Gary, an Financial analyst for a Major Car Rental Group, is the author of the Blog, “The View from Section 317.”  A true die hard Hockey fan and supporter of the New York Islanders, he will be providing his feelings about his team, hockey and other ramblings.

Formerly from Levittown New York, and now a resident of Halesite (a hamlet of the town of Huntington), he has been writing articles for New York Sports Day, an independent New York Internet sports page since 2004, covering the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, and Long Island Ducks. 

In 2005, Gary teamed up with Joe McDonald, and Derek Felix, to start the NEW YORK HOCKEY REPORT, a weekly Internet talk show, devoted to the three local New York Hockey Teams.  Switching to Wednesdays from it Monday time slot, the show features in depth features of the Isles, Rangers and Devils, commentary from local and national hockey media, along with selective bantering from the hosts.  As the one with a great deal less reporting experience and more as a fan, Gary tends to get a little bit more of the abuse from the other two hosts, but he will give it back when it is warranted.  The show was moved from its original hosting source to Blog Talk Radio in July 2007, where it still exists today. Gary usually hosts the show, and provides the sound effects needed to bring a little levity to the show.

Gary was married on Valentines Day 2006 to Claire, who is currently the Past President of the New York Islanders Booster Club. (Gary was President of the same club from 1997 to 2001) They currently have three cats: Sparky,a playful two year old Orange and Brown striped tabby, and two girl kittens names Snicker-Doodle, and Sushi . They were born in May of 2008, and have not only taken over the house, but are the most loveable creatures. In his spare time (which is definitely not much), Gary likes to fiddle around with his laptop, and play on his new Nintendo WII that he got for Christmas. Also – being in the business, and getting to drive all sorts of different vehicles, he loves to take drives, and see what kind of ’stuff’ each engine has.

Gary’s favorite teams are the Islanders, Mets, Jets, Long Island Ducks, and Everton in the English Premier League.  He is also an accomplished bowler, achieving the ultimate score, a 300 game on May 4th, 1994.  His average was as high as 219 in the late 1990’s, now only bowls occasionally, but still keeps over a 200 average. 

Gary has been an Islander season ticket holder since 1988.  For the last 10 seasons, he has been faithfully sitting in Section 317, Row B, Seat 1 (as of 10/2007 – he has moved to Row A seat 2 to sit next to his wife, Claire).  This section of the arena has a cast of crazies, and many times, the opinions may come from this section.  Also – some of these nutzos may provide some guest blog’s, providing the feel of the section.  

And yes, it is true… Gary started as a Rangers fan.  However, that was in 1969, before the Isles made their appearance.  In 1988 – he switched entirely to the Isles, because he was sick of Phil Esposito trading everyone away.  However, during that time, he did not have any resentment to the Isles (unlike millions of Ranger fans worldwide).  But “Espo” made Gary switch over permanently.  And he will NEVER switch back, regardless of what Joe McDonald says.

And yes – he HATES Sean Avery! Even more, now that he returned to the Garden, the hatred is still there….

If you wish to e-mail Gary, please send to nyibc1@aol.com

 

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