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UPDATE: Boyes to south beach; Tavares Named 14th Captain in Isles History |
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UPDATE 2:10PM Boyes is choosing to take his talents to south beach and will be accepting an offer to attend Panthers training camp.
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With the start of training camp only a day away the Islanders officially named John Tavares the 14th captain in team history. This summer when Mark Streit was not resigned and ultimately traded to the Flyers we all knew who the clear cut captain was to lead the organization forward. Islanders' captains in the past have racked about many accolades including All-star berths, post season awards and hall of fame careers. This morning at Bethpage Country Club Islanders General Manager Garth Snow made it official. “Today I’m proud to add a new member to that legendary group. He has four professional seasons with the New York Islanders; led the team in scoring. Has been nominated for the Hart Trophy and represented the New York Islanders at the NHL All-Star Game. It is my honor to introduce the 14th captain of the New York Islanders; John Tavares.”
Tavares is not the kind of person who seeks the limelight. He is a lead by example person and as he addressed his teammates, media members and Islander fans he quickly spoke about others rather than focus on his success. “It’s kind of hard to believe; four great years have gone by for myself and being part of the Islanders organization. I’m excited about our opportunity this coming year and hopefully it’s another great one and we can build off of last season. It’s obviously one heck of an honor to be named captain of the New York Islanders. To have the respect of your teammates, the organization and obviously our great fans."
Islanders Head Coach Jack Capuano was asked what does one look for in a captain. Capuano reflexed on his definition, “You look for someone who is respected by his teammates, the organization, the community and I think John is certainly that. Someone that comes to the rink everyday looking to get better. We got some good leaders on this hockey club, but when we sat down and discussed it he is a perfect choice to lead our hockey team and we are excited about it.”
Tavares thanked all those who have helped him get to this point and he specifically mentioned former Islander captains Mark Streit and Assistant Coach Doug Weight. John feels that they helped show him what it took to be a hockey player in the NHL and what it means to be a leader on the ice and off it. Tavares knows the burden of a NHL captain is challenging but he feels he is ready for this role and the goal that he has set for himself and the team has not wavered. “Being named the 14th captain of the New York Islanders (is something) I take with great responsibility. It’s something I truly honor and respect and understand that it’s not an easy thing to do but I don’t believe too much will change with the way things have gone with myself and the guys in the room. The goal reminds the same, to bring the cup back to Long Island. We got a great group and this is a special day for myself and I look forward to the journey ahead.”
The journey ahead. Years ago the Islander’s path was similar to a ship lost at sea during a storm. The Islanders were rudderless with no franchise player to build around, an injured goalie with an albatross of a contract and no answer to where the team will call home. A funny thing happened though on the way to Brooklyn. In drafting John Tavares four years ago the islanders changed their future. They now have a place to call home, consistency and calmness at the top of their organization, a budding respect from teams around the league and a captain to call their own. How far the Islanders go in the upcoming years is anyone’s guess but the Islanders managed to calm the storm that surrounded their organization and in by doing so have built a strong future with John Tavares leading them along the way.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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