HNLI at Special Time with Special Guest Chris Botta

In order to accommodate those planning to watch the NFL's wildcard playoff game between the Jets and the Bengals, HNLI will be bumped up by a half hour to 3 PM EST this Saturday. Joining us for the first portion of the episode will be Chris Botta (aka the Blogfather) of Islanders Point Blank. As most Isles fans know by now, Mr. Botta is the premiere source for Islanders news, commentary, and analysis and it is a very special opportunity to have him on the show. Along with Mr. Botta, hosts Alex and Steve will discuss the Islanders' recent win streak, the team's west coast swing, the return of Rick DiPietro, and much more. As always, listeners are encouraged to interact by calling, IMing, and chatting in the HNLI chatroom. Remember that if you get your calls in early enough, you will have the chance to talk with Chris Botta himself. So, don't miss a special HNLI at a special time: this Saturday at 3 PM EST

Vote for HNLI in the Isles Blog-Off Finals!

Please take a moment to vote for Hockey Night on Long Island in the final round of the NHL Arena's Isles Blog-Off. With only four blogs remaining in the field, it is a tight race to determine which Isles blog will be the NHL Arena's official Islanders blog representative. To make your voice heard, head over to the Round 4 Poll, and cast your vote for HNLI! We appreciate all of your support thus far and appreciate it going forward.

HNLI Rings in 2010 with WFAN Personality

Be sure to tune into Saturday's episode of Hockey Night on Long Island at 3:30 PM EST as HNLI kicks off the New Year with a bang. This week, HNLI will be joined by Nick Colombo of WFAN.com, who will provide insight on the latest in Islander Country, the Lighthouse Project, and the 2010 NHL Winter Classic. In addition, hosts Alex and Steve will break down the newly released Olympic rosters and preview Saturday night's Isles matchup with the Atlanta Thrashers. As always, listeners are invited to interact with our special guest, hosts, and other listeners by calling in, sending an instant message, or joining the HNLI chatroom. Don't miss what should be a great start to another year of Hockey Night on Long Island.

Happy Holidays from HNLI

Happy Holidays from HNLI hosts Alex and Steve to all of our loyal listeners and readers. This show would be nothing without all of your support and contributions both on and off the air. Stay tuned to our homepage for blog updates and scheduling announcements.

HNLI Advances to Round 2 of Isles Blog-Off

Round 1 of The NHL Arena's Isles Blog-Off tournament came to an end Sunday. Of the 18 Isles blogs represented, only the top 9 could advance to the second round of the tournament. Well, we're proud to say that thanks to you, our readers and listeners, that HNLI is on to Round 2! It is an extreme honor to be put in the same company as some of the most popular Islanders blogs on the web and we at HNLI thank you all for your support.

Now that we've reached Round 2, head over to the Isles Blog-Off Poll and select your five favorite blogs from the list (including HNLI, of course). Only the five blogs with the most votes will advance to Round 3 so it's important that you make your voice heard for HNLI.

p.s. If you're not already registered at The NHL Arena, you'll need to take 30 seconds of your time to create an account over there.

As always, keep checking our homepage for updates on our next HNLI episode, as well as Isles commentary and analysis.

Vote for HNLI in the Isles Blog-Off

The Islanders blogging community is an extremely diverse one with a ton of insight from different people, in different forms, and with different styles. Now The NHL Arena is giving readers (and listeners) the chance to vote for their favorite Islanders blogs on the web. Round 1 of the "Isles Blog-Off" tournament is now underway. Of the 18 sites in contention, voters can select nine that they would like to see advance to the next round of the tournament. Like always, HNLI is seeking some fan interaction and encouraging you to click on over and vote!

Keep checking back to hockeynightonlongisland.com for blog updates, episode scheduling, and much more!

HNLI collides with Blueshirt Radio

Rarely do we at HNLI start promoting an episode so early in the week, but we feel that this weekend's special event certainly warrants it. HNLI hosts Alex and Steve will host a special roundtable discussion with the guys from Blueshirt Radio. With both Islanders and Rangers fans in the same studio, who knows what might unfold. Among the topics on the agenda will be how free agency unfolded, what both the Islanders and Rangers have done to improve, the outlook for the Atlantic Division this season, and much more. We'll have more updates throughout the week on what to expect this Saturday, so stay tuned to hockeynightonlongisland.com. And mark your calendars: "Blueshirts @ HNLI...Saturday at 3:30 pm EST"

HNLI Announces Draft Coverage: Kicks off Saturday!

Ladies and Gentlemen...Alex and Steve of Hockey Night on Long Island are proud to reveal what we have in store for our official coverage of the 2009 NHL Draft. Over the next 3 weeks, starting this Saturday at 3:30 PM EST, HNLI will feature several guests that are among the best in the business. The lineup is as follows:

June 6th at 3:30 PM EST: Special Guest Scott Cullen of The Sports Network (TSN)
Mr. Cullen is a well-known columnist and blogger for TSN.ca and has a vast audience from across both Canada and the United States. He has guested twice on HNLI before and has provided excellent insight on both the NHL as a whole and specifically the Islanders. We were particularly impressed last time with his in depth knowledge of the Islanders' prospect pool.


June 13th at 3:30 PM EST: Special Guest Mike Oke, Chief Scout for International Scouting Services (ISS)
This marks the third year that HNLI will be teaming up with ISS to provide an exciting NHL Draft Preview segment. ISS is considered an elite scouting and consulting firm and is consulted by every NHL team. This year, with Chief Scout Mike Oke, HNLI will take an in depth look at the top prospects in the draft, discuss who might be sleeper picks, and learn about the entire pre-draft scouting process.

June 20th at 3:30 PM EST: Special Guest Chris Botta of Islanderspointblank.com
Mr. Botta is the former Public Relations President for the New York Islanders and now runs an independent blog covering the team. After just one year of blogging, his work is known around the league for being one of the first to break news regarding the Islanders and being one of the best hockey reads on the internet. On one March day, in fact, his blog received over 1 million hits as he "live blogged" about the Bill Guerin trade hysteria.

All of our experts will be ready to field your questions and comments! So, be sure to tune in for some can't miss hockey banter that all leads up to the 2009 NHL Draft!

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.

HNLI Game Chat & Post-Game Episode Saturday

Be sure to spend your Saturday afternoon with Hockey Night on Long Island as the Islanders take on the Boston Bruins in a 1 PM EST matinee.

GAME CHAT
While watching the game, be sure to log into the Hockey Night on Long Island chat room for Isles-Bruins banter throughout the entire game. Both HNLI hosts and listeners will be present and the discussion will be fast and furious. It should be fun so make sure you follow the instructions, make a listener account, and join the chatroom at 1 PM EST on Saturday.

HNLI On Air Post-Game
Immediately following the game (3:30 PM EST), hosts Alex and Steve will hit the airwaves for your weekly dose of Hockey Night on Long Island. Joining hosts Alex and Steve to recap the day's game and talk Bruins hockey is Matt Kalman of "The Bruins Blog". Matt is the Boston-area chairman of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association and has followed the Bruins' beat for years. Needless to say, he should provide plenty of great insight.

In addition to talking about the day's game, the guys will cover all of the latest in Islanders country. The phone lines, IMs, and HNLI chatroom will all be open for you to give us your two cents, so be sure to interact with HNLI. HNLI Saturday is going to be a blast for Isles fans, so tune in right after the game for an hour of awesome hockey talk.

HNLI Live Trade Deadline Coverage WEDNESDAY

This Wednesday at 3 PM EST marks the NHL trade deadline and one of the most exciting times on the sports calendar. Be sure to spend Deadline Day with Hockey Night on Long Island. Hosts Alex and Steve will hit the airwaves immediately following the deadline (3 PM SHARP) with all of the latest on the deals that went down, last minute information, and plenty of commentary and analysis. With trade talks surrounding several Islanders, including Bill Guerin, and many notable names around the league, it is sure to be one crazy hour of hockey talk.

Like always, HNLI invites you to join the Deadline Day banter via phone, IM, or the HNLI chatroom. So, when the clock strikes 3 on Wednesday afternoon, be sure to tune in to Hockey Night on Long Island!

Greg Logan of Newsday to Join HNLI SATURDAY

For a very special Trade Deadline Preview episode this Saturday, Hockey Night on Long Island host Steve and HNLI regular guest Tom Liodice (TheTigerTrack.com, NYI Blog Box) will be joined by Islanders beat writer Greg Logan of Newsday for an action packed segment of hockey talk. Logan, who has made several HNLI appearances in the past, always provides great insight into what is going on behind the scenes and makes for an outstanding guest. Like always, you can talk to our special guest by calling in and we will be taking your questions via IM and the HNLI chatroom. In addition to the upcoming trade deadline, this week's HNLI will cover everything from the Islanders' most recent games to the recent Lighthouse Project progress and of course to the latest on John Tavares and the NHL Draft. Be sure to tune in for an intense episode of Hockey Night on Long Island this Saturday at 3:30 PM EST.

Steve Mears to Join HNLI Saturday!!

Yes, you read that headline right. Hockey Night on Long Island is pleased to announce that this Saturday's special guest will be the Islanders' play-by-play voice, Steve Mears. In his third year as the Isles' radio announcer, Mears is one of the top members of the Islanders media and should be an incredible guest to talk to this Saturday. Among the topics on the agenda will be the recent play of Joey MacDonald, the Jeff Tambellini debacle, the week in Islanders hockey, and so much more. HNLI listeners can also talk to Mr.Mears by calling in at (718)-664-9597 or via AOL instant message to hockeynightli. Stay tuned to hockeynightonlongisland.com for more updates on this Saturday's episode and make sure to tune in for HNLI with Steve Mears on Saturday at 3:30 PM EST.

Vote for HNLI

The wonderful people over at Yes! Islanders are holding a contest to determine which New York Islanders blog is the best on the web. We encourage our listeners and visitors to show your support for Hockey Night on Long Island by simply registering at Yes! Islanders and submitting a vote. You can vote for HNLI by heading over to this web page and following the simple procedures. Also, feel free to check out the great content provided by Yes! Islanders and vote for as many other blogs as you like. Thanks for voting and Lets Go Islanders!

Happy Birthday Steve!

Everyone at Hockey Night on Long Island (aka Alex) would like to take the time to wish HNLI host Steve a very happy birthday. Lets Go Islanders! Hope your cake is as cool as this one:

HNLI Double Header Weekend for Isles Season Opener

As all Isles fans are this week, we at Hockey Night on Long Island are extremely excited for the start of the 2008-2009 New York Islanders season this weekend. To add to the experience that is opening weekend, HNLI will be having a very special pair of episodes this weekend. While the puck doesn't drop on the Isles' season until 7pm on Friday night, hosts Alex and Steve will be on the air at 5pm EST on Friday to look ahead to the Isles' season, preview the evening's contest against the Devils, and of course take your calls. This should certainly be an exciting episode and a great way to spend your final hour of the offseason. Then, be sure to tune in again on Saturday at 3:30pm EST for the first regular season episode of HNLI. The dynamic duo, along with a special guest, will recap Friday night's contest against the Devils, look ahead to Saturday night's home opener against St.Louis, and entertain calls from listeners. It is going to be an incredible weekend on the ice with the Isles and on the air with Hockey Night on Long Island. DON'T MISS IT!

HNLI AT A GLANCE:
-Friday 10/10: 5pm EST
-Saturday 10/11: 3:30pm EST

Fantasy Hockey Anyone?

Alex and Steve are pleased to announce the inaugural season of Hockey Night on Long Island fantasy hockey. We are hoping to put together a competitive fantasy league with some of our listeners and guests. There is no money involved as this is just for pride and bragging rights. So, please join the league and stay tuned for draft information and such. Here's the league info:

YAHOO!
League ID: 63517
Password: blogtalkradio

Season Premiere This Saturday with SCOTT CULLEN of TSN!

Ladies and Gentlemen....it's time for the start of Hockey Night on Long Islands third season! This Saturday, September 27, @ 3:30 PM EST, hosts Alex and Steve will return to the air to begin coverage of the 2008-2009 New York Islanders season. The dynamic duo will bring you the latest from Islander Training Camp, update you on preseason happenings, and preview what is in store for the Isles this year. Joining the guys for a special guest appearance and interview is Scott Cullen of TSN.ca. Scott, who is one of Canada’s top sports writers, will have the latest on the upcoming Islanders and NHL season. Scott will also take your questions and be a part of the banter. HNLI lets you get into the action via telephone, instant message, and the Official HNLI Chatroom. So, get ready for the beginning of an awesome season of Islanders hockey and the start of Season 3 of Hockey Night on Long Island....this Saturday at 3:30 PM EST!

HNLI Draft Extravaganza This Saturday!

TUNE INTO THE HNLI DRAFT SPECIAL!!!!
Be sure to tune into Hockey Night on Long Island this Saturday for a very special NHL Draft feature episode. With the NHL Draft's first round on Friday and remainder Saturday morning, host Steve and special guest co-host Tom Mascioli will have a full recap of the events of the draft including the Islanders' 5th overall draft pick and all of the others. Making the Draft Special even more "special" will be special live reports from the Draft in Ottawa. Both Tom Liodice and Mike Schuerlein of the New York Islanders' Blog Box will be calling in with special live updates from the Draft. Like usual, you can give your two cents on everything that goes on at the draft by calling in, IMing, and joining us in the HNLI chatroom for the best Isles banter around. So get psyched for an absolute extravaganza for Isles fans everywhere....the HNLI Draft Special. This Saturday at 3:30 PM EST.

Watchdog Spots HNLI

Hockey Night on Long Island has made great strides since debuting early this year, but today may mark the biggest step yet. Newsday columnist, Neil Best (aka Watchdog), has taken notice of the massive impact of Blogtalkradio on sports talk and wrote a great feature for his Friday column and an extended version of the story in his sports media blog. Both the print column and blog entry center on HNLI hosts Alex and Steve and the progress that the show has made since starting up in March. It's great to see a major contributor in the media take notice of HNLI.

Click Here to Read Watchdog's Column

Click Here to Read the Corresponding Blog Entry

To those of you who may have just found HNLI thanks to the work of Neil Best, welcome to the HNLI homepage. Be sure to check out our talk show page, where you can listen to HNLI live every weekend as well as listen to and download archived episodes.

Remember to tune in to Hockey Night on Long Island this Saturday at 3:30 PM EST. We're all excited to hear from some new listeners with all of the publicity that Watchdog has given us.