OK - last night I was unable to do the NY Hockey Report.  I had some family things to do, and just would not be able to get home in time to do the show.

What has been happening on the show, is that when someone is not on (Specifically Joe - the Ranger boy…), we have abused him for so many reasons.  Last night, I was not on, so I was the whipping boy.

Joe basically accused me of being a ‘closet Rangers fan’.  Allow me to set the record straight….

I started following hockey in 1969.  Obviously, at that time, the Rangers were the only NHL team around.  My dad (as a NYC Cop) got tickets from time to time, and we would sit in the top of the arena, an be amazed by the old GAG line, and Eddie Giacomin in the nets.

In 1972, the Islanders came into town.  I went to some games in Year 1.  I wished I kept the programs and other stuff, wow, they would be valuable to say the least.  However, I liked both teams.  But whenever the Rangers played the Isles, I would take the city, and my dad would take Long Island, and we would have a friendly rivalry.  When the Isles were winning the 4 cups, I truly enjoyed watching them happen and was glad to see it.  I was a fan of both teams, so I didn’t mind seeing the team that I rooted against my dad with, go on to win 19 consecutive playoff series.  Unfortunately, my dad did not see the 4th cup (he passed away before that happened), but still, I kept my enjoyment of the local rivalry the same.  Many friends of mine at the time, asked how I can do that?  I just never decided to put a loyalty to just one team.  Growing up, I also enjoyed the Vancouver Canucks.  As a kid, I liked the old ’stick in the rink’ logo, and absolutely HATED the “Burger King” jerseys of the 80’s.  I was a fan of the game, and stayed that way through most of the 80’s.

Until “Trader Phil” started shuffling the team.

I liked when the Rangers picked up Walt Poddubny from the Maple Leafs.  Besides the interesting last name (I gravitated to those silly things as a kid and young man), he had the potential to be a 40-50 goal scorer, with the right environment.  Playing with the Rangers, he was close to doing just that.  He had, I believe, over 40 goals in his two seasons with the Blueshirts, and then traded him, along to Le Nordiques Jason Lafrienier and Normand Rochefort.  At that time, I asked someone to get me an Islander Booster Club application, because I had ENOUGH with the Rangers.  From that point on, my loyalty was ALL Islanders from that point.  From 1972 to 1988, I liked both teams.  I never put the word HATE to either of them.  Well - we all know what my loyalties are now!

So Joe - you know the story, but I wanted to let everyone else know what my story is.  And let me state this with 100% accruacy:

1. I DO NOT OWN ANY CLOTHING WITH A RANGER LOGO (I BURNED MY JERSEY IN 1988 - A BLUE #4 JERSEY)
2. I like Tom Poti - but I have no intention of starting a FAN CLUB for him (as a matter of fact Joe - I know that he LOVES YOU!!!)
3. Nothing would make my day go better to see the Rangers lose (with no disrespect to the fans - my beef is NOT with you)
4. As far as the fans are concerned, I have no problem with the Rangers fans showing up at the Coliseum, I just have problems with the attitudes.  It deals with the kids in the stands (and it really doesn’t matter what arena - it applies to all, but especially with the NYI/NYR games), when Rangers fans come, the yelling and the vulgarness that happens, is something I can not handle.
5. I root for ONE TEAM, and they play in UNIONDALE!

Oh yea, by the way (and I know that you did it for the show and your web site), but did you know that Joe Mac was a MEMBER of the ISLANDERS BOOSTER CLUB???  Yes indeed, Joe was a CARD CARRYING MEMBER, and actually ATTENDED MEETINGS!  Can’t say that for me????  However, I did have to attend a Ranger Fan Club meeting, which ironically, was days after they won the Cup.  I had to present the Ranger Fan Club with the Metro Mug, which is an award presented to the Fan Club, whose team had the best record between each other for the season.

So anyway, I had to get that off my chest.  It feels good.  Many Islander fans that grew up or were watching hockey in the late 60’s, early 70’s, have some Ranger blood  that flowed through their veins.  I got rid of mine fully, almost 20 years ago, and to Joe’s dismay, I have NO INTENTION of getting ANY BACK!

I know that I have to not miss the show much any more, but the night before Thanksgiving, we have a game.  I will call in on that night, but I am sure some abuse will come my way.  I have a job next week.  I have to get back at Joe.  Derek is all right, and I will not get on him (except for his Yankee stuff).

Well - we got the Flyers tonight… I assume you heard about the ONE ROUND Asham-DP scrap.  That is usually the kinds of things that make a team bond even more afterwards.  Ted has made some lineup shuffles, and hopefully this team will play PISSED and ROARING when the puck drops. 

After this match, then the team has 6 days off until the next game.  A chance to build some new schemes at practices, maybe even a day off or two.  I am glad that I get a weekend without any hockey to watch.  Go to the city to see a show, do some things in the house.  Spend some time with my wife (although  she is right in front of me at games).  Just a nice thing…

Have a HOCKEY DAY!  GH

PS - Thanks to “Stevedepot” on the NY Islanders Country Message Board for the permission to use his photoshop creations.  They are brilliant, aren’t they???

Posted under Islanders 06-07, NY Hockey Report, Ramblings