Saw this at SoundTigers.com:

"Coach Thompson has really brought the expectation of being at your best everyday, every time you step on the ice…that’s the reason why we are in the situation we are right now, " said Rhett Rakhshani, who led the Sound Tigers with 49 points in 49 games this season. "He doesn’t let us take shortcuts, he doesn’t take shortcuts either and he leads by example…it definitely funnels down to us."

"We really bought into the system…it’s more structured and we are a confident group," said David Ullstrom, who paced the Sound Tigers with 24 goals. "Overall, I think guys have really bought into the system and enjoy playing for Thomer. He’s a real great coach, he’s very passionate and he wants to win at any price. All the guys see that and we really want to win for him."

Throughout the season, 11 players spent time with the New York Islanders and the Sound Tigers. They say that because of that work ethic, they were able to continue their success when players got the call.

"Our guys trusted the system and trusted the guy next to them. We practice very hard so when a guy did miss a beat, got called up or got hurt," said Coach Thompson. "The next night he was ready to go."

Next year, it's Thompson time - watch and see how well Bridgeport does in the postseason starting tonight - in a defense first NHL, Thompson's our man going forward - I'm convinced anyway. (Plus, no annoying Boston accent never hurt.)