When I waa 12 the New York Islanders broke my heart. In 1980, in overtime in the Stanley Cup Final...against my Flyers... they broke my heart. It was long lasting pain that I wasn’t sure would ever go away, but time does heal wounds...I guess.

Now that I actually cover this sport I have grown to have a great appreciation of certain teams and fanbases...Especially this organization and its ravenous fanbase..which is truly a unique one to say the least.

A few years back when there were rumors of this team leaving and maybe relocating to Seattle I knew the NHL would never allow it to happen. Not a chance. Losing Islanders fans would be the equivalent of losing hockey fans in general. There was no way these fans would suddenly become Rangers or Devils fans. Islanders fans are ONLY Islanders fans.

And Nassau Coliseum is where they belong. There is no doubt about that one. Everything about the place feels like the Islanders to me... It’s lack of public transportation make Nassau a tough place to get to...Other fan bases (even Isles fans) have to do a lot to fight the L-I-E at almost anytime of day...But once you get there ...it is HOME. And I for one am thrilled that it could be their temporary home again until the new stadium is built and and ready. I don’t care about technicalities...Brooklyn is not Long Island. Never will be.

As for hockeybuzz...we have an amazing Isles following...and we have been looking hard for the right person to cover this exciting and young squad. I felt from the very start of the season that they would be far more competitive and interesting...and they have been. While losing Tavares would be tough for any team, I really sensed it would be far from the DEATH blow that so many others were predicting.

The talent is there. The speed is there. And you the fans are ALWAYS there. I don’t care about attendance numbers in Brooklyn...we all know that when the Isles are good the tickets are gone. And I know Barry Trotz and Lou Lamoriello well. Two of my better friends in this sport...and let me say this much...they knew EXACTLY what they were doing getting involved with these Isles.. It fits what they are about perfectly. This is the kind of team they LOVE to be around. Hard working, young, underdogs with a chip on their shoulder.

Anyone who watched Barry and Nashville in the early days knows this script. He will have them in the race every year. And for now, until we find the right writer for you all, I will do my best to cover this team myself. I have never taken on a beat job before, but for this team I am excited. Bottom line is this... you all deserve a consistent stream of articles and I am hooked on watching the Islanders play. The excitement is infectious...and it has infected this once Islanders hater!

So I will have my share of opinions..and I know you all well enough to expect a few in return… let's go!

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