Isle Be There: Matthew Klimberg & Islanders Fans In Brooklyn

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.

John Infranca & Matthew Klimberg started Islanders Fans In Brooklyn in 2011.  

It is a 330 member Facebook group for Islanders fans who live and work in Brooklyn.  Their mission:  To coordinate Brooklyn “Gamewatches” and schedule group gatherings to help expand the Islanders' local fan base.  While it was never their intention to rally for the team’s eventual relocation, IFIB does hope to help fans make the best of the team’s new start at the Barclays Center. 

After John moved to Boston, Matthew took the reins and pushed hard to make a difference among the Isles faithful on social media. As someone who grew up 10 minutes from the NVMC, he has many memories from his time at the old barn.  Some good, some not so good.  As his friend’s mother began explaining him what the red light behind Vanbiesbrouck’s net was for, it would light up several times to remind them of the lesson.  Like so many fans in their 20’s, Klimberg has watched his favorite team struggle for much of his fandom.  Having favorites like Jason Blake & Josh Bailey, Matthew cheers for the little guy.  The players he feels exemplify a strong work ethic and show a perseverance to never succumb to adversity.

“Much of my 26 years have been spent watching the Isles not make it past the first round,” Matthew said.  “But we are a resilient bunch.  The team is much better now and have grown together. They are a year older, a year stronger.”  He added, “Whether it’s a less than perfect arena situation or any other adversity or obstacle, they are all something the fans can rally behind.”  The pressure felt by the Isles organization is definitely there.  Having the burden of proving the nay-sayers wrong and making it into the second round of the NHL play offs and beyond is certainly the way to accomplish it.  Klimberg feels this year’s team has a great shot at doing just that.

Matthew with his Grand Pa Stanley and long time NVMC usher, Angelo. 

Matthew looks ahead to the 2015-16 season as an opportunity to organize more local outings with other Isles fans.  “The Islanders have assembled some great role-players, along with guys like John Tavares and Nick Leddy, who can not only make the playoffs this year, but do some damage.”  He encourages everyone to check back often with “Islanders Fans In Brooklyn,” for information on “Gamewatches”.

You can do so on their Facebook page or following along on their Twitter account. 

Join Matthew and the supporters of Islanders Fans In Brooklyn.  

Rally around the team’s new home and cheer on your New York Islanders as they continue their resurgence to once again compete for the Stanley Cup.

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Matthew Klimberg is also the NYCFC Beat Reporter for MetroSoccerNation.

Isles Notes:

Check out John Tandlich’s “Brooklyn HockeyDaily.”

Per Arthur Staple, “Isles and UFA D Marek Zidlicky have been discussing a contract past few weeks. Nothing decided on either side, but interest is there. Zidlicky, 38, started last season with Devils and was traded to the Red Wings at the deadline. 6 of 7 goals were on PP last season.”

Per B.D. Gallof, “have $8.6+ million in cap space. Figure Brock 2.75 to 3 million (2.85 my guess) +team wants breathing room. Looking for value at D.”

Per Tony Stabile, “@coreypronman released his 100 NHL Prospects and Top 10 Goaltender Prospects today, Isles had 6 in the Top 100 & 1 in the Goaltender top 10.” 

Prospects like, 13. Barzal 17. Dal Colle 45. Ho-Sang 65. Pulock 66. Beauvillier 79 Vande Sompel made the list.  10, Sorokin and Williams made it for goaltenders while Soderstrom got an honorable mention.

Red Wings sign former Isles prospect Russo. 

Check out DecalsByLenny.com 

Per Mike & Mike, “A dad used melted ice from the Islanders' rink for his daughter’s baptism... the guys agreed it was awesome.”

NHL Notes:

Per Sirius, “We're very happy to announce a multi-year agreement with the @NHL and @SiriusXMNHL.”    

Per TSN, “From @rwesthead: @adidas lands exclusive @NHL jersey deal beginning in 2016-17 season.”

NHLPA donates $500,000 to Canadian university to aid in concussion research.

AHL Notes:

Chicago Wolves add former BST, Scooter Vaughan to the blue line.