Calvin de Haan & Ryan Strome: New York Islanders Booster Club Meeting on 1/8/14

On Wednesday, January 8th, the New York Islanders Booster Club met in the lower levels of the Marriott Hotel.  It was a standing room only event in the small amphitheater as a group of Isles fans waited to meet two young players who figure largely into the future success of the team.

It was a night that featured Calvin de Haan & Ryan Strome.

 

 

 

Both guys came in and ingratiated themselves with the assembled fans, making jokes and entertaining any questions asked.  I went on to add any interesting comments to my Knight of Cups twitter feed. 

I asked them how it felt to be put into the game for key special teams play or in the final moments of a game to preserve a lead or get a tying goal.  They said its great to have the coaching staff's confidence when the game is on the line. Its been something they have faced their whole careers, so they prepare for it and embrace it in the NHL as well.  Its' both a challenge and an honor to be sent out to protect a lead or be put on the ice at a key time in the game.

I also asked about what they learned in the minors as part of the Isles system.  Both de Haan & Strome concurred that playing in Bridgeport was motivation. They also stressed that you need to keep playing hard and do what's required to stay in the line up.  In the minor leagues, a player needs to become a professional by changing your diet, train, sleep properly and keep a mindset that helps you do what you need to do in order to get called up again and maintain that level of play.  Strome agreed that "lifestyle" is a big adjustment between Minors and the Pros, even more that the size & strength of the opposition.  There is less hitting in the NHL and the speed is the biggest difference.  Both guys don't pay too much attention to what is written in the media or worry about distractions that could affect their game.

 

Calvin de Haan grew up an Ottawa fan and said he would like to become a defensemen who resembles a Scott Niedermayer, Paul Martin or Kenny Jonson.  I dont know about you, but that would work for me as well.  Ryan Strome admired Matts Sundin & Gary Roberts, Alex Mogilny and grew up a Toronto fan.

Strome was asked about his training with John Tavares.  It's Four days at the gym, go to bed early and do mobility training and practice power skating,  play in organized pick up games with other NHL and minor league players to stay sharp.  As part of his training regiment, Strome participates in Yoga.

Other than the coaching staff, both guys said that John Tavares, Evgeni Nabokov, Kyle Okposo & Eric Boulton are the primary motivators in the locker room.  Boulton, said Strome is always there to say something at the right time.  It seems that even with his limited role on the team, Boulton  who was called, "a great team guy," has both Strome & de Haans' respect based on the way they spoke of him.

 

 

 

 

They will most likely return to Bridgeport during the Olympic break to keep themselves in game condition and stay in practice.  In the future, both guys would love to reach the necessary level it takes to represent Team Canada.

 

It seems that these guys are excited to be Islanders and have been pleased to be a part of the teams recent successes in the win column.  Thanks to @strome18, @cal_dehaan, @NYIslanders & the @NYIBooster club for a great meeting.

 

 

 

Calvin de Haan & Ryan Strome give autographs and meet fans after the meeting.

Isles Notes:

Per Arthur Staple, "Don't think this news made it to the links last night: Evgeni Nabokov's injury is not considered major, likely to be out 2 weeks."

Per Sound Tigers, "PLAYER TRANSACTIONS: Parker Milner has been recalled from Stockton (ECHL) while Peter Boyd has signed a PTO."