth Snow, Howard Saffan, and Jack Capuano have provided me,” Bertani said.  “To join an organization with such a rich history is really an honor.  “I look forward to helping the coaching staff put a winning product on the ice.”

Bertani has been an assistant coach for Penn State University since 2005, serving as the Director of Recruiting while monitoring the team's player development. Before his years at “Happy Valley,” Bertani served as an assistant coach with the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL. Bertani, 32, is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and a graduate of Mercyhurst College.

“We are excited to add Matt as an assistant to our coaching staff,” President Howard Saffan said.  “He brings a vast knowledge of video expertise that will help in breaking down systems and assist in the pre-scout of opposing teams.” 

The Men's Club Hockey Team and its Alumni would like to take this time to say congratulations to Coach Bertani for his accomplishment.