Thursday, March 17, 2011

No, I didn’t write anything yesterday. Well, actually I did, but Blogger decided to wipe it out as it hit the preview button. Too late to start over, I ditched the entire effort.

So what happened yesterday? Well, the Ness Mess was finalized as Aaron Ness left the University of MN to sign an entry level agreement with the NY Islanders. Much had been said previously about it and everyone speculated the outcome. Seems Aaron was another NY Islander draftee that wasn’t developing the way they expected in that particular program. Kyle Okposo left midseason to join the Islanders after a messy PR was in the papers. At least Ness is leaving after the season. But if this keeps up, I’m thinking UM may never let another Islander draftee play for the Golden Gophers.

From the Islanders Official Press Release:

Ness, the Islanders second-round selection (40th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, signs after completing three seasons of collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota. The 5’10”, 177-pound defenseman appeared in 35 games this season with the Golden Gophers, recording 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) and 41 penalty minutes

In comparison, Blake Kessel, attending UNH and playing for The Wildcats has 26 points in 36 games, 5 goals, 21 assists and 32 penalty minutes. But Blake is 6’2” and 205 lbs.

Ness will be practicing with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers today and get his first taste of “pro” life. I’m glad he’s heading to B-Port. Think of how well some of the Islanders other defensemen have turned out going through there. Although how many Travis Hamonics can we hope to find?

Of course the Mother in me worries that if this kid CAN'T make it in the NHL, what happens then? Well, I'm told he can always go BACK and finish college, but it takes a special kind of person to be able to do that. I wish him well.


In other news, Rick DiPietro was taken off the IR and Nate Lawson was returned to Bridgeport. Expect to see RDP in one of the back-to-back games this weekend. Personally I am VERY excited to see how the tandem of RDP and Big Al works out. These next 11 games will be a good indication of whether the two can share the net and the workload for next season.

Rick is 29 now and 6’1. Montoya is 26 and 6’2”. Both goalies are American and are similar in some ways. If they can get along in that locker room, the NY Islanders may have one a very interesting goalie situation next season with Kevin Poulin salivating on the side-lines waiting for one of them to hit the IR so he can get back into the NHL. Again, something we’ll have to play “wait & see.”

Okay, speaking of Bridgeport, if you haven’t been there you really should go. Check out StadiumJourney.com’s report on Harbor Yard. I think we can get the rating up. Because personally, I really love our sister arena. Intimate, family-friendly and affordable for a excellent hockey. Love it. Also check out StadiumJourney.com for information on any other arena or venue you may be visiting. Hey, Know before you GO, right?

More as it comes through “the Twitter” as Betty White says.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Hope some of you have your Islanders Green Player T’s on!

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