Billy Jaffe- A Great Mix of Color and Character

Five years ago, I became a lifelong Islanders fan. I watched as many games as I could, cried over bad times and smiled over the good, and grew to love Howie Rose and Joe Micheletti, the broadcast team for the Isles.

Then, one year after getting into the game, a guy came along named Billy Jaffe. I instantly didn't like him. I thought he was way too enthusiastic, and I couldn't get used to him after listening to Joe. But there was nothing I could do- unfortunately, I have nothing to do with Isles broadcasts, heh- and so I just sat back and listened.

Soon, however, I found myself getting used to, then liking, what I was hearing. I started to learn an incredible amount about the game, and with Jaffe's breakdowns I could follow the game even more than I could with Joe. He explains plays and sequences with great detail, and seems to really enjoy what he's doing. Not only that, but his chemistry with Howie Rose makes the broadcasts a great experience whether the Isles are up by 5 or down by 10. I'll find myself laughing even after the opposing team has scored on the power play, just because of some kind of gaffe or joke between the two of them.

Now, four years later, I have grown to love the pairing of Rose and Jaffe, and with Billy in the last year of his contract, I'm hoping to God MSG doesn't lose him or move him. As a color commentator, he's one of the best in the business, and I know that anyone who gets him on their broadcasts long-term will be as lucky as we are to have him as an Isles broadcaster. But I'd love for us to be lucky a little while longer. So, MSG, do whatever you can to keep this guy with us!! Anyone else coming in, even a great character guy, would definitely be a downgrade.

So here's to you, Billy!!