Bergenheim paying for the Sins of Mark Gandler? 8-16-08

I had about a half hour in Nassau County today and wandered over to the Islanders team store. As I had been told at the press conference that certainly there was a Bergenheim customized jersey available at the store, I decided to see for myself.

There's a sale going on with 40 - 50% off selected merchandise and a whole raft of new T-shirts and jerseys for Weight and Streit. But I looked and looked. Then I had the little blond sales girl look through every single jersey in the store. Guess what? THERE WAS NO BERGENHEIM JERSEY TO BE HAD!

"You know. I've had some people ask me for them too. But we can make them up if you want." So I told her the story about the press conference. She smiled. "No. I haven't seen one in the store."

"I'm told you can have it made up in two days if I wanted." Again, the pretty little girl smiled at me. "Well, it MIGHT take a little longer than that."

So while two new guys haven't even hit the ice yet have merchandise racks all to themselves, the 2002* First Round Draft pick STILL doesn't have an item in the store with his name on it. I understood this when we didn't know if he was going to be able to cut a deal with the Islanders for a new contract. But now that Garth has given him a two year deal, you would think that custom merchandise should be next.

I know that the t-shirts must be made in no less than 240 pcs at a time. Do they really think Bergenheim doesn't have 240 fans out there?

Personally.... I think this is just a dig for the problems caused by his ex-agent. It's all the little things that have happened to him since the "No, no, he'd rather play in Europe than take a two way deal with the Islanders." fiasco. We all know how that turned out for him.

I don't even think Sean's butt was on the plane to Russia before Park had his number already sewn on his new Jersey. Russia wasn't a happy place for Bergie, so he bolted over to Sweden where his new jersey had so much advertising on it, you couldn't tell what his new number was.

I could go on and on about the little things I've seen that make me believe he's being "picked on" by the organization. But I'll stop here.

There's a new coach and Sean has a new contract. I'll hope for the best and see what happens. But just be forewarned guys. I'm watching you. If I don't like the way you're treating my boy.... you WILL hear about it.... a LOT!

Less "FLASH" more "FAITH" Gordon 8-13-08

Tonight is just more proof that I'm far from being a real "journalist." I can't work on deadline to save my life. It's now 7:52 pm, and I'm just sitting down to write this. Some times I wonder why I (or any of us) do write what was said because ITV always has the entire interview posted on line within hours. So you can hear and see exactly what Scott Gordon had to say at this press conference, even though you can't hear what is being asked of him by the reporters.

He seemed genuinely grateful for this opportunity, but as I said earlier, a little overwhelmed. He definitely doesn't strike me as "flash." Not by any stretch of the imagination. I will say it was a nice little touch to have that orange and blue tie. Probably a suggestion of his wife, Jennifer.*(author's note: It seems CJ Papa had a conversation with Soctt about his choice of neckwear, and he said he just "threw it on" without giving it a thought. I'd say that was subliminal! Thanks CJ for the info.) He seems to be more the type who is going to do (or try to do) exactly what Garth was looking for in a coach: "Inspire" and "Motivate." He already understands how difficult it is to deal with adversity, and keeping the desire and belief in players to be able to win.

He said there's a light at the end of the tunnel and he's happy to be a part of. Like last year, I'm just hoping that light isn't attached to a freight train heading in his direction. Because he will get crushed. I am worried that his inexperience with the media and a rabid (larger than he's used to) fan base.

According to Gordon, getting acclimated to NY, the travel schedule and the NHL maybe be his hardest task at hand. "Coaching is coaching, it's the other stuff that is the hard part and I feel that I've worked at that just as much as I've worked at anything else." Mr. Gordon, I hope you're right. But we're here for you if you need any help learning about Long Island and dealing with Islanders Country.

Okay, now for my more personal impressions of the afternoon. Considering they served lunch, I guess it was, indeed, considered journalism (as I have been told). There were cameras and cables everywhere. Last year's press conference to announce Guerin and company was separated into two areas, so Webby and I weren't thrown into a room filled with reporters cameras and microphones. We, and other invited guests, were brought to a reception room for our press conference and the media was in the next room, working.

This was one big work room with one table marked "Reserved" for Gordon's family, Mr. Wang, Guerin, DiPietro and the new kid, Bailey. His two boys were fascinated by the Islander glasses that have flashing LEDs in them. They collected them and played with them on the floor.

Brad Kurtzberg and I were asked very politely to move from the seats we were in, and I immediately headed toward the back of the room but was told. "No, right up front. Sit here." I didn't have time to protest as Chris King had stepped up to the podium to begin. At least I was close enough to hear Garth even without the microphones.

I had actually come prepared with one question. I didn't think I'd be able to ask because I knew there were so many reporters in the room, but I figured at least I was coming prepared. Within the first 45 seconds of Garth being up at the podium, he basically asked and answered the question I had typed out for myself. I folded the paper back up and put it back in my purse. So much for that.

I listened quietly and intently as the cameraman sitting next to me darted up and down close to the floor trying to get a good angle for photos. More than a few times, his camera lens that could see to Mars was stretched across my lap. I wish he had introduced himself, it would have made it a little more comfortable.

Once the Q&A portion was over I watched as this hoard of media literally rushed the front area. They had removed the podium and tables so that Garth and Gordon were standing against the logo backdrop. I thought they were going to get crushed. I had never seen anything like it. There were reporters standing on chairs pointing cameras over their heads.

I watched Stan Fischler interview Snow close enough to Tango with him. But he had no where to go. (BTW, it's the best interview out there!) There were arms and cameras and microphones and lights everywhere. Is this hockey or a Brittany Spears sighting? I couldn't tell.

I stayed back and watched CJ Papa film an interview for Channel10/TV55, it was probably his fifth interview on the subject in less than 12 hours. CJ has to easily be the hardest working TV sports guy in the business. Catch him on ITV and the 11pm News.

I stopped to talk to the man in charge of merchandising. Once again, I badgered him about Bergenheim tee shirts and jerseys being available at the store or the coliseum concourse. Once again I got the answer that the tee shirts didn't have enough sale potential at this time, but that his jersey IS available at the Team Store. He also said that since any jersey could be made in two days, he didn't see the problem.

Well, Mr. Goldstein, as I told you, I have been promoting this boy since he came here at 18, and I'm trying to watch out for him. When I mentioned that Okposo's jersey was available on the concourse the DAY he hit the coliseum ice, he smiled at me and said "But yes, he was our first round pick." I smiled back, "So was Sean, in 2002!"

"Oh, I wasn't here then." I thanked him for the information and walked away before he realized he was dealing with a mother bear trying to protect her cub. But no, I'm not done with this. Part of me thinks that Sean is still paying for the sins of Gandler.

I watched as everyone worked and ate. Lunch looked lovely, but the dental work is still making it hard to eat. I stopped to talk to Stan Fischler before I left. He told me to tell my husband to relax about this hiring move. "I had a tip on this guy long before anyone mentioned him. Everyone raves about him." Now that's a glowing review. And after everything I've read, I think I have to agree with him.

Also: Looks like once again Botta was "bang on" as they say in Canada as he picked the day the announcement would be made. Always entertaining reading from a TRULY unique perspective.

Up Next: Don't forget about Next week's Open House. That may be your chance to meet the new coach and chat about the new partial ticket plans available!

Posted at 2:30 pm after the conference:


Just got back from the press conference. I can't write much now, because I'm supposed to be...uh... WORKING.

The press conference went over very well, but I will say that I was surprised to see how reserved and low key someone who has a nickname of "FLASH" was presenting himself for the first time to the NY media. Of course, he must have been a little overwhelmed as he even admitted "There is no media in Providence." Here was room full that almost crushed him during the one on one camera interviews after the official presentation.

If you were lucky enough to see it, let me know if you too had a problem with the audio. I will have the balance of it up later tonight when I get home.

But I'll tell you the item I found the funniest. Garth Snow shut Mark Herrmann down in his questioning. The question at hand for Mr. Herrmann was "What is the 'multi-year' deal." Garth gave his company answer that they keep those types of details in house, and then he gave the look I know all too well and have come to completely respect. Mr. Herrmann is a journalist, where I am not. He did not take to the "I'm not telling you so move on." look. So Garth continued, "Does THAT answer your question Mark?" Oh! There's that glare. Don't poke the Dragon Mark! Don't poke the Dragon.

"No." Mark answered. Duck and cover everyone!

"Mark, I have great respect for you so how can I put this... It's none of your damn business." And there you have it! I found it was funny as hell. I apparently am not a journalist. And I'm not. I'm a blogger with a book in her head who likes to tell stories of what goes on that no one else is watching.

Like the fact that Garth is so tall and so uncomfortable at these things that I could see him kicking the curtain under the table. Oh details, details, details.

One more detail that you may not hear from anyone else. A quote from Bobby Nystrom last night (to an employee) when he heard it was Scott Gordon that was chosen: "GOOD! Not another re-tread!"

Later folks!

Thank you

SURPRISE, SURPRISE, SURPRISE 8-12-08

So Islesblogger.com DOES get a new coach for his Birthday. Look at that. Of course we had to find out on the message boards, exactly how I was hoping NOT to find out. But hell. This just seems to be my lot in life. Beat writer Greg Logan, even when on vacation, is the one to get the word out to the faithful in his Newsday article with a 7:11 pm time stamp.

Oh, right. If you haven't heard, it's Gordon. So welcome Scott Gordon to Long Island. This may or may not be much different from your coaching stint in Providence, but you'll have plenty of New Englanders around you to make you feel right at home.

Enjoy your stay.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to run out and buy ear plugs. Because when Big Angry Man gets home and finds out about this... I'm sure I'm going to hear about it for at least an hour at decibel levels rivaling Station 2's fire trucks. While I'm out, I'm going to pick up some more Vodka. I don't think I've got quite enough.

In The News - 8-12-08

Mixed into my morning paper, my tea-time web surfing and my Early Show viewing today (that's called multi-tasking at it's finest there!) I was attracted to the following stories:

1) Java Junkies rejoice! A new study proves that just the smell of brewed coffee can wake up a rat's brain that has been sleep deprived. They paid to do a study on that? I could have told them that during my daughter's first year of life when she never wanted to let me sleep for more than 2 hours at a time. If the coffee went on in the kitchen, the smell would wake me and immediately draw me like a zombie to the counter. It also explains why people walk into the break room like death and walk out smiling.

2) Trekkies Rejoice! HA! My grandmother used to be so upset with me watching Star Trek when I was really, really young. She said it would give me nightmares. Who would have thought that all the outlandish "science fiction" created on a sound stage for very little money would be the basis for so many government projects and high tech necessities. Someone did. So now they are working on a cloaking device. It's about time! I've had one in my office for years. When you work in one place for too long and have an office in a closet, you can remain invisible for years. I know I was. I was recently moved to the front office area, I may have to sign up to be a beta test for that cloaking device. Too many people can see me now. "Dee, I can't find Jovana, can you make some copies for me?" "Dee, I've got to run to the back, can you answer the phone for me?" "Dee, can you help me with the Fed Ex machine, it's not working." There's a LOT to be said about being invisible!!

3) John Edwards had an affair! Tell him to take a number. What good looking, younger politician with a big ego hasn't? This isn't news people, it's life.

4) In other News.... The NY Islanders STILL don't have a head coach. And I'm hoping we won't get an answer today because I'm heading to the dentist in an hour and will be down for the count for a few days I'm sure.

Yeah, yeah, Islanders Country can rejoice. Dee will actually be speechless for a day or so. Enjoy it now.

Later all.

Well Worth the Weight - Open House 8-9-08

I left my house at 9:15 am on the dot knowing I had to be at the Coliseum by 10 am. I got up at my usual time of 6am in order to do this on a beautiful summer Saturday morning. With the lack of traffic on Southern State Parkway heading West, I actually pulled into the parking lot at 9:55 am.


Woo hoo!!! I wasn’t late for a change! There weren’t that many cars there so I figured people were sleeping in and would be there by about 10:30 am. As I walked toward the security guard with my purse open, I noticed there was a crowd in the lobby behind the glass. Uh oh. Maybe I’m NOT that early after all. The line stretched well pasted the box office and down past the far entrance. I looked for a familiar face that would help me get by security since I don’t have permanent media credentials (hint hint hint!).


The SMG yellow jacket at the stairs didn’t know what a blogger was so I was lucky as hell to catch the eye of one very busy Game Ops manager. “Yes! Yes! Send her down!” he told them as he darted off to take care of so many details.


I bounded down the stairs trying not to fall butt over head in my heels. “Hi, Hi, Hi” I said quickly to everyone as I rushed into the main arena thinking I am now dreadfully late. Once inside I noticed I was quite lonely. There were no Tom, no Mike, no B.D., no Josh, and no Brad, only sales people with folders. Once again, “Uh oh.”


As I was calling Tom, Mike was calling me. Seems I beat everyone there and I live the furthest. Two points for Dee being punctual….for a change. So we stood by the entrance to the tunnel to the locker room and waited, and waited, and waited. No one came to retrieve us or point us in the right direction. We were apparently Bloggers-non-grata.



The main arena filled up quickly. What a turn out! I guess this street hockey stick promotion is working far better than any expectations. The kids just love it and they were lined up for their turn on the inflatables.


I watched a woman head straight to the merchandise table to buy a brand new Doug Weight jersey to have signed. She had to wait to pay since there were so many people already at the table. The chairs by the stage were filling up too. I guess the 10 am start wasn’t exactly a detriment.
Mike was a little under the weather and chose to stand pretty still while waiting to get the call to be part of the on stage panel discussion. I made my way around the arena to say my “hellos.”
“Kerry! You have those partial plans for me?” As I was peeking into the folder he was holding.
“No. That’s a sale, not the partial plans.” he told me as he swatted me away from his paperwork.
“Already? That was fast?” I smiled.
“Hey. I don’t waste any time.” No, he doesn’t, as he ran off from me.
I spotted Garth on the opposite side of the arena, down the visitors’ tunnel, and made my way toward him. As I got closer, I could see he had a little blue-eyed buddy with him. Once again, his son had accompanied him to work. Well, actually, he was there to see Sparky.


“Thank you SOOOO much for not taking Tortorella!” I said to Garth grabbing his arm. I meant it. His face lit up as he smiled at me, “Why? You didn’t want him?”
“NO!” I was emphatic. “Why not?” He looked at me quizzically waiting to see if I would answer him honestly. I did. I truly do not believe that John would work out well here. Not at this time. While we were chatting, a man came over, shook Garth’s hand and immediately asked, “Did you pick a coach yet? Who is it?”
“She is!” he said and started to chuckle. I played along. I don’t think he appreciated the joke.



“Soon, soon.” Garth assured the man. “I can only tell you when I make the decision; it will be the right coach for THIS team.” He was serious and adamant and I believe him. That is why he is not rushing the decision. He doesn’t want to make a mistake and I don’t think he will. As a few sources have announced, it may be down to just three candidates. However, we will just have to wait and see who gets the nod. My personal hope is that it is Paul Maurice. I think his NHL experience will placate the Dynasty Era Die-Hard fans (such as my husband and his fire buddies) and his ability to work with youth and management will make him a perfect fit on Long Island. Besides, Paul Maurice is just one hell of a class act. Garth said it indeed should be announced soon. The papers are saying as early as Tuesday. I’m hoping later. (I have dental surgery Tuesday and I don’t want to miss out. Okay, I’m selfish.)


B.D., his lovely wife and I took seats in the second row in front of the stage. I was happy to see my friend Mike from section 210 was there too. He made the trek from far further east than I did. I’m sure a lot of those attending did too. Corey Witt came by to talk to B.D. and within two minutes asked if we wanted to go to the locker room to talk to Doug Weight and Josh Bailey. Considering I thought we were going to do that earlier, I did not want to move from my seat.



“No, you go.” I pouted. (I can be such a baby sometimes.) However, in a very reassuring, somewhat direct voice I heard “Come On, DEE!” B.D. was standing already heading out. I rolled my eyes, gathered my things and followed the two of them a few feet behind. Not wishing to make it easy on me in a skirt and heels, we took the route BEHIND the inflatables, so I had to jump hurdles over the air tubes, hiking up my skirt and hoping not to trip as I struggled to keep up to them.


Once in the locker room, we were introduced to a smiling and engaging Doug Weight. Even though he must have answered the same questions repeatedly, he spoke with us at length. Brad Kurtzberg from Inside Hockey was very proud of me as I actually asked questions and didn’t puke on my shoes. I am getting better Brad, but it was mostly because I knew everyone in the room for a change and I actually came prepared.


“With the worlds’ eyes on Beijing right now, what memories do you have of your 2 terms at the Olympics?” I asked, only backtracking in speech once. (Not bad right? Topical and personal! With one little problem.)


“Three terms.” (Nice Dee. Next time use a little more than wikipedia for your data.) “Winning a Silver Medal in Salt Lake with the miserable, crazy circumstances of 9/, to go there right after that, the security… the feeling was almost surreal. As a team I remember from the ceremony to the anthem before the games, you just felt like part of this country. I was always very proud to wear the jersey but that was an amazing tournament to be part of. We competed very hard, but we just ran out of gas in the third period but we got a silver medal and that was a proud two weeks. It was a great experience, and having it in your home country, and under the circumstances, that is something I will never forget. Herb Brooks was our coach. A lot of things just fell into place. A gold medal would have made it unbelievable, but we played hard and it was a great experience.”
I didn’t know he had played for Herb Brooks. Again, NOTE TO SELF: Read a little more before you ask questions.


I DID happen to know that Mr. Weight was actually drafted by the Rangers and asked him if enough time had passed in order for him to get into the intense rivalry from THIS side of the fence.


“I think so. It’s always fun. Any place you played, whether it was two years, and it was 20 years ago, any time you go back in those buildings it automatically brings your adrenaline up and makes it a special night. Let alone when it’s the Islanders/Rangers. It’s funny to look back and I remember there were more fights in the stands than there were on the ice. I remember calling my father after the first game (and telling him) ’Oh my God! These people are NUTS!’” I assured him, we still are.


“We want to get that rivalry back, its fun. We have to play at a high level on this team and expect a lot from ourselves in this room and hopefully we can have some great games. I’ll have no problem getting up to play the Rangers. It’s always good to see Slats, my old GM from Edmonton. It’s still a competitive edge; you always want to play well in front of those guys.”
Very tongue in cheek he said “I’m guaranteeing 6 - 0.” We all laughed but I know for a fact if that was the case, there are many Islanders fans that would take that over anything else for the season.


Brad, B.D. and his brother’s video camera took over from there (check his blog, it may be posted) and Doug talked about commitment, camaraderie and chemistry. All those things we know that make a good hockey team tick. Nevertheless, he said it all starts at camp, and he is really looking forward to it.


I went out into the hallway to introduce myself to Josh Bailey that fresh faced 2008 number one Draft Pick. I can only say that he is a very focused young man. I asked him since he is one of the younger players, if he wandered the internet looking to see what people are saying about him. He said he wasn’t really that connected to the web and did not engage in chat rooms. He said he did view the Islanders site. Probably for their wonderful coverage, ITV and of course, the entertaining entries of the Blog Box. (Shameless plug for us hard working folk.)


I also asked him what his mother thought of him not heading to college. He smiled at first but then became very serious. “From the beginning I wanted to play in the OHL and the NHL and this is where this could head so that‘s what I‘m focused on right now. My focus has always been the NHL.” He was very serious. There is nothing else he wants to do.


As it was getting late, it was time to head back to our seats for the question and answer portion of the morning. That went very well and was quite entertaining. Captain Bill Guerin (yes, I said Captain as that is how Chris King announced him, so that thread about “Will Guerin Still be Captain?” can die a lonely death.) was there looking very fit to present both new players with their jerseys. Watch ITV for some of the highlights from this portion of the program including an impromptu hug from Weight for his close friend Billy. I hope that he is still hugging him come December, as Guerin was instrumental in bringing Weight to Long Island.


Even though Mike, Tom, and Blair, a poster from Islander Mania did a great job, my favorite part of the Q&A was the two children from the floor that Game Ops picked to ask questions. The two little girls in front of me were so excited about being asked, and the little boy to the right of me was more poised than most adults I have seen in that position.


While Bill Guerin signed autographs on the right side of the stage, I was amazed to see the long line of people waiting for Garth Snow’s autograph. Gee, anyone remember a line for Milbury’s autograph? Um, no. And how many other NHL GM’s would do this? Can anyone see Lou Lamarillo signing sticks and jerseys for 10 year olds? I doubt it.


I did manage to score a set of partial plan information packets. Sadly, I wasn’t issued a decoder ring so I am having a little trouble figuring out how this all works. Nevertheless, there are certainly far more plans available this season than last season, and definitely something for everyone. As soon as I can make heads or tails of it, I will stack them up against some others in the league. Those attendees who purchased yesterday were given gas cards and treated to lunch at Doolans. There were many happy campers at those tables.


After we left the arena, the Blog Box “core of four” headed to TGI to continue to chitchat. It is always great to see these guys. We never run out of things to say. Of course not. We never run out of things to write either. We just run out of time.

Additional note to self: Don't blog by the hot tub.