Mine was buy but nice, thank you. With a few days of vacation time in both Dallas, Texas and Las Vegas, Nevada, my batteries have been re-charged and looking forward to the hockey season once again. It always starts to get kicking, once my annual hockey convention is held. The mind starts to race, and thoughts about my Islanders become prevalent in my mind.

Well – how was the summer vacation for the hockey team?

Interesting to say the least.

First thing I learned from this summer:

Do not play Texas hold-em with Garth. You will never know what you are going to get.

It was totally amazing that with minutes left to making the pick, the ‘experts’ had no clue what Garth was going to do. They were expecting one hand, and here comes Garth with something totally different. For all of us Islander fans – he went to the obvious. In securing JT, fans in Islander Country are hoping for similar results that a certain team in Western Pennsylvania received a few years ago, when they drafted an 18 year old with a whole lot of potential. Although many of a Canadian media persuasion don’t give it the same hype, since the Islanders are not a ‘sexy’ team, it would be nice to see them fall on their swords in a few years.

With Doug Weight back in the fold, it seems to be a perfect situation for Tavares to be in. A man with Dougie’s experience (and yes – he SHOULD be the Captain this season), will provide benefits that will be prevalent throught John’s career. I would hope that Coach Gordon will pair JT with Josh Bailey and Kyle Okposo. This could be the new version of Trio Grande.

Looking at other acquisitions, you only have to look at one place… THE NET!

We all know the Ricky deal – so we leave him out for now. But who would have expected Snowy to make not only one goalie aquisition, but two. Getting Roloson, I thought was a stroke of genius. A veteran with a good outlook, and still has some good stats. Then to pull Marty Biron and give him a chance, for a small contract, was brilliant. I think this allows #39 to take as much time as necessary. His salary does not count on the cap, as long as he is out, so get better Ricky, and take your DAMN time doing it.

Before getting the NHL guys, Snow drafts Mikko Koskinen in round 2, and he will be competing for a job in Bridgeport this season. A good piece of insurance, this 21 year old was a surprise pick. Now – instead of taking chances with unproven netminders as was last year’s menu, this year has experience at the top level, and giving the boys down in the “A” a chance to grow and develop.

Looking at the roster, with the amount of injuries that the team had last season, it looks like a completely new crew. Hopefully, the number of man-games lost this season will be minimal. We lost over 600 games last season, where the cross-town team had less than 100. That is the difference between a 15th place team in the conference and 8th. Improve that number, and your chances get better.

Hopefully, this season, the doctor does not get a chance to work too much.

So to finalize, I did not expect to get the roster that would make us a top 3 team in the conference. I totally expected the management to build on the youth factor, and sprinkle cogs in to make the team better. I think Garth took a nice step to do just that. Yes, I am always a positive person, and I feel that the team will improve. Hey – there is no way that it can spiral down. Look at Pittsburgh the first season with Sidney. They were not good; and they improved each season from there. Spotting a trend?

My next report, I will look closer at the forwards at try to glimpse at my crystal ball and see what we have.

Please comment, if you will.

Posted under Islanders 09-10

A 4PM Conference call is happening today, where it is expected to be announced that Mike Sillinger is to retire.

A former 1st round pick of Detroit, and has spent time with 12 different teams, is calling it a career, after two hip surgeries. Sillinger is class personified, and was a great contributor and mentor to many a player during his short stint with the Isles.

He possessed a great love for the game, and I expect that Garth Snow tried to offer him a position with the organization. He is too good a guy to let just slip. Unless Silly truly wants to go back to his home in Regina, SK, I hope he is still an Islander in some way.

I wish Silly nothing but success, happiness in what he does. Class should always have success and happiness, don’t you?

Posted under Islanders 09-10

My deepest sympathies go out to Jose Theodore of the Washington Capitals on the passing of his young 2 month old son. It was announced on a Montreal radio station on Thursday.

The Theodore family have a three year old daughter.

It is quite an agonozing thing to lose a child at such a young age. My prayes and thoughts go out to the Washington Capitals and the Theodore family during this trying time.

Posted under NHL Stuff

Nothing new on the hockey front.

However, my favorite soccer team Everton FC (UK Premiership), rebounded from their 6-1 drubbing last Sunday at the hands of Arsenal, with a 4-0 win at Goodison Park against Sigma Olomouc (Czech). The victory made it just about certain for the Toffees to move to the next round of the Europa League. Everton play the second leg of the home and home next week.

Jack Rodwell – an 18 year old sensation, scored two goals for Everton in between a pair of Luis Saha goals.

Everton played without their star back Jolean Lescott who was sat out, as the saga of where he plays this season continues. Manchester City want him bad, but Everton boss David Moyes says that his player is under contract and will go no where. There are conflicting reports from Soccernet and Sky Sports of Man City’s status on Lescott’s future.

Everton face newly promoted Burnley at the club’s first premiership match in over 30 years. Hopefully the Toffees will give them a great welcome.

Posted under Islanders 09-10, UK Football

With kudos to my friend Dee Karl – courtesy of HockeyBuzz.com (and here is the link to her article)

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Dee-Karl/Isles-Sign—-Another-Goaltender/129/22601

The Isles got Nathan Lawson under contract. Lots of goalies for the ‘Port and for Utah. Along with Ricky, Marty B and Rollie… Shakey is going to work on a lot of goalie equipment at training camp in Saskatoon….

Well – as fans – we were concerned about the goalie position. Now – thanks to Garth – it should NOT be an issue this season.

Have a good day folks…

Posted under Islanders 09-10, Ramblings

I am sure that Islander fans are so disappointed that we were not able to sign Todd Bertuzzi to make a magical return to Long Island.

Yea – right.

This was the genius that said at a Booster Club meeting in 1997 or so, that when a member asked Todd about what he wanted to do after hockey; he replied:

What do I care? I am only 22

He is what you call a real man of Genius….. Good luck Detroit – you can HAVE HIM!

Posted under Islanders 09-10, Ramblings

Those words in a ‘formal’ meeting that usually get you moving faster towards the door.

However, in Hockey fan terminology, that would be nothing but August. No news in hokey land. (At least in Islander country). Tickets went on sale – but not a lot showed. Hopefully its the weather. I would not want to be cooped up inside, with that beautiful day that Saturday was.

Some other news. Prospal to the Rangers – 1 yr 1.1M. Has prior knowledge of Mr. Tortorella. That may help, but he is nothing but a PP specialist, that does not provide much else. Whatever….

Mark Messier – has a “GAL FRIDAY” job now – to get coffee and donuts for Glen Sather. Come on – you now his pictures in your mind of Mess in a skirt and high heels? Now before I get brow-beaten by folks from the other side of the New York hockey world… It is only for humor, and I understand that #11 wants to get the ‘business’ side of the game. Actually, I thought he should have been taken care of LONG BEFORE this. But that’s my opinion — and come on – Bad head, and 6″ stiletto’s? It gets you thinking.

Well – we are under 30 days to camp – that’s at least good news.

God – I still have images of the David Wright facial the other day – that hurts so much. Don’t speed up his return. Give him all the time he needs. It is not that Met fans are going to be purchasing playoff tickets anytime soon.

My Everton football season started, and thank GOD I was out of the house and unable to see the game, as it was on Fox Soccer Channel. 6-1 to Arsenal at home, and the lone goal was in the 90th? Uggh! I hope that this is the worst game of the year, and it is overwith real fast. Not the way to start the season, boys… We can do MUCH better.

Back from Vegas and the NHL Booster Club Convention – what a great time. If you want to see LOTS of pictures, check out my facebook page. And while we are on it – check out www.bluelinetalkradio.com, and Millian’s weekly show. A lot of great hockey talk, a lot of fun and frivolity, with a guy who REALLY loves the game. You have a lot of ‘talkers’ that can talk the game, but are not as ‘in love with the game’ as Millian is. I totally recommend listening to him, and listen to his 10 point DOCTRINE of hockey. It will get your blood going, and make you want to storm Gary Bettman’s office, wanting justice!

Well – have a good day. As the days get closer to camp – I will talk more… Have a great day!

Posted under Cool A-C League, Islanders 09-10, Mets 09, Ramblings, UK Football

But not all – I did ok. Actually my wife did better than I did!

Just came back from the National Hockey League Booster Club Convention. For the 21st straight year, I attended this August week-long hockey love fest. This year, about 200 Boosters from around the NHL, from the US, Canada, and the UK, were in Vegas to talk about their love for the game, and in many cases, each other.

People go to this convention, representing their favorite team, but in this case, there is no heated rivalries. Ranger fans and Islander fans in this organization do get along (I mean that!). We talk about our teams, and what the Booster/Fan Clubs have done this year. But mostly, it is a social organization.

Usually, a club hosts the convention in their own home city. However, the Detroit For’em Club, the hosts, decided to put the week in Sin City. What a great choice. I have been to Vegas before, but this week was real nice. Got to visit the old Strip (Fremont Street), as well as hit nearly a half dozen other casinos on Las Vegas Blvd. We got to have a nice dinner cruise around Lake Mead, other went to Red Rock, and the Hoover Dam. It was a lot of fun.

The weekend has “Theme Nights”. Friday, was Elvis night, where folks dressed in Elvis or 50′s and 60′s outfits. I had my peace sign t-shirt (I keep simple). On Saturday, it was DISCO Night, where there were John Travolta look-alikes, and bell-bottoms all over the place. In keeping with my musical habits, I had a DISCO SUCKS T-shirt. It was more than a shirt – it was a real feeling!

It was great to meet new folks, and see old friends. This convention has allowed me, along with thousands of others, to know that if they go to a game in foreign territory, there is always someone you know, and can get together and have a good time. If you are a member of a fan or Booster Club of an NHL team, you owe it to yourself to join a club, and come to a convention. I did it on a whim in 1989, and this was my 21st consecutive year to go. I do not regret one second of it!

Also – a special hello to Millian – the host of the Blue Line Hockey Talk Radio Show. An Internet based hockey show, based out of Vegas, Millian, the host, was at the convention this weekend, and got to talk to him. He is a real nice guy, and loves the game tremendously. I hope you get a chance to listen, and become a follower. His web address is: www.BlueLineTalkRadio.com. Check it out, won’t ya?

Oh yea – Everton Football starts this weekend, so if you want to get on my good side, support the Toffees! See ya,

Gary

Posted under Booster Club, Ramblings, UK Football

Tuesday is an extremely important day in Islanders country. In fact, I think even more than winning Cups! (sorry to the Old Timers and Cup Philosophers).

The Lighthouse Project, as eloquently explained, by Chris Botta today, on his Islanders Point Blank site, is the one thing that an Islander fan has to keep attention to. Not Tavares, Bailey, Okposo, or any of the players. Not even what place we expect the team to finish this season.

The Lighthouse – is the WORD!

Tuesday is the walk from the Coliseum to Hofstra to the meeting, which will start at 9:30. To me, I so wish I could be back sitting the Adams playhouse, at me alma mater, cheering on the movement of this great project. Work would absolutely prohibit me from taking that day. The next day, I also leave for Vegas and my annual trip to the NHL Booster Club Convention. I would be so glad to tell the fans of the rest of the NHL’s teams, that we are looking ahead, with a new project, a renovated Coliseum, and the Islanders playing for may years to come on the Island I call home.

As Mr. Botta said on his video, do what you have to do to support the project. Send an e-mail – convince another to come to the meeting, make signs (tasteful, of course), do whatever you can do – to show your support of this. Charles Wang made it perfectly clear, this organization needs the go-ahead to move on – or it will be other options (that will just not be discussed here). So – it is up to us, and make sure that we get this going.

I also hear the Senor Bettman will be there. I know that he is a total supporter of this, and can add some more ammo. It seems like Ms. Murray has been more in tune with this, rather than against. Let’s hope she stays the same way. Hopefully, she does not bring her neighbor, Joe Mondello. Hey Joe – how about sleeping in on Tuesday. Lose the car keys, and forget about this. We do NOT want your mouth there. Disgrace to the political party that I belong to…..

Anyway, let’s take the advice, of the Swami of the Islanders (yes Chris, I used BD’s picture and I think you are a Carnack, and deservedly so!), and get on the support train of the Lighthouse Project. As I stated, I can not be there, but hopefully this blog entry gets you to come out on Tuesday, and show the hockey and the political world, that the Islanders are to STAY, and yes, Kansas City, STAY ON LONG ISLAND!

Posted under Islanders 09-10, Lighthouse, Ramblings