JT Day at the Coliseum

While it was far less exciting than the recent Islanders draft party, there was plenty of buzz at the Nassau Coliseum this afternoon as John Tavares was introduced to the media as a New York Islander. In front of a crowd of about 350 fans and a sizable amount of media, Tavares was presented with the #91 sweater. Following introductions from MC Howie Rose, Garth Snow, a several minute tribute video, and the jersey presentation, Tavares spoke about being "excited, thrilled, and humbled to be with the New York Islanders and in this community."

Unfortunately for the fans, however, Tavares faced only a few questions from the media before Tavares and the reporters moved to a private area for the remainder of the press conference. Still, the day seemed to be more about ceremony than hard-nosed journalism.

I hope you all enjoyed the HNLI twitter updates throughout the afternoon and will enjoy the pictures above. Stay Classy, Long Island

HNLI Back on Saturday

Don't miss this weekend's edition of Hockey Night on Long Island at its regularly scheduled time, Saturday at 3:30 PM EST. Hosts Alex and Steve will be joined by Islanders Blogger of the Year Patrick Hickey Jr. of The Drive for Five for the latest on everything New York Islanders. This weekend's agenda will include the never-ending draft debate, the latest on the Charles Wang saga, a look ahead at the offseason, a look at the NHL playoffs, and the most current Isles news. Be sure to connect with the show by calling in, sending an instant message, or joining fellow listeners in the HNLI chatroom. Make sure to make HNLI a part of your Saturday!

Lighthouse Meeting Commentary

Just returned home from the Marriot and I am still trying to take in everything that was brought up at this evening's public forum on the Lighthouse project. For a complete recap of tonight's event (virtually speaker-by-speaker), check out Chris Botta's entry on Islanders Point Blank. As for my blog, just a few notes:

-Charles Wang proved tonight why he is such a successful businessman. He is one of the most charismatic people I have ever seen. His wit and humor made Charles seem just like a regular guy. During the Q and A portion of the evening, Wang told an anecdote about asking Mike Milbury when halftime was during his first game as the Islanders' owner. At another point, Charles Wang looked up in mock prayer at the mention of the first overall draft pick. There were half a dozen times when he had the room in stitches. Still, despite some comic relief, Wang showed his commitment to this project and gave the genuine impression of doing something great for Long Island.

-The crowd was overwhelmingly pro-lighthouse, almost affirming Kate Murray's stance that this was more of a pep rally than a constructive meeting. I happened to be seated next to the lone anti-lighthouse couple in the building. As Uniondale residents, the pair was extremely angered about the congestion and traffic that this type of development would create. At one point, the woman stood up and said that she "didn't want this in her backyard" to which an obnoxious lighthouse supporter yelled "LEAVE". I truly wish this couple had more of an opportunity to voice their opinions and weren't so severely outnumbered.

-All of the politicians who spoke were in favor of the project and basically said the same things. The representative for the district of Uniondale, Kevan Abrahams, was particularly insightful in his support of the project. He urged his constituents to express their concerns at this point so that they can be worked out and won't ultimately interfere with the big picture. He encouraged his residents to look at the project as the area's stimulus package and to think about the drastic effect that a vacant coliseum could have on property values in the area.

-There was a major focus throughout the night on how Long Island is "losing its future" in the sense that many Long Islanders between the ages of 24-34 are moving off the Island or not coming back to Long Island after going away for college. As a high school senior, I was particularly intrigued by this topic. Tom Suozzi asserted the fact that young people are looking elsewhere due to a lack of housing for rent on Long Island and that the residential area surrounding the Coliseum would be an optimal place for young people on Long Island. While I'm not sure where I will be after college, I certainly know that I would consider a development like the one proposed in the Lighthouse project.

-Overall, it was a very interesting night. I think many fans expected something huge to happen tonight, but I don't think we saw anyone drop a major bombshell. Suozzi told us bluntly that if the project doesn't happen that it would be nearly impossible for the team to continue playing the Coliseum, but I don't think this was really news. As far as a time frame goes, October seems to be the make or break month for approvals. Tom Suozzi said, however, that we should know by mid-April just how well things are progressing. Well.....lets cross our fingers.

Feel free to comment with any questions about the meeting or any commentary of your own

Come Support the Lighthouse

Make sure to be present at what Islanders Point Blank blogger Chris Botta is calling "the most important Islanders event of the decade". Charles Wang, Scott Rechler, and the rest of the Lighthouse Project team are holding a major meeting in support of the Lighthouse Project this Thursday at 7pm at the Marriott next to the Coliseum. This is sure to be a major event for the Lighthouse Project and there is a notion among Isles' fans that this Thursday is going to be much more than just a pep rally. Charles Wang just might have something up his sleeve. HNLI hosts Alex and Steve will be there Thursday night to catch all the action and you should be there too.

p.s. Be sure to check back here after the meeting for commentary and analysis.

Arbour Returns To Coach One Game with the Isles

The Islanders have announced that Hall of Fame coach Al Arbour will coach his 1,500 regular season game with the team on November 3, 2007 against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Nassau Coliseum. Current Isles coach Ted Nolan sent an invitation to Arbour earlier this week so that the legendary coach can reach an important milestone. He will sign a one-day contract on 11/2. The NHL approved the Islanders request of making him the coach for a game. I think this is a great gesture made by the team. Fans will enjoy seeing Arbour coach one last game for the team, having it be his 1,500 with the Islanders. It is great how Ted Nolan, Garth Snow, and Charles Wang continue to be very active in maintaining the great history that surrounds the team. This game is actually very big for the Isles since they are going to be facing Sidney Crosby and the Pens in an Atlantic Division battle. The Pens should be a great team this season and hopefully Arbour will be able to help get the Islander their 2 points for the game. This definitely tops the list on notable games for the Islanders this upcoming season.

Programming Update:

*Hockey Night on Long Island will be having an episode next week. Please keep checking this site for updated schedule information.