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The Most Devoted of Fans: NYIBC

June 9, 2013, 3:34 PM ET [50 Comments]
Dee Karl
New York Islanders Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
They are more than fans, they are devoted fans who have been there through thick and thin, good times and bad -- not just on the ice. The New York Islanders Booster Club has seen it all. Super star players and horrendous owners. They are part of a community of other hockey booster clubs that are an important part of every NHL club.

I asked Ronnie Kind, a member and officer of NYIBC for the last 15 years, a few questions so you can get a clearer picture of what the NYIBC is really all about.

Q: I know the club does many things, but what do you think the most important function of the club is?

A: We have supported the team in good times and bad times. We have meetings and years ago had functions to let the players know their community is behind them. Not to mention the tremendous amount of charity projects we do yearly on behalf of the Islanders.


Yep, they used to host the Bobby Nystrom Award dinner. They also travel to see away games to give that Orange & Blue presence in hostile environments.

Q: Why do you think booster clubs in general are looked down upon by some fans?

A: Not really sure. We have gone for years to at least three trips to away games per season, have monthly meetings with Players, coaches, and TV/Radio folks as guests.

What the club gives fans is access that you don’t usually get. It’s one-on-one time that most fans want, but don’t have the opportunity to get - unless you’re at the club meeting.

Q: Over the years you have had many guests at the meetings, who do you think made the biggest impression on the membership?

A: There are 2 in mind. The first was John Tavares who was greeted by flying hats as he walked into the room- a tribute to his first NHL hat trick which happened in Tamps. The other who I believe was the most interesting was Rick Dipietro. We all know his issues- but we got to here him talk about it and I can tell your with certainty we were all touched by him discussing his struggles and those who were on the fence about him- felt they might want to cheer him on!

Some guests were really surprising. Jeff Tambellini was incredibly funny and equipment manager Shakey Krause gave up secrets you’d never find out unless you were in the locker room yourself. Perhaps some secrets you wouldn’t want to know, but they were all entertaining.

During the Milbury years the NYIBC guest spot was sometimes joked about as punishment for the player. But perhaps it was the most nerve wracking for Mike Milbury himself. The General Manager that would hide in the Coliseum couldn’t hide from the Booster Club and would have to answer the hard questions face to face. He did, never shying away from them.

Q: Has the membership increased with the Isles success this past season?

A: As of recent, we have had an up tick and the upcoming Garth Snow meeting has drawn interest from many members.

Monday, June 10th, 7 pm at the Marriott hotel. $5 for non-members. Get there.


Q: What do you think will happen to the membership with the move to the Barclay's Center?

A: It's really hard to say at this time, but I believe it may be somewhat dismantled as our presence at games is expected, and almost all of the NYIBC members who are season ticket holders expect to go to Brooklyn maybe for 2-3 games.

Now, that would be a sad turn of events for this long standing organization.

Q: What is the club's plan for maintaining or increasing the membership rolls?

A: As far a I know we haven't really addressed that properly. We are still waiting to hear the full setup- been told the players will be Long Island based and will practice at Ice Works.

Q: Will you have a booth again at the Draft Party?

A: Of course we will, I will be in Myrtle Beach resting my bones but Gary and Claire Harding will be sure to be on the floor.

And that will be a great place to get more information about the club.









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