I just got this press release from the Islanders a little while ago:
BAILEY TO REMAIN AN ISLANDER FOR 2008-09
Islanders 2008 First Round Draft Pick to Stay with Team This Season
Uniondale, NY, November 29, 2008 — The New York Islanders announced today that 2008 first round draft pick, center Josh Bailey, will remain with the Islanders for the 2008-09 season. Bailey, who was selected ninth overall this past June, has played in nine games and has recorded five points — all assists. Bailey, who signed a three-year contract with the Islanders on his 19th birthday on October 2nd, will play in his tenth game tonight versus the Ottawa Senators at the Nassau Coliseum.
“My goal ever since I was drafted was to make the team out of training camp and to stay with the Islanders for the entire season,” said Bailey. “I would like to thank (Islanders General Manager) Garth Snow and (Islanders Head Coach) Scott Gordon for the opportunity to play for the Islanders. I would also like to thank the entire Windsor Spitfires organization because I would not be where I am today without their help. I look forward to making Long Island my home.”
Said Islanders General Manager Garth Snow: “In a short time, Josh has met and exceeded all of our expectations of him both on and off the ice. We look forward to watching him continue his development this season as an Islander.”
Bailey made his NHL debut with the Islanders on November 11th versus the Philadelphia Flyers. He recorded his first NHL point, an assist, on November 13th at Ottawa. Bailey missed the first 14 games of the season with an injury.
Prior to being drafted by the Islanders, Bailey spent the previous three seasons with Windsor and Owen Sound of the OHL. In 191 career OHL games, Bailey scored 58 goals with 125 assists for 183 points.
Great move by the Isles! There is absolutely NO reason for Josh to continue his OHL career with Windsor – that is leading the league by leaps and bounds. There is no additional development goals that would have been made by Josh at that level. As it was stated in the release, he has show so much both on and off the ice, that you rarely see by a man at the tender age of 19.
Now – the pressure is off tonight, Josh… Get that first goal under your belt! I know you can do it, and so do all of us Islander fans!
See ya at the Barn!
Posted under Islanders 08-09
This post was written by Gary Harding on November 29, 2008
