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
This post was written by Gary Harding on August 26, 2009
It’s always sad when someone who is truly a class act and a credit to the game hangs up his skates. Mike Sillinger was one who embodied class and dedication. I was hoping that he’d return to be one of the mentors to our young flock, but at the age of 38 and after two surgeries, I assume he was not physically able to come back. I wish him the very best and I hope that he does remain in our organization in some capacity.