Blue & White Scrimmage Draws the Faithful

Hockey in July drew the most faithful of Islanders fans and not just for the air conditioning in the Coliseum. When I arrived in the parking lot, I could see the familiar blue tent of the crowd from Islander Mania message board. Yep, once again Dominick was running the grill, @IslesChick Lisa was playing hostess and the blenders were whirring. In every direction, the conversation surrounded the Islanders. After all, this group came together because of one thing in common: The Islanders.

The first of two entries on last night can be found here at Hockeybuzz.com.

I hope you picked up your VOTE YES gear last night. Garth Snow addressed the crowd. Due to the importance, he read from a prepared statement on the ice. The issue was the August 1st vote and how necessary it is to make sure that Islander fans get the word out to their friends and neighbors who are eligible to vote on August 1st on the referendum to get out there and do so.

More later tonight.

A Gaggle of Prospects Sign for Fans

Yep, the line was long. With a cluster of NY Islanders finest youngsters all in one place for a fan signing, these were the most ardent fans waiting patiently for autographs and to take advantage of the 25% off sale.

Long Island native Tony Romano arrived first and took his seat at the table behind his nameplate. He was taking it all in before the hard working Ann Rina brought the other players into the store. I was taking in the new merchandise.

It was an assembly line of sorts with the five good looking youngsters ready and waiting with Sharpies in hand.  Romano's dark hair made him stand out from the rest of the fair-haired young men in their team issued Polos.  Once things were rolling, Calvin De Haan admired his signature and quipped to Mikko Koskinen "Practice makes perfect, right?" 

Once the line was opened up to the fans waiting, I found it interesting that some were almost overwhelmed seeing so many of them lined up.  They didn't know what to do first.  But Ms. Rina, being an old pro at this sort of thing, quickly had things working in perfect order.  I stood back to hear some of the fan comments as they left the store with their new merchandise and signatures.

I actually chased this couple outside the store.  This is Mr. & Mrs. Burns, season ticket holders and (I'm happy to say) readers of mine.  Mrs. Burns was happy with the new draft hat that they all signed and "even spelled my name right."  Definitely not something that will be sold on eBay, but something to put in a personal collection to enjoy.

Evelyn Hamilton, season ticket holder since the 80s, comes out for all the events -- especially the sales!  She purchased one of the new patriotic t-shirts and had all five sign it.   It's a gift for the host of an Islander Party she's attending.  She bought one for her grand-daughter too who is also a season ticket holder.  Not sure who the Grabner Gremlin shirt was for though.  Lovely woman, dedicated fan.

I thought this was pretty cute.  I haven't grown up yet.  I still love toys.  This one is $11.95 and adorable.

While @Dan3boyz told me this is quite normal, I was amazed that this fan had all the boys -- sign the baby.  The little chubster will wear that autographed jersey for the next few months and then have something Mom & Dad can frame for him later in life.  Too cute.

Also too cute, the answers I got out of all five prospects to two simple questions. 

Notes, News & Rumors: And How to Tell the Difference

News: Only a few hours after the big news was the signing of Ilya Kovalchuk to a historic 17 year contract, the BIGGER news was how the hockey world would handle the NHL's rejection of the contract with the Devils. At 6:30 am yesterday, the league issued their statement and said they would not discuss it further. Then at 5:06 pm, Lou Lamoriello issued his statement of disappointment and said they would have no further comment. Jay Grossman issued a statement saying there would be no further comments either.

So basically, all those involved in the contract dispute are not talking which leaves the rest of the hockey world to do it for them. Every sports radio station I turned to had their own ideas on how to clean up the mess as well as the projected future demise of the National Hockey League. Everyone has an opinion. No one knows what's going to happen.

In other verified news, the NY Islanders signed yet another tough guy to a two-way deal. Jeremy Yablonski, 30 year-old, ex-Binghamton Senator is a close friend of Trevor Gillies. Although you wouldn't know it by the way they have beat the crap out of each other in the past.

Faux News: It seems that someone called into an ESPN radio show late last night with news of a car accident injuring Rick DiPietro. The faux news spread like wildfire on the net, probably because it was heard on ESPN and that gave it a shred of credibility before confirmation. Sad that someone would spread a rumor like that, interesting that so many reached out so quickly trying to find the truth. Newsday's Katie Strang made the call to the GM who was probably not very pleased with the entire episode. She Tweeted "Garth Snow said he just got off the phone with Rick DiPietro, who did not get into a car accident tonight

Notes: Kevin Connolly was on Regis & Kelly yesterday. If you blinked, you missed it.

The Islanders prospect Blue & Orange Scrimmage was a huge success in so many ways. Most notably to me is that Islander fans came out for a prospect scrimmage in the middle of July 1,024 spectators STRONGER than those attending the same type of event for the Washington Capitals. So please, don't tell me there are no Islander fans.

But I didn't realize that the ITV Broadcast of the event was so well produced. The scrimmage and skills competition segments are all posted on the Islanders main website under the ITV tab. They are well worth the time to view. Chris King does an amazing job on the mic covering the action. Joining him in the booth that night were Sound Tigers coach Jack Capuano (who absolutely has a career in broadcasting ahead of him), youngster Calvin deHaan (who Chris called Eagle Eye) and both Islanders assistant coaches.

Here is just one of the segments you can find on the website. Check out how well-spoken Calvin deHaan is.




Now, how do you tell the difference between News & Rumor in today's electronically connected world? That is the tough part. Perhaps we all have to look for key words such as "confirmed" or "official statement." That may be difficult when the information is coming from legitimate sources who haven't had time to actually research the validity of the information. The media's desire to be first, and the public's desire to know, has put us all at the disadvantage of not knowing who to trust or what to believe.

This is an age old problem that has only become worse with our social connectivity. Each of us has to monitor not only what we read, but also what we deliver and do so with integrity and intelligence.

Or at least try.

Garth Snow: When The World Calls

Islanders head coach Scott Gordon will be heading to Germany for the World Championships this month to represent his country once again. Hearing that John Tavares would be on the Canadian National team seemed almost a given, but when I heard that defenseman Jack Hillen will be joining Kyle Okposo on Team USA, I was surprised and elated. I’ve come to think of Jack as one of the Islanders’ best-cultivated talents.

Continued here at HockeyBuzz.com

And more infor about the World Championship by another Islander blogger here http://www.islandershockeyblog.com/2010-articles/may/2010-iihf-world-championship-team-usa.html
Up next, contract negotiations and the salary cap.

Calvin deHaan Now Signed

Of course, as usual, breaking news hit while I was on line at the Deli in Pathmark. Great. "Yes, I'll take a half a pound of honey smoked Turkey and, by the way, Calvin deHaan just signed a three year entry level contract with the New York Islanders."

Not exactly great impact there. Sure, I Tweeted it out from my phone but it lost something in the delay.

So after I turned into the Bruins vs Flyers I couldn't think of trying to come up with something to say about what is really not a surprise move on the Islanders part. I waited for Mark Savard to end the goalie duel that was Game one of their playoff battle and then started to look around for what I had written about Calvin previously.

With everything I have in my archives, it turns out that the thing I remember most, I can't find! Okay, maybe I didn't look that hard to begin with. It was at prospect camp in July of last year. I made a point of watching deHaan on the ice and to be sure, I too was impressed with the youngster. And he was CERTAINLY a youngster. I remember not being able to get anything out of him when I tried to interview him.

I told someone that I thought he may make it onto the Bridegport squad right out of camp and everyone told me there was no room for him in the line-up -- on any of the Isles teams. However, I knew that the powers that be were very high on Calvin.

So a year later, a few surgeries and a concussion, Calvin gets his first contract, a three year rookie contract at the tender age of eighteen. Congrats Calvin.

International Competition from a Corporate View

This may not be popular, nor do I think I agree with this idea whole-heartedly, but -- After hearing of the injuries to two NY Islanders prospects at the WJHC, I understand.

Of course, it is an honor to represent your country in International competition. There is a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with the patriotism. However, for these young athletes (or the somewhat older ones that will compete in the Olympics) there are risks that come with the honor.

Such is the case of Calvin DeHaan who has missed a few games with Team Canada after suffering a possible concussion from a hit by Swiss player Mauro Jorg. Then Travis Hamonic was hit against the boards today by yet another Swiss player, suffered a separated shoulder and is out for the rest of the tournament. Canada lost the player but won the game.

How bad will these injuries ultimately be? Will it effect their long term development? De Haan is a prospect that the NY Islanders organization has been very impressed with and looking forward to joining the team. What if this injury is the precursor to a long term problem?

What if a hit along the boards was the end of some young player's career? It would also be the end of some long term plans for an organization.

This is one of the arguments that the NHL is using to determine their participation in the next Winter Olympics. As of now, the Vancouver 2010 Olympics are the last the NHL will actively participate in.

When the Team USA roster was announced, many team owners and GMs heard they would be lending some of their star players to the world stage and shutting down business. Besides the interruption in revenue stream, the additional risk of injury to these players weighs heavily on them.

When you own a business, you want to protect your assets. While I thoroughly enjoy the international competitions, if the NHL decides not to participate any longer, I would understand.

Part of me also wonders if the NY Islanders organization is not that upset that Brian Burke (Mr. "Garth Said No") has left Kyle Okposo off the Olympic roster. Kyle will no doubt be on USA Hockey team at some point in his career. It is inevitable.

Our only NY Islander representative on Team USA will be coach Scott Gordon. With luck, we won't lose him to injury during the tournament. Other than he may go deaf having to listen to John Tortorella's screaming. Scott, pack earplugs along with those sharp ties of yours. And Tums. I have a feeling you're going to need them.

The BLizzard of '09

We interrupt this holiday season for the Blizzard of '09. Yes, Long Island received over two feet of snow causes problems for just about everyone.... except the Habs fans that were in attendance at Saturday's game of course.

The STH open practice that was scheduled for Sunday 12/20 was cancelled due to inclement weather and the Tampa Bay Lightning were re-routed and shuttled all over the place in preparation for tonight's game.

But today is Monday and the big dig is almost complete. The sun is shining and people are just about getting back to their normal holiday routines. The big question tonight will be if the Islanders can find a way to get back to their WINNING routine of a few weeks ago.

"It's embarrassing." said Matt Moulson after Saturday's shut out loss. As hard as they are trying to get Marty Biron a few wins, they just "can't finish."

Biron, who is a seasoned veteran and takes losing with grace, said that as nice as it is that they are looking for a win for HIM, this is a team and the wins have to come from the group.

This group has not been able to find the back of the net in a long time. Kyle Okposo's chances for the Olympics seem even dimmer than a 5 Watt bulb. John Tavares is on schedule to lose that rookie race he was leading. And #MightyMattMoulson may very well cost me a case of wine as my hopes for him getting 20 goals by January 1 is now questionable.

WHAT HAPPENED GUYS????

With the struggling Tampa Bay Lightning hitting the Uniondale ice tonight, the stakes are high for both teams. Equal in points and equal in frustration, once again it will be any one's hockey game.

There is no magic elixir for wins. Just, as Matt said Saturday, a hunger. One the Islanders seem to have lost. Skip the afternoon meal then. You should be starving by game time.

Congratulations to Islanders prospects Travis Hamonic and Calvin DeHaan who both saw the stat sheet at the World Juniors on Sunday for Team Canada. Remember that DeHaan is the kid that Mr. Snow told me to keep an eye out for.

I'm not 100% sure that I will make it to the game tonight and obviously I'm not making it to the Coliseum for pre-game skate. Information regarding tonight's line-ups and such will have to come from the Twitter feed of those who are paid to cover this team. But if I had to guess... Roloson may get the start. Should I get any information over the phone, I'll be sure to pass it on.

Everyone walk and drive safely. Unless you're wearing skates, the ice is treacherous.

Isles Lose to the Devils 4 - 2, But Devils Fan wins BIG!

I'd like to thank this Devils fan for throwing his support behind our battle. We seriously appreciate it.

There were signs on the concourse and in the stands. There was a shout of "Just Build It" during the National anthem. While we were there to see the Long Island debut of John Tavares, we were also there with a sense of nervousness. How much longer will we be able to head to Uniondale for NHL Hockey?

One fan said to me, "I don't want to have to drive 9 hours to watch my team." I don't either. As a matter of fact, I don't even want to have to drive into Queens or Brooklyn. Truthfully, I won't. I can't. It's hard enough for me to get from Melville to Uniondale on a weeknight. I couldn't imagine trying to get to Queens or Brooklyn.

No, no. This team should stay where it is. I just hope the powers that be see it as clearly as this guy carrying a sign all over the Coliseum does.

While the crowd may have been light, it was nice to have hockey back. There's excitement over the new season and the new kids on the ice.

Besides John Tavares getting his second NHL point on an assist on Matt Moulsen's goal, I'll say that young Calvin deHaan certainly looks good on the ice.

IslesOfficial Doug asked if he reminded anyone of a young Bruno Gervais. In actuality, remembering back, Bruno looked 15 when he first came to the Islanders. I begged the kid to eat a cheeseburger or two.

But the story of the night were the heavy hitters. The barn was full of them. Not only the ones on the ice, but the ones on the concourse. First there was Eric Cairns and Joel Rechlichz, then downstairs there was Kevin Colley and his assistant coach from the ECHL's Utah Grizzles. (Considering the scare I can't get out of my mind, he looks fabulous.) Also downstairs was fan favorite Steve Webb fresh off his charity bike ride. He said he was feeling the discomfort now of pushing himself to the limit, but he was all smiles when it came to the amount of money they raised. "We're still counting. It's still coming in." He did 70 miles a day. God Bless this guy. Check his website at the w20 foundation for details on his trip. You may even be able to catch this on the Islanders main website soon.

I asked The Wrecker about Haley, since he seems to be trying to prove something every time he hits the ice. "He's a tough kid. He's a really good middle weight. One of the best in the American Hockey League. He doesn't shy away from the rough stuff. He's a good player too"

I take it he's looking to make the leap to the NHL. Okay, who said we had no toughness on this team? Just take a look again at how many fights there have been in this preseason period and how many different names you've read. One name I didn't want to see on the fight card was Mark Streit. That was a big no-no. But what are you going to do. He's not the type of guy to back down.

There was a Kyle Okposo sighting, and as Katie Strang said, he looks okay. I also saw my boy Sean, a little shaggy, but getting around without any noticeable outward discomfort. He should be back soon.

I didn't get to see Doug Weight or Trent Hunter. But then again, I also missed two thirds of Scott Gordon's press conference. I have to learn not to chat so much in the hallway. But it was the first night back and I was so happy to see everyone.

I stopped veteran announcer Jiggs MacDonald who was reluctant to say that the broadcast went without error. "They say this is like riding a bicycle. Not really." Hopefully, someone else can tell me how it went since I don't get to see the broadcasts when I'm there.

Yep, this is going to be an interesting season for sure. Even with so many unanswered questions, we really do have a lot to look forward to. No, really.

It was the Nathan Lawson Show

It may have been the debut of John Tavares, but it was the Nathan Lawson show last night in Edmonton. Another late night of rookie battles with a very familiar outcome. 3 - 2 Oilers.

It was forty minutes of good, fast paced hockey with an Islanders lead from courtesy of Bruno Gervais from early in the first. They held onto the lead until Dustin Penner skated in all alone and beat Lawson eight minutes into the third.

That's when I decided to call it a night. I missed the last two Edmonton goals. But if I think hard about last season, I'm sure I can conjure up the visual.

Lawson made some excellent saves and some just plain good ones. As Scott Gordon said, "I don't think I could expect him to play any better. This was a big step." With the depth in goal that he spoke of, the question looms large -- Who's going to Utah? Personally I think it should be the "kid." Unless he's too young to travel on his own. I don't know. But let him come up through the ECHL first and give Lawson to Jack and the Tigers to learn the system. But, that's just me.

While I was able to stay awake to watch the game on the computer screen (Thank you NHL.com and no thanks to the Dolans) I noticed that John Tavares is right in everything he says about what he needs to do to get better. I watched him get stripped of the puck a few times. Yes, his opponents are just stronger than he is. Doug Weight warned him about that. Actually, everyone warned him about that. Maybe this was the first time he actually realized that. It was sad that he told a reporter that he didn't even think about his first NHL game as "fun." He said he had "one" special moment, but he was keeping it to himself.

The rookie who DID have fun last night was Calvin de Haan. You can tell that in his interview tape, but then again, he DID have a big goal too. "Probably one of the best days of my life. Dream come true. First game, first goal." But he too understands his short comings and what he needs to learn. "Gap control -- I'm giving the opposition's forwards too much time and space out there. Gotta tighten it up a bit."

I'm reminded at mini-camp, I was told by someone in the know to keep an eye on de Haan. I guess I should take his advice.

So now that John Tavares' much heralded first NHL game is out of the way, he can continue his quest to get better. Hopefully the two injured players from last night will also Get Better Soon. Both Doug Weight and Sean Bergenheim had to leave the game due to groin strains.

Yep, Islanders training camp. Same old, same old. Any takers on who will go down next?