Rookie Game 1

**10:22 pm: Well, not the way they wanted it to go for sure. Too many penalties, too many missed opportunities and too high strung. According to Newsday's Katie Strang who is in Boston, she Tweeted that Scott Gordon felt the team lacked consistent jump. The 5-2 final was punctuated by a Jordan Caron empty netter to land him a hat trick for the night. Nino Niederreiter had his first fight in an Islander sweater and he said he tried his best. However, the decidedly Bruins slanted announcer did everything but call him a sissy for his performance against Tyler Randell. It was uncalled for.

Casey Cizikas was quite noticeable, especially flying around without his helmet. Kirill Kabanov seemed to be somewhat frustrated as he took an extended amount of time getting off an opponent on the outside of the net late in the game. It wouldn't change the score.

In front of almost 12,000 animated hockey-starved Bruins fans, the Islanders lost their first pre-exhibition exhibition game. Perhaps tomorrow will be different.

“Work Hard – Have Fun” Kirill Kabanov

It was the Kirill & Kirill show today at the Coliseum in the hallway by the locker room. I had no idea that Kiril Petrov spoke no English. But that wasn’t a problem because Kirill Kabanov speaks better English than some American teens.

Training camp today was broken up into the two groups and a gaggle of goalies. I arrived at 11 am, so I was somewhat late for the first group. But I was really there for other reasons – first and foremost to get out of the 101 degree heat. There was a gaggle of reporters there all watching the kids. It’s always funny to hear the men in the room say things like “Geeze, they can’t even SHAVE yet.”

Yep. They’re young. They’re excited and they’re a little nervous. You could tell which prospects were first timers and those who were returning. There was a definite comfort level difference. Unless you were looking at Kirill Kabanov. He seems to be comfortable no matter where you plop him.


It was great to see both John Tavares and Josh Bailey there. They both aren’t very far removed from their own first prospect camps. I’m sure that made the likes of Nino Niederreiter a little more comfortable. Especially after he left the dressing room and was followed like a rock star down the tunnel with cameras snapping wildly behind him.

The name plate on the back of his jersey spans from shoulder to shoulder and then some. But there were also a few others with the same situation. DiBenedetto, Rakhshani and Klementyev, names with many consonants stretched across colorful jerseys. Some we will see again, others we will only see at these camps.

On one end of the ice, the pair of Kirills was running through one legged skate drills. At that time, I had no idea that Kirill Petrov does not speak English. Kabonov must be translating all of the coach’s instructions to him. I started to wonder if he would change the instructions just enough to make Petrov look bad. Nah…
Matt Martin was chirping at Casey Cizikas as they were waiting to get on the ice. It sounded as if they are very familiar with each other. It also sounded as if Martin was looking forward to getting a piece of Casey out on the ice. We’ll see at the scrimmage.

The amazing amount of Long Island talent that was invited to camp was probably for a few reasons. First, bodies and second a better taste of Long Island and the idea that we DO have a hockey program here on the Island.

The Islanders were kind enough to give everyone a printed player guide for the camp. This way we can spell their names correctly. But looking at it I can tell you that Rhett Rakhshani, the Right Wing from Huntington Beach CA, has and ENTIRE PAGE of awards and honors. He was selected 100th overall in the 6th round of the 2006 Draft. He played five games with Bridgeport last season. That was after playing 41 games with the University of Denver and scoring 21 goals and 29 assists for 50 points.

Scott Gordon and Scott Allen were their usual reserved selves on the ice while Sound Tigers coach Jack Capuano was his usual, smiling and gum chewing self.

The scruffiest man on the ice has to be Robin Figren who could body double for the Geico cave man. Just kidding… sort of.

Charles Wang stopped by for a few hours to check out the future of his team. He watched from the stands in the company of GM Garth Snow and then went down to the ice to say hello to John Tavares and Calvin deHaan (I hope that was deHaan).

Anders Nilsson and Mikko Koskinen are a matched pair of 6’5” goalies, according to the stat sheets. But for some reason, Mikko still looks bigger. It made me giggle overhearing one of the reporters say “What’s his style? Standing.”


All in all, it seemed like a good day at the rink. Sadly later that afternoon it was marred by the news that Assistant GM Ryan Jankowski’s contract would not be renewed. His name is in the player guide and he was just interviewed about the 2010 draftees on ITV. His contract expired. That is an accurate detail. I guess the rest happened just as fast as the coach turning back into a pumpkin in Cinderella.

You can play circle the errors in the post. There are plenty. I wrote this way too late for and don't have time to fix it this morning or to post the videos until tomorrow. It’s too damn late.

NY Islanders: Rehab Camp for Wayward Hockey Players?

What the heck is a Mulligan? I don’t play golf so I didn’t know. But Garth Snow began his post pick interview with “We all wish we could get a Mulligan. Here’s his Mulligan.” when he was discussing young Russian Kiril Kabanov. Had Garth Snow used the more juvenile term “do over” when discussing the antics of the Russian prospect, then I would have understood. But considering Garth, as most of those in hockey, is also an avid golfer that’s the word he chose.

“We’ve all done things we may have regretted.” he told the media scrum in LA after drafting Kabanov in the third round at 65th overall. Simply reading the statements in print, it sounded as if Snow was looking for absolution for his own past mistakes. However, watching the interview on ITV, you can see the true intent of the words and the depth of understanding the boy (because 17 years-old is certainly a BOY) that so many other clubs wouldn’t take a chance on. You can also see the humor he injects “I don’t want to say too much. My mother may be watching.”

Certainly while Snow can relate to youthful mistakes, he also made clear the Islanders were not going to put up with any embarrassing shenanigans. “We do things a certain way and expect all our prospects and players to conform in a certain manner.”

Maybe the Islanders will end up being the Yankees-light. “We’ll see.” Garth continued. Yes, we will.

However, the brash Russian from Moscow with the super-model girlfriend isn’t the only one the NY islanders have taken a chance on. Just look back to last year’s draft and the case of Casey Cizikas. Prior to the 2009 NHL Draft, Casey was charged with manslaughter for a horrific Rugby incident that threatened to change the way violence in sports was regulated by the law in Canada.

After going through that year’s NHL combine and all the questioning, the Islanders made the decision to give Casey a chance and drafted him in the 4th round at 92 overall. Casey was sentenced to one year probation and 100 hours of community service for the manslaughter conviction of 15 year-old Manny Castillo during a 2007 Rugby match; a game that Castillo probably should not have been participating in due to a major concussion he sustained two weeks earlier. The judge ruled that Casey Cizikas used “unnecessary force” when he drove Castillo’s head into the ground in what some say was a violent act and others say was part of the game.

In 2009, the same week Casey was sentenced, he was here on Long Island at the Islanders mini-camp. I didn’t have a chance to interview him then, but when I asked Garth Snow about him, my concern for his character must have been evident. I remember him saying “He’s a good kid.” But it was certainly a bad situation.

Last season Casey scored 25 goals and 37 assists for 62 points and a +32 ranking for the Mississauga St. Michaels Majors. He also sat in the box for 77 minutes. In 16 playoff games he scored 7 goals and 7 assists with 16 PIMs. So while it seems Cizikas has some serious skills, he may also know the penalty box attendants quite while.

Then there is the story of Bobby Hughes who, just a few weeks ago, was acquitted of a 2008 criminal sex act after only 42 minutes of deliberation. Another bad boy in the Isles system?

Hughes was acquired in August of 2009 in a trade for Rob Hennigar. The charges against Hughes came as a surprise to Howard Saffan, a lawyer and the Sound Tigers President, who said in November that they knew nothing of it until marshals showed up to remove Hughes from the Arena at Harbor Yard.

While, as Garth said, everyone deserves a second chance, not all second chances work out. Take the second chance the Islanders gave Neil Smith. Remember him? Of course you do. Smith was the general manager of the NY Rangers from 1989 to 2000. It wasn’t until 2006 that Charles Wang gave him another shot at being a GM. That lasted 40 days and 40 nights and to hear those who lived it, the time was worse than the epic floods that caused Noah to build that Arc.

As of 2010, no other team has hired Smith as an NHL GM either so he is now owner and coach of what was the Charlestown Chiefs and are now the Greenville Road Warriors. Smith moved the team from PA due to financial reasons. When no one hires you for a job, you go into business for yourself. Smith is an excellent hockey personality for radio and TV and also does some great impressions. I’m sure he’ll keep them entertained in Greenville.

Jack Adams award-winning coach Ted Nolan was also given a second chance by Charles Wang. Ted waited ten years for another NHL coaching job after leaving the Buffalo Sabres. The job lasted one year less than his contract. While there is plenty of speculation as to WHY his tenure only lasted two years, I can only say this -- there may have been a reason it took ten years for him to find another spot in the NHL coaching merry-go-round. In July of 2009, Nolan was named VP of Hockey Ops of the Rochester Americans AHL team.

How about the bad press that Rob Schremp received in Edmonton? Schremp was claimed off waivers by the Islanders last season and was just extended a qualifying offer. Prior to the NHL Entry Draft of 2004, reports of his lack of character and cocky, confrontational attitude caused his stock to drop like a rock even though no one disputed Rob had top 5 talent. He was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1st round 25th overall. Schremp made no excuses for his personality. “I use the F-word when I talk to my friends and maybe I do swear too much.” he told the media.

He never seemed to impress the powers-that-be in Edmonton but now looks like a steal for the NY Islanders. As someone who has witnessed this bad boy’s antics in the locker room and with fans, I can tell you he hasn’t changed much. He still catches reporters off guard with somewhat inappropriate answers that can’t be used in stories and laughs loudly when joking with his fellow players. But he is humble and appreciative with fans and is quickly becoming a fan favorite. At only 23 years-old, this bad boy from Fulton NY has another chance to prove that his skills were indeed worthy of a top five draft pick.
　
So maybe drafting Kiril Kabanov wasn’t such a bad idea for the Islanders. Maybe Charles Wang’s insistence on giving the kid a second chance will work out for them. So what if his agent JP Barry dropped him. He has a new agent at the Orr agency. So what if he bailed on the Moncton Wildcats. Charles Wang can certainly find him another junior team if he has to come October. The 17 year-old (who turns 18 in July) is dating a waif of a supermodel named Yasmina Muratovich and has already fallen in love with “ink.” I suppose the laws governing tattoo parlors in Russia are different than they are here in the states. (In New York, no one under 18 can get a tattoo even with parental permission.)

Garth Snow says he will read him the rules and let him know exactly what is expected of him. He gets a chance to prove his critics wrong and Wang’s Islanders right or he will be shown the door. The choice is his. The Islanders already made theirs.

And for my thoughts on the Chase for Kovy, please check HockeyBuzz here.

Tavares' Boot Gets Picked Up by Yardbarker

So late last night I dashed off an entry that took me a very long time to write because everyone in the house wanted my attention. It was rediculous. All I wanted to do was just dash off a few lines about what had come over my Twitter stream all day that I couldn't report on because - uh -- like I have a day job. No one would let me. The dog, the kid, the husband, the laundry all needed SOMETHING. Throw in a sucky wi-fi connection that causes me to have to stand at the kitchen counter to ger service and it was just not a good night.

By 10:30 pm I finally finished what I had started at 8 pm. Here it is over at HockeyBuzz. But the funny thing is, this morning in my Google Alerts I see it was picked up by YardBarker.

Good Grief. I guess Angry Dee is the way to go to get attention.


Nashville Flood Auction: Don’t forget to check out the online hockey auction at http://donations.ebay.com/charity/charity.jsp?NP_ID=14161&searchString=theviewfrom111#buynp for a good cause.


**Photo from @NHLPA on Twitter from today's Goals & Dreams event. For full information see http://www.nhlpa.com

Under the Microscope: John Tavares

So electric, he glows. Not really. I just brought the wrong camera with me. It has better mega pixels and no shutter speed. Very annoying. So was the interview that I endured with Newsday's Jim Baumbach. It was not his fault. He apologized a few times. But it didn't make it any less painful.

"What's your favorite food?" "What's your favorite TV Show?" "What's your movie?" "Who would you like to play you in your life story?" If Jim got to "What brand of underwear do you wear, I was going to boink him with my tape recorder.

All the while, John never cracked a smile and answered politely and thoughtfully all while the Zamboni drowned out his quiet answers. I was within 18" of him, I couldn't hear him. The ITV camera was in his face. He never flinched. No matter how foolish the question, he answered as if he was asked to explain quantum physics.

In all honesty, if I had been asked these questions, they would have been far shorter. The PR clock was running and Jim asked all the questions he wanted and then some. Tiger Track Tom Liodice managed to get a question in, but when the PR clock ticked down to "Two more questions." I thought, cool. I'll get one in.

Jim asked another question and I glared at him. Then the PR clock deferred to Point Blank for the last question. I then glared at him. What? Was I invisible? I know I'm short and I was wearing sneakers, but I was right there.

I turned off my recorder and left the room to wait for Joel Rechlicz. I had already spent a good few minutes with Blake Kessel discussing his UNH games. He is very personable and had a lot to tell me about the school, his team and his team mates. That will be for tomorrow.

While I was waiting for the Wrecker to change, I watched JT with the fans that had waited so long to meet him. Again, he was diligent in his duties, but somewhat stoic. This kid is all business. When he told Jim Baumbach that he didn't want any distractions, I truly believe he means it.

He is accepting his role as the most watched Islander with dignity, but not with much humor. Considering that he has almost the same birthday as funny man Rick DiPietro, I'm very surprised. But then again, he grew up very differently. He has been scrutinized since he was a teenager.

Also under the microscope, obviously, is Casey Cizikas. He was comfortable on the ice and off. Smiling and joking with his team mates. I didn't get a chance to speak to him. I am going to try to tomorrow.

He took slide into the net that caused him to have ice bags taped to both his shins before he showered. Seth Sylvan, PR Director, made a point to tell me what a good kid Casey is. Truthfully, he carried himself as a kid.

I tried to focus on others as all eyes were on John Tavares. Actually, it was just good to be back in the rink and hearing the skates on the ice. It's a wonderful sound.

Afterwards, the barbecue for season ticket holders was still going on so Tom Liodice and I grabbed a burger and a seat with the IslanderMania crew and just relaxed. Tom had to warm up any way. Oddly, it was as if Jim and Tom had never been in an ice rink before. Neither one was dressed appropriately. Newsday's Katie Strang and I laughed since we were prepared with jackets and closed shoes.

The day went well for the NY Islanders and their prospects. The fans went home happy and the boys boarded a bus for the Mets game. Which they won.

And a good time was had by all.