Some Isles News...

>This week the Isles organization participated in two community events as reported on the NYI website. On Monday the Isles took their annual sleigh ride out to visit local hospitals bringing toys and good cheer to children, followed up with what must have been true Islander Mania. On Tuesday Mike Bossy handed out $250.00 gift cards to 251 children who were chosen from written responses sent in about what the holidays mean to them. These lucky kids were then let loose to spend their gift card at the Modell’s in East Meadow. Entourage’s Kevin Connolly was on hand to support the event.

>Former University of Minnesota right wing Kyle Okposo will be joining the Isles roster. Let’s hope this move makes forgoing a college education worth it (he was a sophomore). In a posting on the Gopher’s website:

“While I’m disappointed Kyle is leaving at this point of the season, his dream has been to play pro hockey,” Minnesota coach Don Lucia said. “It is unfortunate that the Islanders put him in a very difficult position. I think our team has made strides the last few weeks and I’m looking forward to the second half of the season.”

Anyone else feel a chill in the air after reading that?

>Chris Simon has been suspended for 30 games, the longest suspension in NHL history. Not exactly the record setting we all would have liked him to be known for. Some are now claiming that Simon has tarnished the image of the Isles and NHL. Anyone who displaces what Simon did onto the Isles or the sport of hockey is clueless. The publicity may provide a push towards furthering dialogue about what needs to change within hockey organizations in dealing with conduct problems sooner than later, and the NHL being consistent in consequences doled out - both being way overdue for meaningful resolutions. Players are now more likely to get the help that they need before things get out of hand. From the ashes could rise Simon’s actions being a catalyst for positive change within the NHL.

One more thing before putting this subject to rest - there is no excusing what Simon did but would the drama kings and queens please stop describing it as ‘stomping’? Taken from dictionary.com:

Stomping v. tr. To tread or trample heavily or violently on.

That is something he did not do.

My vibe sent to Chris Simon – as my 96 year old grandmother says, “Better days are coming.” Make the most of them.