Greg Gilbert is a former professional ice hockey player and coach who had a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played as a left winger for several teams, including the New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, and St. Louis Blues. Gilbert was known for his physical play and his ability to score goals.
Gilbert began his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Brantford Alexanders. He was drafted by the Islanders in 1980 and made his NHL debut in the 1981-82 season. He played for the Islanders for six seasons, winning four Stanley Cups with the team. Gilbert was traded to the Blackhawks in 1988 and played for them for three seasons before being traded to the Rangers in 1991. He played for the Rangers for two seasons before being traded to the Blues in 1993. Gilbert retired as a player in 1997.
After retiring as a player, Gilbert became a coach. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Blues in 1998. He then became the head coach of the Worcester IceCats, the Blues' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, in 2000. Gilbert led the IceCats to the playoffs in both of his seasons as head coach. He then became the head coach of the Calgary Flames in 2001. Gilbert coached the Flames for two seasons before being fired in 2003.
Gilbert's coaching career continued after his time with the Flames. He became the head coach of the Mississauga IceDogs, a junior hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League, in 2004. He coached the IceDogs for two seasons before becoming the head coach of the Toronto Marlies, the AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, in 2006. Gilbert coached the Marlies for two seasons before being fired in 2008.
Gilbert's coaching career also included stints as an assistant coach for the Maple Leafs, the Montreal Canadiens, and the Florida Panthers. He was also the head coach of the Saginaw Spirit, a junior hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League, from 2011 to 2014.
Overall, Gilbert had a successful career in both playing and coaching in the NHL and AHL. He won four Stanley Cups as a player and led several teams to the playoffs as a coach. Gilbert's physical play and scoring ability made him a valuable player, and his coaching skills have been recognized by several teams in the NHL and AHL.
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