Captain Canada

A look back to brighten all our days.

#11. My personal favorite.

You'll sense a theme here..."Tavares shoots...scores"

Just Build It

MESSAGE FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE DEVELOPMENT GROUP

Community leaders, supporters and fans to hold "Just Build It!" rally and march prior to public hearing

Starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2009, at the Nassau Coliseum, leaders from the surrounding communities, labor, as well as fans and supporters of the project will rally and march to the Lighthouse project public hearing at the Adams Playhouse on the campus of Hofstra University.

The rally will be held in Lot 8 of the Nassau Coliseum and feature special guest speakers which will include Islanders owner Charles Wang, Islanders Alumni players and local elected officials. Islanders forwards Josh Bailey and Joel Rechlicz will be on site meeting and greeting fans and supporting the Lighthouse project.

At 8:45 the rally will conclude and everyone will march from Lot 8 to the Adams Playhouse for the 9:30 a.m. start of the public hearing.

"Just Build It!" T-shirts will be available for the first 2,000 people in attendance. Parking at the Coliseum will be free of charge.

For further questions, please visit http://www.lighthouseli.com/ or the Official Blog of the Lighthouse Development Group, The Light Post at lighthouseliblog.blogspot.com. You can follow the Lighthouse project on Twitter at @Lighthouse_LI or join the "I support the Lighthouse at Long Island" on Facebook.

Send Comments to Town of Hempstead

The Future Part 3: Forward

Conclusion of my 3 part prospects preview.

Forward.

Casey Cizikas: NY Islanders' 4th round choice, 92nd overall, in 2009

Fourth rounders troubles are well known but he has high end skill and with his past behind him could end up being a steal. Will play with Mississauga this season and probably next.

Justin DiBenedetto: NY Islanders' 6th round choice, 175th overall, in 2008

A real wild card here. “DiBo” is a solid skater with decent size and a great pair of hands. Proved with the absence of Stamkos his numbers were no fluke for the Sarnia Sting. Will play in the Bridge this season and could end up being a steal or an AHL lifer.

Robin Figren: NY Islanders' 3rd round choice, 70th overall, in 2006

Struggled in his first season in the Swedish Elite League. Came over and played in several games with the Sound Tigers at the end of last season. Has the skating ability, will need to put together the rest to have any impact.

Matt Martin: NY Islanders' 5th round choice, 148th overall, in 2008

Late blooming power forward type must be signed before next years draft. One of the few Islander forward prospects with size and toughness. If signed will start with Bridgeport this season and could be a key piece down the road.

Krill Petrov: NY Islanders' 3rd round choice, 73rd overall, in 2008

Another wild card here. Has all the talent of a 1st rounder, but has 3 more years left on his KHL deal and his development has suffered due to injuries and lack of playing time. A project at this point.

Rhett Rakhshani: NY Islanders' 4th round choice, 100th overall, in 2006

Will start his senior season with Denver U. Almost a certain to sign a pro contract once his season concludes. Has speed and playmaking ability. Could possibly make the jump to the NHL right away.

Corey Trivino: NY Islanders' 2nd round choice, 36th overall, in 2008

The BU sophomore will be relied on heavily for the defending National champs. On the small side but has added strength and has a scoring touch. Probaly two years away but could end up being a trade chip with Tavares and Bailey 1-2 down the middle.

David Ullstrom: NY Islanders' 4th round choice, 102nd overall, in 2008

Had a great 2008 WJC and could end up a steal. A grinding winger with hands. Will play one more year in the SEL and sign a pro deal. A couple years away but an intriguing prospect.

Jesse Joensuu: NY Islanders' 2nd round choice, 60th overall, in 2006

Might be a top 6 winger as soon as this season. He has size and goal scoring ability, two qualities the Isles are lacking. Had a solid first pro season with 20 goals in the A and flashed a mean streak. Scored a goal in his first NHL game…very close.

Trevor Smith: Signed by the Islanders as a free agent on April 2, 2007

An undrafted free agent. Smith had 30 goals for Bridgeport and did not look out of place when called up by the big club. Will need to score to be a NHLer as he is not a great skater and does not bring a physical edge. Big year for Smith, he could crack the Isles’ lineup or be passed by the younger prospects inhabiting the Bridge.

The Future Part 2: Defense

Part 2

The backline.

Calvin De Haan: NY Islanders' 1st round choice, 12th overall, in 2009

The future power play QB. In the games I saw of De Haan in junior and at the U18 you immediately detect his smoothness with the puck and his skating. He seems very poised but will need to add strength before being NHL ready. His goal this season will be to make Team Canada at the WJC this year, several seasons away.

Aaron Ness: NY Islanders' 2nd round choice, 40th overall, in 2008

The Gopher defensemans’ skating and passing are already NHL level. Small guy who needs to add bulk but has the highest upside among the smaller Islander D prospects. A strong candidate for Team USA at this years WJC.

Travis Hamonic: NY Islanders' 2nd round choice, 40th overall, in 2008

If he keeps developing he could be a huge part of the future. A stay at home type who is nasty, tough, but can move the puck and is mobile. Will play another year in the dub and will look to make Team Canada. Could be in the NHL in 10-11.

Mark Katic: NY Islanders' 3rd round choice, 62nd overall, in 2007

Another of the smaller puck movers. Will play his first year of pro at Bridgeport. A gritty player who’s development of positioning and smarts will determine if he has an impactful NHL career.

Dustin Kohn: NY Islanders' 2nd round choice, 46th overall, in 2005

A former 2nd rounder who has not come along as Isles had hoped. This could be the make or break year. On a team last year that gave everyone a look, he got none. Might be time to cut the cord.

The Future Part 1: Goaltending

There have been some great pieces that have come out on the Islander prospects the last several weeks. Here I will add my take on the Isles’ top prospects based on the information gathered through scouting reports, articles, and my viewings of various college, major junior, and WJC games.

I was going to have this in one blog, but I am going to split them up due to the size of content.

Let’s start from the goal out.

Mikko Koskinen: NY Islanders' 2nd round choice, 31st overall, in 2009
Forget Gustavsson, at 6’5 Mikko should be called “The Monster”. He was taken earlier than projected by the Isles. The tell tale will be this first year of North American Pro at Bridgeport. Could be a boom or bust.



Anders Nilsson: NY Islanders' 3rd round choice, 62nd overall, in 2009
Another big Euro goalie taken at this years draft. His benchmark will be if he can beat out Robin Lehner for the Sweden starting spot at the WJC’s. A project that is several years away.

Kevin Poulin: NY Islanders' 5th round choice, 126th overall, in 2008
Was a top 2 round talent that had a horrid draft year. Had a very good season and has ability, will be a pro but his potential will be determined by what’s between the ears. Slated for another year in the Q.

Stefan Ridderwall: NY Islanders' 6th round choice, 173rd overall, in 2006
Had an up and down season last year. Certainly has potential but you have to wonder what the organization thinks of him when they go out and draft another Swedish goalie project this season.

Nathan Lawson: Undrafted Free Agent
Won himself a job with the Sound Tigers after starting the season in the ECHL. Has good size but trouble controlling the rebounds. Is without a contract and is rumored to be offered a deal in the KHL. If DiPietro is healthy he will be the odd man out in Bridgeport.

Prospect Updates

Some great stuff below on the Isles' prospects from Chris Botta and Greg Logan. I will have a blog up this week on the future Islanders.

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/blog/2009/07/a_window_into_the_islanders_fu.html

http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2009/07/wjc/

Patience Is The Key

2002:5th

2003:1st

2004:2nd

2005:1st

2006:2nd

Now you may be asking what do these numbers represent? Well the first is the draft year the second is the draft position of the Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

There has been much made of the Isles lack of action with regards to free agency and trades this summer. I do believe Snow is doing his due dilligence and making the right calls however. The bloated salaries and terms of this summers top free agents are beyond sane. Those clamoring for an Alex Tanguay signing of multiple years should look deeper into a talented but flawed player. Offer sheets should be out of the question, the picks are too valuable for a franchise that Snow took over that had been raped and pillaged by the TRUE village idiot.

That being said we still are early in the summer and it would not shock me to see Garth add an enforcer and a scoring wing. But in the grand scheme of things the Isles are starting year 2 of a 5 year rebuild that while hopeful will also be painful at times. Many a friend asks me about the playoffs next year and I say there is little chance...most likely it will be another bottom 5 finish this season...a possible run at an 8th spot the year after that and then hopefully a top level team playing in a new top level arena.

JT's summer project from NHL.com:

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=442880

More Contract/Schedule News etc...

Mini camp concluded today...let the dog days begin.

Of all the highly regarded top 10 picks that have come through the Island in the last 15 years, Tavares' determination and the way in which he has carried himself in such a short span surpasses all of them.

"When you talk with him and you watch him prepare for a practice or a scrimmage or a game, he's far more advanced than any other 18-year-old that I've ever played with or been in a training camp with or observed," Garth Snow said. "He's almost at a point where he's been a professional, I think, with the scrutiny he's been under for a few years now."

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/blog/2009/07/islanders_face_rough_road_earl.html

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spisles1612973396jul15,0,3266587.story

http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=442762

http://www.examiner.com/x-5025-New-York-Islanders-Examiner~y2009m7d15-Tavares-signed-sealed-and-delivered

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/d-hunter-on-carlson-hes-very-s.html

Tavares Signs 3-Year Entry Deal

http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=442684

10/3/09 Tavares Era Begins

NHL schedule to be released tomorrow but it appears that the Isles will welcome the champs to open the season.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Source-Tavares-era-in-New-York-begins-against-C?urn=nhl,176504

Prospects Camp Day 4

Not much news coming out of today. The Isles signed 2nd Round Pick G Mikko Koskinen and I think we'll see Johnny T's deal done shortly once Snow handles what's currently on his plate.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/ny-spisles1412966310jul13,0,4283821.story

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/ny-spisles1312964984jul12,0,7019302.story

Twitter and Free Agency

I took the plunge.

http://twitter.com/tavarescountry

Unlike JT I have to keep up with the times. Please follow.

In a somewhat related JT item. I played hockey yesterday with a family friend of Rob Scuderi. He told me he was pondering taking a half day on Friday to catch a glimpse of Scuderis' day with the cup. I inquired if the Isles tendered Rob a contract to which he replied that Scuderi stated that the Isles made him a competitive offer but it was conditional upon the Isles moving one of their D-men. Scuderi spoke to several Islanders who told him that while it is a great locker room and that the team is moving in the right direction but there is much uncertainty due to possible relocation of the ftanchise.

So there you have it. For those who are angry that Snow isn't active, it is apparent that the more sought after free agents are going to be cautious commiting long term to the Islanders until the arena situation is cleared.

More to come later tonight.

Prospects Camp Day 3 - Scrimmage

Over 400 fans jammed the Isles practice facility Sunday morning to get a first glimpse at Johnny hockey. Due to high demand wristbands were needed and a line formed at 5 A.M. Crazy indeed, I chose to play some shinny with the boys instead.

To the suprise of some, JT did not have a Sittler day. Expectations for a scrimmage such as this are pretty ridiculous. Couple of days left before the inevitable dog days hit.

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/postedsports/archive/2009/07/12/john-tavares-scoreless-in-first-scrimmage.aspx

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/blog/2009/07/john_tavares_not_stressing_fir.html

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/blog/2009/07/john_tavares_the_first_scrimma.html

Prospects Camp Day 2

Great feature article on JT in Sundays' Newsday.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spjim1212962605jul11,0,6399619.column

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/blog/2009/07/prospect_camp_day_2.html#comments

Great One Needs To Abandon The Desert

Going off topic for a moment. Wayne Gretzky, the biggest and arguably the greatest star the NHL has ever seen is involved in controversey again. The great one has filed legal action against the city of Glendale in order to protect the privacy of his personal finances. Gretzky is involed in the Coyotes bankruptcy case as a creditor to the tune of 9.3 million dollars. It has been just another black eye for Gretzky since he ventured to Phoenix.

Wayne needs to sit down and take stock of his life in hockey. Ever since the glorious 2002 Team Canada Gold Medal team that 99 had presided over it has been a series of poor incidents. Whether it be his wife and friends' gambling issues, having agent Mike Barnett run the Coyotes into the ground and then we have Waynes' coaching record which includes just one winning season and no playoff appearances.

It's time for Wayne to stop hiding in the desert, surrounding himself with his yes men and either get back into the hotbed of hockey, Canada or step away from the game. It's time for the great one to be great again...be it as an ambassador or a hockey man in a market that matters.

Here are some articles from today:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/07112009/sports/islanders/tavares__isle_prove_myself_178709.htm

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/ny-spisles1112960829jul10,0,1383196.story

http://www.newsday.com/sports/ny-spstaple1112961348jul10,0,7338756.column

Prospects Camp Day 1

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=436792

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spstaple1112961348jul10,0,6982589.column

http://www.newsday.com/sports/ny-spisles1112960829jul10,0,4414896.story

http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=436774

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/checking/2009-07-10-tavares-q-and-a_N.htm

http://www.lighthousehockey.com/2009/7/10/944694/tavares-makes-islanders-prospect

The New Face Is Ready

***Updated videos from todays early post

While I didn’t make it out to the John Tavares press conference due to work obligations. The event was streamed online and there were several hundred fans in attendance and it was a nice little nugget for the die hard Islander fans who have welcomed JT with open arms. Nothing eventful came of the presser but it certainly symbolized a new beginning. The great Chris Botta of Islanders Point Blank has noted that Garth Snow has a keen sense of the Islanders past and how the reign of Mad Mike usually coincided with going with the total opposite of the fan base wishes and he clearly has installed a more fan friendly approach. Though he still maintains a keep it in the house policy with regards to team matters.

The “Introducing John Tavares” event miles as well have been called the presentation of the new face of the franchise. Though he is still ten weeks short of his 19th birthday Tavares handled the festivities with all the poise of a 10 year vet and better than any Islander player of recent memory. His maturity level is astonishing to me. Sure he has been preparing for this since he was 15, but I saw a young man who in two weeks has shown he is more than capable of leading this franchise out of the doldrums than Rick DiPietro has shown in the last 9 years.

DiPietro, the last Islanders 1st overall pick came out of the gates with a flamboyant arrogance and gave the Isles a charismatic personality to build around but his discipline and maturity was questionable as he bounced up and down from the minors. Once DiPietro took the reigns as a number 1 goalie his disposition performed a total 180 and he became very serious and at times seemingly stubborn. He had run-ins with coach Ted Nolan over playing time and was even heard during a Mike Comrie interview the day before trade deadline day shouting “Mike Comrie is not going anywhere”. As if he was stating he’s running the show and too often that has been the case over the last several seasons. There is no doubting the goalies talent but there are serious concerns over his ability to stay healthy. Rumors are that DiPietro was pushing for the pick to be Victor Hedman, but as has been shown by the drafting of two goalies and the signing of Dwayne Rolson and Adam Munroe a new era has begun.

I certainly wish DiPietro good health and success but the Tavares era is upon us here on Long Island and I must say in watching John handle the whirlwind I am more optimistic than ever.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spmark0912954160jul08,0,7756352.column

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/ny-spisles0912954177jul08,0,7674665.story

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/blog/2009/07/john_tavares_draft_drama_was_n.html

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=436557&navid=DL%7CNHL%7CHome

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iI74YZIPnJMDgwXLHrkOH2qLuTJwD99AHM300

http://www.canada.com/Sports/Tavares+excited+help+rebuild+Islanders/1771668/story.html

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/blog/2009/07/john_tavares_meets_his_fans.html

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/blog/2009/07/john_tavares_is_introduced.html

Press Conference

Introducing John Tavares

The Isles will introduce John Tavares to Long Island tomorrow. The press conference, being held at NVMC will be open to the public. I will possibly get there to join the festivities, it is a 5 minute drive from Garden City where I work but I will have to see what the day entails. However, agent Pat Brisson has confirmed that no contract negotiations have begun so I would expect little news to come from tomorrow.

It is official. JT will wear 91 in prospects camp.

***P.S.
Congratulations on a brilliant and classy career Joe Sakic.

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/blog/2009/07/no_john_tavares_contract_yet.html

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/ny-spisles0812950097jul07,0,7858703.story

Prospects Camp Open House

Isles announced today that they will have an open workout at their practice facility in Syosset July 12th. The prospect mini-camp will run from July 9 - July 15th but will not be open to the public. I will look to cover it but Iceworks is not a big facility and viewing will be a first come first serve basis.

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/blog/2009/07/see_john_tavares_at_open_worko.html

Free Agency Begins

The money and lengths continue to be ridiculous. Certain general managers never seem to learn and don't be surprised if we end up with another work stoppage...I mean 12 years for a 30 year old Hossa and 7.5 million for Marian Gaborik who has not played a full season in six years.

That being said Roloson is a nice move for the Isles, he's a good locker room guy and he will challenge a healthy DiPietro or step right in if the franchise goalies' injury issues continue. Must say I had a nice grin on my face listening to Bill Watters on 640AM Toronto exclaiming that with the Isles signing of Roloson they are now a better team than the Leafs...don't know if I agree but it was certainly nice to hear...not that it says much.

Some JT news bits from today:

http://www.oakvillebeaver.com/news/article/264623

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/blog/2009/07/kyle_okposo_on_olympics_john_t.html