An independent blog on the New York Islanders, the NHL and AHL by a guy from New York.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Bridging The Gap




I have not been able to stop thinking about the NHL Lockout and how I have missed so much hockey.   It really sucks to invest yourself as a fan and be left wanting, when it sounds like a few Millionaires are keeping the dispute from being settled.  It is another black eye for the sport and another giggle on the NHL from the rest of the sports world.


Then, coming out of this weekend, I knew that a serious hurricane was due to arrive early Monday evening and last through Tuesday night.  It would be another serious interruption to normalcy.  I read about high winds and flood dangers in low-lying areas.  Living an hour north of the city on the side of a mountain, we didn’t think we would get hit that badly, but we made some preparations for the storm.


I had thought of my cousins in Hicksville and friends across Long Island, Staten Island and New Jersey, and hoped they would be OK.  As in all disasters, I kept the rescue personnel and local authorities in my thoughts.  Knowing that there is always a chance for bad things to happen to good people, I still hoped for the best.


The storm caused some damage to our house and the home of my parents.  It also brought about the loss of power across the northeast and frustrations of not knowing about work or when friends and relatives would be settled again.  But I was grateful.  I knew things could have been a lot worse and that much more horrible things have happened to others who weathered the same storm.  Terrible things often bring life into perspective, and make you thankful for what you really have and help define what is important.  My cousins are OK, and many of my friends are dealing with some challenges that they can overcome.  Others, doing their best to fight through their situation.


I am so sorry for everyone who suffered loss during hurricane Sandy across the northeast.  Lets hope with the coming days that some closure can be had and with each day, another step can be made towards recovery.  Come together with family and friends to cope with adversity and celebrate what you have and what memories cannot be taken away.


Today, I read that the New York Islanders AHL affiliate, Bridgeport SoundTigers are reaching out to the fans and people in their community to try and do something to celebrate what can be celebrated.  Coming together.


The SoundTigers are home this weekend and are making an effort to give back to their community in the wake of hurricane Sandy.  Saturday’s game @ 7p.m. vs. Hershey and Sundays game at 3p.m. vs. Wiles-Barre/Scranton will be free of charge to attend after picking up tickets from the box office. 


It’s a good way for people to come together and share the thrill of sport and fellowship while enjoying a temporary distraction from what has been a difficult time for residents and fans.  I wish I didn’t have other commitments this weekend, because I think it will be a really nice time, not to mention a classy move from the Organization.


The Bridgeport SoundTigers are poised to make some noise in the AHL this season.  Come and help them raise the level.






** If you already had tickets for either game, the BST will allow an exchange for another home game later in the season.**



Sound Tigers Notes:

BST lines today: Niederreiter-Cizikas-McDonald, Ullstrom-Sundstrom-Persson, DeFazio-Nelson-Watkins, Gallant-Backman-Riley.

Halmo-Clark-MacKay...Defensive pairings...Ness-Landry, Hamonic-McIver, Wishart-Donovan, Cantin-Hill.

All three goalies (Poulin, Nilsson, and Reiter) taking part in today's practice.


Isles Notes:

Per NHLhistorygirl, On this date in 1932, Isles Hall of Fame coach Al Arbour was born in Sudbury, ON.”

“Chico Resch, credited with the first fully painted mask, says an art student asked to paint it. He was hesitant to agrree, but finally did.”

“When Isles DiPietro went to the Olympics, he had a Team USA logo and an Italian flag added to his mask.”


NHL Notes:

Per Katie Strang, “Told recent conversation between S. Fehr and Daly was "substantive," Enough to save WC? Highly doubtful but better than radio silence.”



No comments:

Post a Comment