#MascotFail
The Brooklyn Nets have told their mascot ‘The Brooklyn Knight’ they will no longer need his services. Was it a slow news day on Thursday? Maybe. But the fact that this marketing idea failed does have some small association with the Isles. After all, these are the same marketing people who are entrusted with bringing fans to the Barclays for hockey games.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/knight-falls-brooklyn-nets-opt-not-to-renew-their-current-mascot-option-071014
“The addition of Brooklyn's "official superhero" to the Nets roster was controversial from the start, as many wondered whether or not a seemingly unrelated chrome warrior whose steely stare could scare the stuffing out of adults and kids alike would fit in with the team offense, no matter how unconventional. “
Mascots should be friendly, inviting, and fun for kids of all ages. The Nets had envisioned a super hero and ended up with a scary transformer in a cheap outfit. Marketing FAIL. On the other hand, the Islanders replaced Nyles with Sparky the Dragon when the arena football team went bust. So while the big headed dragon may have had nothing to do with the NY Islanders at first, he has become the familiar symbol for the franchise.
Not quite as likeable as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers’ Storm, a cat-like character with a definite smirk and a much easier costume to move around in.
While Sparky has a juvenile cuteness to him, he can be dangerous to be near. I’ve been smacked by those furry wings and tail on more than one occasion. It isn’t pretty.
So what will happen to our furry little friend when he goes to Brooklyn? How will he change? Will he end up being Hipster Sparky? Can they get black glasses to fit on that snout of his? Maybe just put an Isles cap on him backwards with a tank top instead of a jersey and call it a day. As the seating is a little steeper and tighter at Barclay’s, I’m hoping they slim him down a bit. This will be interesting to see how the new marketing people handle their mascot dilemma which doesn’t end with their Knight and extends to the Dragon.
What about the Ice Girls? Maybe they should be replaced with a male dance troupe that can also sing. I think something like a “One Direction” sort of ice management team would be refreshing for a change.
Okay, back to hockey.
Aaron Ness and Anders Lee have accepted their qualifying offers from the Isles. I never expected Ness not to.
Mini camp closed out this week and it was a big hit. The autograph session post scrimmage at the Coliseum was a big hit. Now, for all of you that did get autographs, I suggest you put them in a safe place for the next 15 - 20 years. Should some of these youngsters reach their full potential in the NHL, you’ll have something worth quite a bit!
As usual, the Islanders plan some family fun outside the Coliseum and the forecast calls for rain. Tomorrow night’s Brock Nelson signing at the team store may be damp, but it should still be fun. Get these while you can along with the $1 Hot Dogs and Sodas that are planned. It's not often you see that at the Coliseum.
While the Ratner group lease means the Isles could still have a team store on the Uniondale property, I’m not sure what will happen during the almost two years of renovation or how next summer’s meet and greet schedule and events will change with the move.
The video of some of the prospects trying to pronounce Long Island town names is pretty cute. We’re so used to them, we don’t realize how tough they are.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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