Isle Be There: Craig Richardson & New York Islanders Hardcore

In a series of articles, called Isle Be There, my intention is to focus on the different social groups that support your New York Islanders team & its players. This will also include current events, situations and personalities in and around the team as it relates to its fan base and community.

As an Islanders fan since 1976, Craig Richardson lives his life representing the orange & blue.  Back in the day, he was exposed to the local hockey team by his parents and attended games regularly with his mother while his father worked long hours as a police officer.  Little Craig was a fan of Mike Bossy & Billy Smith.  Now it’s Cal Clutterbuck, due to his in your face style, grinding & physical style of play.  Like most fans, Craig is pleased with this season’s effort thus far and feels the coach, team and management has exceeded expectations.  Like most of us, while he isn't thrilled the team will be moving to Brooklyn, he understands why the move needed to be made and plans to support his team from his future seat in the Barclay’s Center.

When I asked Craig about this year’s squad, he summed it up well.  “We have seen the team grow up together and become a contender that will be around for a long time to come.”  Of all the recent quality additions, he feels Johnny Boychuk has made the biggest impact.  “He has brought cup winning leadership to the Islanders and should be around here for a while.”  Let’s hope Craig is right with that prediction.  I agree that Boychuk has been huge for New York and that he is really coming into his own on the Island.  “He was underutilized in Boston,” Craig said.  As strange as that sounds, I think Boston really didn't know what they had with Boychuk.  That is evident by how much more of a complete player he has become with the Islanders.  From the blue line to the PP, Johnny Rocket is the real deal and belongs here.  Let’s hope all those rumors of him wanting to sign long term are true.

Two years ago, Craig (@Chicklets91 on Twitter) started a Facebook group called New York Islanders Hardcore (@NYIslesHardcore on Twitter) in the image of other fan groups that he respected like Section329.  His goal was to create a community where Isles fans could come together, support the team and make friends.  NYIHC has grown to over 1,400 members and shows no signs of stopping.  With the help of guys like Victor Grappone, Andrew Goldchain, Lenny Rosello, Mike Sitler, Kevin Judge and his girlfriend Sharon, Craig organizes gatherings, stadium invasions, charity fundraisers and righteous tailgates at home games.  On April 4^th, Hardcore will be mobilizing another outing to see the Islanders take on Buffalo with plans to organize gatherings to future away games with the Capitals & Devils.

I've found the group is filled with a lot of passionate Islanders fans who really enjoy meeting up at games, talking on line and coming together as an extended family to throw tons of support behind their team.  Each holiday season, Hardcore has a huge toys for tots fundraiser and makes a big difference in the community.  And If you live on or around the Island, you have probably heard of them.  NYIHC’s t-shirts, stickers & magnets can be seen all over Long Island and are one of the most recognizable logos among the fan base.  And let’s just say that John Tavares, Ryan Strome, Matt Martin, Cal Clutterbuck, Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey, Casey Cizikas, Matt Donovan, Travis Hamonic and even Mike Bossy have been spotted from time to time sporting the Hardcore logos. 

Are you Hardcore?  Join the ranks today. 

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