I signed it! Along with 125 Others!

Update: 9:30 pm: I was going to wait, but I can't. So we interrupt my Holiday preparations to vent about News 12's coverage of this event this morning. I was happy to see the TV camera there. I was happy to see the woman standing back with the News 12 umbrella. I didn't see anyone else that looked too much like media, but what do I know. But indeed, they had the only TV camera on site.

I turned on Dolanvision's News 12 this evening to see what they would report. I am angry. The reporter did not mention all of the elected officials who spoke or some of the other supporting groups. They interviewed two gentleman in Islanders jerseys and focused on the Islanders.

They had a statement from the Town of Hempstead Supervisor's office that once again said they don't attend "pep rallies." They mentioned a survey that stated 27% of those surveyed were against the project. The entire segment made me angry.

THIS PROJECT IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE ISLANDERS! IT'S ABOUT LONG ISLAND! CAN ANYONE GET THAT THROUGH THEIR HEADS?

And Ms. Murray, a 'pep rally' is something you do in school. This was a demonstration of support by various VOTING groups. It is meant to show a supportive voice for the project because at this stage of the game, the voice cannot be heard in the voting booth.

And how about that survey? What were the other percentages? What were the demographics of the group that was surveyed? What were their ages? Was it a random sampling? Did they go door to door? Statistics speak volumes WHEN THEY ARE PRESENTED IN THEIR ENTIRETY.



In pouring rain, standing in mud outside the gates of the asphalt jungle that surrounds the Coliseum, we stood. These were all Long Islanders who believe the Lighthouse Project is necessary for hte future of Long Island.



"WE have to do what we can to keep Long Islanders ON Long Island!"





The Unions, teh politicians, the elected officials, the NAACP, the residents, the fans; they all came out to stand under the tents to let their voices be heard "Save the Island. Save the Islanders!" (If I can post the audio clip somehow, you would be amazed.)



More importantly the calls were to "Save our homes, Save our Youth, give us JOBS!" That is truly what it boils down to, our economic survival. This is all about new suburbia. If you don't suort this kind of project, then you should go stand in the unemployment line with the union members who are out of work.



There will be more on this on Monday, when I can get all the names and quotes properly. For now, I'm going to start looking at the ice in front of me for the last time this season.

Isles vs Flyers on a Rainy Sat in April

Here we are in the third, and SOG are now 29 - 23 but the Flyers are leading. Oddly, I don't seem to see the guy with the mohawk and the jersey. Well, this was a good season for some things for sure. Thanks to everyone for the support all this season. Thanks to the boys in the Blog Box for their friendship and kindness. They are very special men.

I will probably pack this up in a minute or two and just take in the last few minutes of the game to sum up my season here.

Thanks to Seth Sylvan and Corey Witt for allowing me to be part of this little experiment again this season. It's certinly worth the work I put into it. I hope you feel the same way.

Later!


So the tall FLYERS fan in front of us caught a t-shirt. Dick that he is... he's keeping it. Said he'll start a fire with it in his fireplace tonight. How nice of him.





Okay, end of 2 and they're down by one. The question is... Do we care? Um.. No. We've already won the prize in the Cracker Jack box. We're number 30.


Jackman makes it 2 - 2 with a pass from Josh Bailey and Nielsen. At least it's all even again. But I'm having too good a time at my last game up here in the blog box with the blog box boys. I'd seriously like to know why the hell blogger doesn't like spaces. It's really pissing me off.









First intermission, I had a little chat with my friends in 201. Talking about hockey, talking about softball, talking about enforcers in the NHL and what a certain Wisconsin native (my new boy Joel Rechlicz) has to do to make it in this league. Always insightful conversations with Mr. Carlson.




















Dear Sean: Thanks for taking what I said to heart. I will now not beat you with my media guide. Thank you.














That second to the last home game of the season, and Thank the Hockey Gods, there is only one Flyers bus here that made the 2 1/2 hour trek from PA.









Kyle Okposo is back in the line-up trying to get that 20 goal plateau. He may get there if he doesn't get carried off the ice hurt again.













Then there is my boy Sean. Dear Sean: If you don't score for me in this game or tomorrow, I will beat you about the ears with my media guide. Got it? Love Mom.














Dear Joel: Play smart, that's all I ask. Oh... and please pumel Knuble. Blog Box says thank you!

Sat Morning Rain Out

What's in your Easter Basket?

I cannot believe the weather right now. It's really making a mess of all the things I need to do.

One of which being that Press Conference at the Coliseum at 11 am. I'm hoping some of my other associates can make it.

But I will be at the game today. This will be the last "Islanders" game I will be attending this season. I have tickets to Friday's Sound Tigers playoff game. But this is the 'official' last 'Islanders' game. Roster not withstanding.

Game time at 2 pm. Hope you can watch. Let's enjoy it while we can.

Now It's Official - We're # 30!

***Note: Don't forget the press Conference tomorrow @ 11 am!


By the middle of the season, that's what we wanted. Last night, that's what we got. It's an undisputed fact, the NY Islanders had the WORST record for the 2008- 2009 season. Chalk it up to injury, chalk it up to rebuilding, chalk it up to anything you want. We wanted it, we got it.

However, after the rain comes the rainbow and the pot of gold at the other side will be that #1 or #2 Draft pick. That's our prize at the bottom of a losing season. The current roster doesn't get a prize, as noted by Brendan Witt's comments to Greg Logan.

They play to win. When they can't, it's a disappointment to them. With so many questions swirling around the Islanders organization, it must be very hard for them to stay focused and work their best. Hockey is an uncertain business. Islanders Hockey is beyond uncertain.

On Tuesday 4/14/09 we will know if Garth Snow gets up to the podium first or not on that fateful night in June. The League has requested that the GMs of each of the five lowest ranking teams be present in the studio for the live drawing. I can't imagine this is some place that Mr. Snow wants to be.

Not only does Garth HATE TV cameras, he hates losing. Having a team with the worst record for the year can't be sitting well with him. To have to be on camera in front of the entire hockey universe to say, "Yes. Every team in the entire league walked away with more points than we did." is not something he will do willingly.

Note to Seth Sylvan: Call him "in sick" to the Commissioner and send our Ambassador Mike Bossy. Especially if Mr. Snow is set to surprise us once again.

For weeks I have been telling fellow fans to prepare for anything. "Don't be upset if Garth does something unconventional with that high 1st rounder. Just have faith."

I take it I'm not the only one who has that feeling. This morning on IslandersPointBlank, I found this quote:

"Please spare us the brilliant tactic of patiently surveying if a team will over-pay for the No. 1 while you grab Hedman or Duchene and a few extra picks. Really."

While the administrator of PB certainly knows Garth Snow better than I do, I don't know if I would have worded it that way. However, I know that Mr. Snow will not make this decision lightly and will make the choice he feels is in the absolute best interest of the Islanders organization. This I am positive of. Whether I agree with the decision or not.

We have two games to close out the season and then we look to the future. We have the Sound Tigers heading into playoff games. We have our own Coach assisting Team USA on the world stage. We have the draft and rookie camp and player signings at the Islanders Team stores to look forward to. We have a new season to look forward to and a few bright spots to look back on. Think of all the NHL firsts the youngsters on this Islanders squad will have to remember.

We're #30. There's no place to go but up.

I GOTTA ASK: How Bad Do You Want It?

Bad enough to show your support? Bad enough to show up at the Coliseum just a little bit early for Saturday's game? Bad enough to drive out to the Coliseum on Saturday morning, even if you're NOT going to the game? Bad enough to stand up and be counted even if you're NOT from the Town of Hempstead?

I think you do. More importantly, Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick) and other civic leaders also do.

Please come to the Press Conference and sign a giant Memorandum of Support for the Lighthouse at Long Island Project at 11 am in front of the Nassau Coliseum.

They tell us we don't exist. They tell us to just move the team because Long Island doesn't deserve one. They tell us no one cares.

I tell them we do. Now it's time for YOU to tell them we do as well.

Take part in the show of support. Show the Town of Hempstead that this project is beneficial to ALL Long Islanders and that jobs and tax dollars shouldn't be funneled into Queens, or Brooklyn or Kansas City for that matter. Show them that we are smart enough to know that times are changing and with them, so does the landscape of Long Island.

We can't live in the past. We need to be part of the future. Please join your fellow Long Islanders at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum to "Save the Island/Save the Islanders."

It's Official: Gordon Asst Coach for USA National Team

Not that it wasn't, considering that I heard it from the source to begin with, but it was nice to actually see the article on the USA Hockey website. What it does show is the vast experience that Scott Gordon joins the team with.

In all seriousness, this is a very proud moment. To be able to represent your country in International competition is a very high honor. I'm very happy Gordon is our coach.

Now... Scotty... Take Kyle along for the ride. I think he'd really like Switzerland, and don't forget to pack my favorite tie. I'll be looking for it.

Isles 0 - Canes 9: And We're Not Surprised

If you have not read the recap of the Republican Roundtable meeting I attended on Saturday, please click here as it was very interesting indeed.

Okay, so that was the worst loss in Islanders history. So what? We said they needed to lose two. That's one down, one to go.

**Addendum: From the Big Angry Man: "What are the odds these guys, who have been playing with an edge, just turned around and said 'You want a loss? We'll give you a f**king loss! How's this?' THAT wasn't the team we're used to seeing." You know, considering how Internet savvy these kids are, who is to say they didn't just pull a fast one on us.


Let's just call this Islanders Wednesday morning Twitter, since I don't feel like making it coherent.

Doug Weight signs an extension, maybe Kerry Cornils & I had something to do with it?

Scott Gordon will be Ass't Coach for Team USA? Kyle would love the road trip. Thx.

Yo! Recker! 2 many game misconducts pisses the life out of Gordon. 5 4 fighting is enough.

Sean, you still owe me a goal for making me wait so long for your return to the ice.

I think I heard Jack Capuano scream when Blake Comeau broke his wrist.

Nice to see you again Mark Streit, now sit on the bench and don't get hurt.

Welcome Back Jiggs McDonald, you made the game bearable!

We're Number LAST! We're Number LAST! Right where we wanted.

Damn! Paul Maurice was hot when he was 28.... wait... that didn't belong here.

BTW: The NYI Mobile Squad Text service is excellent. Sign up for it.

Lighthouse Project Featured at Republican Roundtable

Saturday's gathering was billed as the Republican Roundtable on Economic Development, Sports and Tourism on Long Island. It may as well have been called, “How Can the Lighthouse Project Help YOUR Business?”

When they coined the term “Government for the people, by the people” I hardly think they had any idea there would be THAT many people to govern. Surely, you can never make everyone happy. However, the amount of industries and small businesses that could benefit from the proposed Lighthouse Project development and all it entails is remarkable and something I would have never thought of.

While this discussion was based on the sports industries, tourism and performing arts were also on the table for discussion.

As the NY Islanders are the only major sports franchise on based within Nassau or Suffolk County, we are not in any financial position to lose them. The smart thing to do would be to bring in MORE sports franchises and events. That is what Assemblyman Rob Walker (R,C,I,WF-Hicksville) and Assemblyman Robert D. Barra (R,C,I-14th Assembly District) are trying to do.

A good portion of this meeting was about formulating a new bill to legalize Mixed Martial Arts in the State of NY. I didn’t know it was illegal here, but there are states where it is legal, and it is bringing not only fans, but tax revenue. Marc Ratner, Vice President for Regulatory Affairs, Ultimate Fighting Championship, stated emphatically that they did not want to bring the UFC to any area that would not regulate it. “We want to be regulated and pay taxes. This sport is on regional, national and cable TV. You’re not protecting people on Long Island. We’ll do big business.” It’s a growing industry. There are 44 states that have an athletic committee. Thirty-seven of them have now approved Mixed Martial Arts. “I’m disappointed that New York State is holding people hostage.”

“We do a good job of that.” Mr. Walker quipped.

The six annual UFC shows generate $50 million dollars in revenue. This will bring a windfall in both state and local taxes, which the UFC is willing and EAGER to pay. But where can they have these events? If the current coliseum loses its main tenant, the county will not be able to afford to renovate it and therefore it will not be able to be profitable. As a matter of fact, one of the assemblymen stated he believed that right now the I.D.E.A. (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) can come in and condemn the building.

In addition to the renovated Coliseum, the Lighthouse Project includes a convention center facility. Think hard. When was the last time you saw a major convention being held on Long Island? You haven’t. They are all held in Manhattan because Long Island has no facility that can host one. This fact was reinforced by Joan LaRosa, Director of Sales, Long Island Convention & Visitors' Bureau and Sports Commission. “We have no place for a convention. We’ve actually had to turn away meetings and conventions.”

Turning them away is turning away their revenue, not only for the local governments but for the small business owners as well.

Rich Giuardino from Hofstra University said “The Lighthouse Project is important for this region. We hosted a Presidential debate (at Hofstra). This area can handle a large scale event. It’s important to Nassau County and the Island. We have to create our own stimulus plan. We want to lend our voice to the support of this project.”

Another voice of support for the project, although absent from this meeting, is Frank Boulton of the very successful Long Island Ducks. He would love to have a second minor league baseball team on Long Island, especially in a brand new stadium in the center of Nassau if the County would RFP it. Think of the employment as well as the entertainment value. What a perfect marriage since the last remnants of the hockey season is the first week of June. Another baseball stadium would keep that area busy and profitable all summer long.

Michael Picker, President of the Lighthouse Project, addressed the panel. “We’re looking for answers and trying to get to the finish line. Our principal has set a deadline of October. After that, all bets are off. We’re trying to get approval and we are struggling a little. The project brings significant benefits. With it come issues, which we will deal with.”

Mr. Picker was asked what some of the obstacles are that he felt they are facing. Mr. Picker answered “The SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act) process: Is it doing what it should be doing?”

I didn’t realize that the developer pays a consultant to review the documents for completeness for the town. The SEQRA process also identifies a maximum time frame, but it doesn’t identify a minimum. Is that really fair while the developer pays for the process?
“They have a maximum of 45 days to review the SEQRA. It doesn’t mean they can’t take less. It’s an important project.”

It seems that the first pass is supposed to be for completeness and not for debate on the conclusions. “There were 179 comments on the first round. Nineteen were valid. That means 89% of the first round were not questions they should be asking now.”

Politics as usual as the town passes the “puck” to the County and so on. But ‘We as Long Island need to decide what we WANT for Long Island.’

Assemblyman Fred Thiele, who has had experience with SEQRA, chimed in. “SEQRA can be used as a tool or a weapon.” Mr. Thiele is a representative from the East End of Long Island. “You can have a good law and bad officials, or a bad law and good officials. We need to do everything we can to keep you [the Islanders] here. It is of critical importance.”

Mr. Picker continued, “No one wants to skip steps. Just don’t let politics get in the way. We get a battle between the Republicans and the Democrats. How do we get it done?”

This is an age old question. How do you get the parties to agree on something – anything - that will benefit everyone?

“There are bathrooms OUTSIDE the Coliseum.” This is indeed embarrassing. “We are so far behind the times. The county loses money on the Coliseum today. Without your major tenant, this building just goes away.”

Meanwhile, the Islanders organization is being courted by many areas in North America and Canada. “We have told everyone, we’re not interested. But once the time comes, we may have to think differently.” Mr. Picker was not issuing an ultimatum, just stating fact.

Sports franchises are different from other businesses. Retail can pack up and move in a blink. They can pull a truck up in the middle of the night and be up and running in a different spot 24 hours later. You can’t do that with a hockey team. Time is of the essence here. “You can’t wait until 2012 to think about where it’s going to be.”

The assemblymen listened as Mr. Picker detailed what they already knew; how much tax revenue the county will lose if the Islanders have to relocate and how much tax revenue could be garnered if their development is approved.

Some detractors may say the Lighthouse Project has over estimated the potential revenue stream. “Just take HALF our numbers and tell me if you think they’re good.” In a cash-strapped economy, even half is staggering.

But if two prominent, highly visible Long Islanders can’t get a project done on Long Island, what does that say to anyone else who may want to develop and improve our economy? “Charles wants to create a new industry, creating good paying jobs that marry sports and technology.” He is willing to invest in our economy. Is there anyone else on this short line?

“What permits do you need?” Mr. Picker was asked. I thought he would be able to recite them in alphabetical or numeric order. But he answered “Our application is for 150 acres. We own eight acres of land. We put forth an application for 300 five-star hotel rooms, a conference center to do mid-level conferences, 2300 residential units, 20% of which are next generation, 500,000 sq. ft. of retail space, which would be complimentary. This is a mix-use, SMART-use development. We’ve spent $15,000,000 on this entitlement process. We need answers. We need the P.D.P. (Planned Development Permit) approved, the lease done with the County (which they have already begun working on), Sub-division approval and DEC and DOT signoffs.”

Mr. Picker said something very important that I hope didn‘t fall on deaf ears. “If we don‘t work sequentially we can‘t do it. We‘re surrounded by a lot of communities with varying view points. We can‘t please ALL of them.”

One of these groups that were identified in Newsday is the veterans. While the veterans’ organizations showed up to the 180th Community Outreach meeting and endorsed the project, a follow-up article cited complaints regarding the naming of the arena. What was not covered in that article was the fact that the Lighthouse group had worked with the veterans in order to come up with a compromise to properly recognize them. By changing the name of the roadway where the development will be built, that would assure that the words “Veterans Memorial” would not be dropped from the Nassau Coliseum vocabulary.

In all seriousness, how many of us actually call it “The Nassau County Veterans Memorial Coliseum”? Find me one.

Certainly traffic concerns are at the top of the list. Considering how much money, time and effort have been expended studying the traffic situation, Mr. Picker made an obvious statement. “If we create an unbearable traffic situation, we hurt ourselves.”

There were 279 intersections covered in the DGIS. Some would need to be configured right away, and others as the project develops. Traffic is a wide spread problem. Even Ron Foley, Regional Director for Long Island, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, admitted the traffic situation the annual air show over Jones Beach creates is a problem. Does anyone say “don’t do it”?

As one of the assemblymen took a trip down memory lane, he said something I never thought about. Years ago on a Saturday night when Roosevelt Raceway was open with 30,000 patrons, and the Islanders were playing with 12,000 patrons, and Hofstra may have had a basketball game, the roadways clogged, but they were not at a standstill. “It’s not as big a problem as people think.”

There are ways to ease traffic problems: staggered work hours, traffic pattern changes during high volume egress of events, among others. The problems are not insurmountable. “The peak hours are only part of the day.” Mr. Picker reasoned.

We have an opportunity to create a world-class leisure and recreational destination. We have the opportunity to create our own stimulus bill. We don’t have what the Lighthouse Project has to offer anywhere on Long Island. It can be a catalyst for change, or it can be a parking lot.

The people have to choose. The people have to be heard. The people have to tell their political representatives what they want. And they have to tell them NOW.

In Appreciation of Doug Weight

So many of you may not have seen this, but this paragraph prefaced the game notes on Saturday afternoon that are sent out by the Customer Service Dept.

"I’ll take a hundred like Doug Weight. The man loves the game. He plays with integrity, and is respected around the league and around the locker room. Watching this guy do whatever it takes to give his team the respect it deserves is an inspiration to us all. In all my years I had never seen a player throw down his gloves so emphatically they way he dad last Saturday v Philadelphia. He had no problem doing it again Thursday night. Yet, off the ice he is one of the most affable and likeable characters of the game. The fact that he still wears molded boot skates just increases the amount of respect this writer has for the guy."


Truer words were never spoken. He's one veteran I wouldn't mind seeing in September in an Islanders jersey again.

Scott Gordon: Playing for Pride & Next Season's Roster

There is no "tanking" in Uniondale. The team that suits up for coach Scott Gordon plays to the best of their ability. After all, they want Gordon to see them as a perfect fit for his team next season. They also play for each other. Whether Islander or Sound Tiger, they are a team.

The newest promotion last night on the Jumbotron was something to the effect of each prominent Islanders player who had spent time on the Sound Tigers saying something like "I was born in Bridgeport." It made a statement. The call ups you see now can very well be the Islander stars of tomorrow. Providing "tomorrow" ever comes.

Scott Gordon spent at least 90 seconds of the four-minute post game interview smiling at some of the questions that were asked. Winning always makes him smile. Even if it does mean possibly changing the Islanders rank in the draft lottery.

Scott Gordon spends so much time teaching and coaching that he doesn't have time for stat watching. "Until you told me we were a game over 500, I didn't know." He told C.J. Papa with a broad smile. "It's important we do well in the second half." (Which is now down to a number of games you can count on one hand.)

He had some nice things to say about Jesse Joensuu "He used his speed, he was physical. His positioning was good all night. Obviously he's a guy we are excited about for the future. I was really happy with Jesse. I thought he played well."

I think Jesse would be happy to hear that as he said in the locker room, "The biggest thing on my mind when I get here is always that I'm living my dream. When you get points, it pumps up your confidence. When I got to the locker room and saw that I would play with Doug Weight and Richard Park, I just thought that, I can't think about it, because if I think about my line mates I'm going to be somewhere except on the ice. So I just tried to forget who I played with." Yep, Jesse is living his dream.

The future also is looking brighter for Josh Bailey, who did have a slow start coming directly from Juniors. "For Josh, the offensive for him is going to build as he gets stronger. The biggest take away for me is the skating part of it, and that will improve. But the fact that he is moving his feet, he's getting more opportunities because of it. He's around the puck more often. As a result, he gets that goal because he was in stride."

Gordon has been working with Josh... a lot..."It's identifying, showing him on video and in practice that once you move the puck there's someplace to go. That's the biggest thing. In juniors he's probably so accustomed to slowing the play down, timing his options and standing still. When you're at a standstill, it's easy to get locked in. Now when he moves the puck, he's moving his spots and whether it's to be part of a fore check on an unsuccessful pass or to be part of a tag on a successful pass, it leads to opportunities offered to him."

Josh is a good student as he told the reporters "The system is second nature now. When you see plays like that work out, it gives you some satisfaction. I think the part of the first year is adapting to the league and learning stuff that you have to do and get away with. I think as of late I feel as if I've grown more as a player."

Gordon would tend to agree with you Josh.

With Yann Danis in net following his previous high scoring loss, Gordon once again touted his faith in the young goaltender. "One of the things I was talking to Yann about before the game was, I want to see that sort of response I saw tonight. He had three goals go off of sticks, kind of flukey type and then he had the one that came down the middle of the ice and they scored on, which I didn't think there was a whole lot he could do on. That being said, he even said he felt pretty good. It was just one of those games that you don't get the bounces and for me tonight I thought he was really good."

Notice something here, Scott Gordon remembers every play from every game. I know I've said it before, but I will say it again. From a tactical standpoint, this man just amazes me. Granted, he may lose me completely from time to time with his technical explanations. When that happens, I just focus on what he's wearing. I don't think we've ever had a GQ model coach before. Have we?

Yann Danis feels the same way about bad losses as ex-goalie Scott Gordon, "It's part of the game. All goalies have to go through it. All you have to do is battle through it and stay positive and eventually things will get better. I hate losing."

I was snapped back into the post game by the next question regarding the five Bridgeport call-ups. The answer was simple. He knew not to completely devastate Jack's team when they are playing today at 1 pm and are headed for post season when the Islanders are heading for the golf course. He admitted that calling Mitch Fritz up was because Tampa had come down hard last time on Jackman. Fritz was just a little added protection along with Rechlichz. In the end, Joel beat Fritz on the stat sheet in every column. More shifts, more ice time, more penalty minutes and more love from the crowd. (Although Fritz did take a face off and won helping to bring the Islanders face off percentage to a whopping 59%.)

Not to leave out his veteran players, Gordon said "I thought Marty and Witter were solid. I don't know what the final total was for scoring chances on their top line, but those guys did a great job."

They did such a great job that the Islanders walked away with three goals and free chili for their fans from Wendy's. Everyone please remember to ask for it today. And don't look at the lottery standings. Gordon doesn't.