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 4th, 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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