A bachelor of arts graduate of St. Joseph's College, Greg Gerkens has since earned two advanced study certificates, supplementing his 13 years of experience as a special education teacher. Aside from his love of teaching, Greg Gerkens is an avid fan of the New York Islanders hockey team.
After making the second round of the playoffs in 2015-16, the Islanders struggled out of the gate in the 2016-17 season. By January, the team sat last in the National Hockey League's (NHL) Eastern Conference with a record of 17-17-8 and, looking for something that would energize his team, General Manager Garth Snow made the decision to fire the team's head coach, Jack Capuano. He was replaced by Doug Weight, who previously served as the team's assistant general manager.
Weight, a 46-year-old former second round pick of the New York Rangers, played 1,238 NHL games for six teams throughout his 21-year career, compiling 1,033 points along the way. He retired in 2011 after playing three seasons for the Islanders. The coaching change proved beneficial; through his first 23 games, Weight led the team to a record of 14-6-3.
After making the second round of the playoffs in 2015-16, the Islanders struggled out of the gate in the 2016-17 season. By January, the team sat last in the National Hockey League's (NHL) Eastern Conference with a record of 17-17-8 and, looking for something that would energize his team, General Manager Garth Snow made the decision to fire the team's head coach, Jack Capuano. He was replaced by Doug Weight, who previously served as the team's assistant general manager.
Weight, a 46-year-old former second round pick of the New York Rangers, played 1,238 NHL games for six teams throughout his 21-year career, compiling 1,033 points along the way. He retired in 2011 after playing three seasons for the Islanders. The coaching change proved beneficial; through his first 23 games, Weight led the team to a record of 14-6-3.
