So Close We Can Almost Feel It

Oh yeah! According to Brian Compton of NHL.com, we are about 51 days away from opening night 2011 for the NHL. According to Islander fans, Hockey season will start on Long Island when the kids get back to camp.

This year, camp starts on September 10th. Brace yourselves fans, that's only 25 days away. We're going to blink and the "boys will be back in town."

After only three days in camp, on Tuesday, September 13th, the Coliseum doors will open to the public and we'll get our first glimpse of the new season. For only $10 admission, which will go to the Islanders Children's Foundation, the Islander Rookie squad will take on Boston and for all intents-and-purposes, OUR SEASON STARTS! Oh, but if you're a season ticket holder, you can get free tickets, but you may want to make a donation anyway. Just a thought.

This year's charity Golf outing is Wednesday September 14th, if you are so inclined and capable of not only playing golf, but making the donation. I hear it's always a good time, even in the pouring rain.

The Islanders will head to Boston on Friday, September 23rd. I'll be at the Coliseum even thought the Isles will be at TD Bank Center. I'll be seeing Roger Daltry performing Tommy. You could be seeing Mark Streit make his debut. (Hey! it could happen!)

The only preseason game at the Coliseum will be that Saturday, September 24th against the NJ Devils. I'm pretty much guessing friend of the Isles @SpeakoftheDevs will be in attendance that night

But the yearly charity event that my favorite fans, the creators of MattMas, are waiting for is the day at Adventureland in Farmingdale. This year, it's Sunday, September 25th. Let's hope for perfect early fall weather -- and no puking on the tea cup ride.

So many questions will be answered in training camp this year. So many young players looking to make an impression. I'm thinking $5 says there may even be one or two camp invitees.

Are we ready for this? I certainly am!

Side note: Happy 21st Birthday Travis Hamonic. Have a beer...legally.