The words that many a NHL fan can not wait to say…

“Training Camp is about to begin!!!”

The Isles will start on Thursday with their physicals and head to Moncton, NB, for a week of intensive training. Scott Gordon will have his first chance to get his new players to read into his new system, and hopefully it is a transition that the players will not only take seriously, but pick up and master along the way.

Some early questions???

With Sillinger not ready to start the season, how does one of the newest Islanders, 1st round pick Josh Bailey work himself into this group, and find a chance to head to Long Island in October.

Will Kyle Okposo take a giant step forward in his rookie season (eligible for the Calder this year), and be the person that everyone expected him to be when he was drafted a few years back?

Are we FINALLY going to see the NHL caliber play of Jeff Tambellini, or are we just going to see him fade away…? (Truthfully, this is the one question that can make huge dividends for the Isles, if Jeff comes through)

Will Scott Gordon be able to curtail Ricky just a little, so that he has rest and injury free days for all season? The over/under for Joey McDonald (or other backup) starts is 10.

Will Marc Streit be the answer to a struggling power play? Was his year in Montreal good, because of the teammates, or his play?

Basically, will this team be healthy? We can not endure another year of 12 men on the IR.

Now these questions that we were asking in July and August, are now major topics of conversation. The time is here, get the pads on boys. Time to start skating. Time to get your shooting skills in order.

Hockey is back, and I love it!

And the best part - my season tickets came in the mail yesterday, and I am so stoked!

Other notes:
On a personal note - my mom is doing better. She should be heading to a rehab center shortly. Thanks to all for the kind wishes. I will not be on the NY Hockey Report tonight, as I have so much work to do, before my vacation starts on Friday. I will be in Sunny Orlando Florida when camp begins, so I will have my ears to a large coke bottle, and will try and report as much as I can. Add a little flavor, if you will.