It’s been rather quiet since the Halak negotiating rights acquisition, but a few things have happened. Or not happened.
Gary Harding and John Panarese interviewed GM Garth Snow for 45 minutes LIVE on SportsTalk 1240 am. http://sportsradiony.com/audio/05042014-sportstalk1240/ How many other NHL general managers will call into a local talk show on a Sunday night at 9 pm and talk for 45 minutes straight? Name one. Garth Snow. That’s it.
If you listen closely, there are some minor details given up during his interview. Listen to him talk about Jack Capuano and his coaching style. So often fans have complained about Jack’s failure to berate his players in public for a failure to produce. The Isles have a code of conduct that they will not break when it comes to talking to the press about the players, and the players appreciate the respect.
Snow also mentioned that there are a few places that are potential practice facilities for the Isles once they make the move to Brooklyn. Someone should have asked about the Team Store once the renovations begin on the Coliseum. I’m guessing that the team store at Iceworks will expand or maybe they’ll reopen one at the Marriott. So many options -- I suppose.
Speaking of the team store, Matt Martin will be signing autographs on May 22nd at 6 pm. The first of the Isles for the summer season of appearances, Martin has been everywhere recently, so now you have a chance to catch up to him. But get there early. Only the first 150 are guaranteed an autograph and there will be a 20% Off Sale on all merchandise (excluding jerseys) and free yearbook with purchase.
And if you haven’t bought something for an Islander fan mother yet for Mother’s Day, the team store is doing a buy one, get one half price sale on everything in the store except jerseys this week only.
Other things that didn’t happen: The Isles did NOT hire Peter Laviolette -- the Predators did. Why this concerned some fans or how anyone thought the Isles actually would is beyond me. While Peter had success on Long Island, and one of his children, I’m guessing it was not an episode he wanted to repeat. No. Far better to start a new chapter without history.
Team USA will start playing on Friday in the IIHF World Championship in Belarus. Cheer on Colin McDonald, Brock Nelson and Matt Donovan as Peter Laviolette coaches them and Team USA looking for gold.
All games will be shown on NBCSN and the first game is Friday at 1:45 pm EST. Another game on Saturday at 1:45 and on Monday, Team USA will play team Russia. Check the TV schedule and cheer on the red, white and blue.
What else do we have to do this month anyway?