Islanders To Honor Arbour's Memory

The New York Islanders will be hosting a memorial on the one-year passing of Hall of Fame coach and Isles legend, Al Arbour on Monday, August, 29th at the Northwell Health Ice Center.  The ceremony will start at 11:30 a.m in the team practice facility, located at 200 Merrick Avenue in East Meadow. Fans are requested to RSVP by August 15th to reserve a seat to the first come, first serve event.

Fans are encouraged to be there for when the doors open at 10:30 a.m. to get ready for the day’s tribute in honor of Mr. Arbour. Foster Hewitt Memorial Award winner, Hall of Famer and former Isles play-by-play announcer, Jiggs McDonald will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.

When I asked Jiggs about his feelings on the day, he said “I've had the privilege of MCing or participating in many notable events over the years, but to have been asked to MC the Islanders Memorial event to honor Al Arbour is the ultimate. You've heard players talk about Al being a father figure and how he touched their lives -- well, he was a huge influence in my life as well. How he treated everyone he ever had contact with is just one attribute that I have strived to emulate. This opportunity to honor his memory is something I hope every hockey fan in the Tri State area will attend.”

The event will be observed by several New York Islanders alumni along with “Hall of Fame former General Manager Bill Torrey, former NHL coach and 14-time Stanley Cup Champion Scotty Bowman, Hall of Fame member Jim Devellano, Islanders current Head Coach Jack Capuano and current team captain John Tavares,” per release.

The Arbour family will also be in attendance for the day’s tribute.

Isles Notes:

New York Islanders Captain, John Tavares set the record straight in an interview with Sportsnet 590 - Toronto about upcoming rumors as his free agency period comes closer.  Tavares said “I would not count on that” when asked about the chances of him playing for the Maple Leafs.  "I think I've always showed my commitment, my appreciation and my desire to play on Long Island,” Tavares said.