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.
If you are active on Isles
social media, you probably know who Kevin Judge is. If you aren’t familiar with him, I can tell
you that his fandom is boundless and he makes it his mission to be sure his
followers are kept up to date on anything and everything that is New York
Islanders related. While he is
opinionated, you will never catch Judge harping on the negative. He is a good mediator who isn’t afraid to weigh
in on a controversy, and if you follow Isles Twitter, you can find controversy at
every turn. Kevin runs a group called, Bleed
Orange & Blue along with his group of admins. They include; Adam Corbett, Andrew Goldchain,
Brian R Stepnowski, Frank Catalano, Kenny Johnson, Lenny Rosello, Mario
Gazzaneo, Michael D'Andrea, Mike Pacheco, Mike Sitler, Raymond Gartkowski,
Terry Sommer & Theresa Maria. In
addition, he is a regular contributor to NYIHC, Real Islander Fans & New
York Islanders Hockey Club Fans.
As a kid from Brentwood,
Kevin remembers going to Isles games with his Dad to see Mike Bossy and his
native team battle the rest of the NHL.
But some of his favorite team memories are from a less successful time
in Isles history. Like me, Kevin can
relate to the Islanders of the mid 90’s very well. “I was a kid when they won their cups, so I
have some good memories from the 90’s as well.”
Steve Thomas was the player he followed then and Kevin remembers a
particular game of the 93 playoffs in which a very likeable Isles team upset
and dethroned the two time Stanley Cup Champion, Pittsburgh Penguins, in the
second round in an amazing game 7 O.T. performance. He can also recall another Islanders team and
a particular penalty shot goal by Shawn Bates during the 2002 playoffs against
Toronto.
When he spoke about this
year’s team, Kevin called the Isles performance incredible. “They have a nice run going. They will make the playoffs and who knows how
far they can go from there,” Judge said.
“The conference finals are definitely a possibility. They may even contend for the cup.” While John Tavares & Frans Nielsen are
his favorites on the present team, he finds it very easy to cheer for
everybody. “I can’t wait until the Islanders get into the playoffs with Cal
Clutterbuck this season. He plays hard, can
draw penalties and score goals along with Martin & Cizikas.” When I asked him about what prospects he has
an eye on, he mentioned guys like Pulock & Dal Colle, but stressed how
interested he is on seeing Scott Mayfield get his chance with the Islanders. “Living away from the area, I don’t get to
see the Sound Tigers that much. Mayfield
is a guy I am excited about.” I would
have to agree. Another large defensemen
who can move the puck and clear the crease is always a good thing.
So in closing, you should definitely
check out Bleed Orange & Blue on Facebook and get to know the members of
the group. They are insightful,
passionate and love to talk Islanders hockey.
And next time you are on Twitter, give Kevin Judge (@Judge_Kevin) a
shout.
You will be glad you did.
NHL Notes:
The 2016 Winter Classic
will be played at Gillette Stadium between the Boston Bruins & Montreal
Canadiens. The first of the Stadium Series
games will be played at TCF Bank Stadium between the Minnesota Wild & Chicago
Blackhawks while the second will be played at Coors Field between the Colorado
Avalanche & Detroit Red Wings.
See the full release on
The 2016 World Cup of Hockey here.
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