Featured Post

The Skinny: Rangers 5, Isles 2

"The Skinny" By Eric Hornick Game 68 Rangers 5, Isles 2 Johnny Brodzinski broke a 2-2 tie with 4:59 left in the middle period and ...

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Brent Thompson to coach Sound Tigers

http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=567592

This guy is a hockey lifer. In addition to his nyi.com bio, he earned the
Yanick Dupre Memorial Award as the American Hockey League's man of the year for
service to his local community in 1998-99 while playing for the Hartford Wolf
Pack. (Former Islander Mitch Fritz also has won the award)

Thompson is the reigning John Brophy Award winner as ECHL Coach of the Year.
Two former honorees, Davis Payne and Claude Noel, currently hold NHL jobs.

The Anchorage Daily News has more on the Sound Tigers' newest head man:
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/157456


Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home
telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on
Twitter @ehornick

A new job for ex-Isles Herter

When you think of Isles who averaged at least a point a game you think of names
like Bossy or Trottier. You probably don't think of Jason Herter, who earned an
assist on a Ziggy Palffy pp goal on December 6, 1995, in the only NHL game of
his career -- a 7-4 loss in Hartford.

Herter was one of five of the first 16 picks overall in the 1989 draft that
would eventually play for the Isles (Dave Chyzowski, Bill Guerin, Mike Sillinger
and Jamie Heward were the others).

He has a new job-- working for National Champion Minnesota-Duluth (editorial
note -- who should have lost to my alma mater, Union College, in the 1st
round!).

Read on:


<<UMD hires new men's hockey assistant coach
Former University of North Dakota defenseman Jason Herter, a noted recruiter in
junior and AAA midget hockey, has agreed to join the Minnesota Duluth men's
staff for 2011-12, head coach Scott Sandelin said Monday.

By: Kevin Pates, Duluth News Tribune


Former University of North Dakota defenseman Jason Herter, a noted recruiter in
junior and AAA midget hockey, has agreed to join the Minnesota Duluth men's
staff for 2011-12, head coach Scott Sandelin said Monday.

Herter, 40, a native of Hafford, Saskatchewan, spent last season in his first
year as coach and general manager of the Fargo (N.D.) Force of the U.S. Hockey
League. Fargo went 33-22-5 during the regular season before being eliminated in
the second round of the league playoffs by eventual Clark Cup champion Dubuque
(Iowa).
[snip]


In three years at North Dakota (1988-91), Herter had 118 points in 119 games
and ranks among the school's top five defensemen in career scoring. He was a
No. 1 pick by Vancouver in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft and played one game with
the New York Islanders before spending 11 years in minor league and European
hockey.>>

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home
telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on
Twitter @ehornick

Monday, June 27, 2011

Nassau Chamber backs Belmont casino

While not directly related to the Isles search for a new arena, here's a vote in
favor of a casino a few miles west of the Coliseum. Of note, however, is a
different view is held by Gary Port, candidate for Town Supervisor (against Kate
Murray)

<<libn.com

Nassau chambers back Belmont casino
by John Callegari
Published: June 27, 2011


The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce announced today its member
organizations had voted unanimously to support the development of a casino at
Belmont Racetrack.

Members of the council cited an increase in the number of jobs and other
economic opportunities as the driving forces behind its decision. Council
members estimate a Shinnecock Indian Nation gaming facility would generate more
than 12,000 permanent, full-time jobs, including more than 5,500 on site, and
more than 3,450 construction jobs. The organization also said the project would
attract new business investment and infrastructure improvements long overdue in
Elmont.

"This project will help revitalize Hempstead Turnpike, and bring new businesses
and opportunities to our community," said Christopher Rosado, president of the
Elmont Chamber of Commerce. "It would be a huge mistake to let another
opportunity for revitalization pass us by, especially when our partners on this
project are willing to work so closely with the community."

Of course, there are others out there with a different take on how a casino
would impact the Elmont community.

Gary Port, an attorney with Garden City-based Port and Sava, and the Democratic
challenger for Town of Hempstead supervisor this year, said recently a casino
would not help the surrounding community. Instead, people would be bused in and
out, spending their money at stores within the casino rather than at nearby
shops.>>
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home
telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on
Twitter @ehornick

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Isles pick Johan Sundstrom 50th overall

It's the pick that the Isles acquires in the trade for Wisniewski.

Sundstrom plays for Frolunda in the Swiedish Elite League. (Center/Winger)

After the 1st round, the NHL Entry draft goes faster than most fantasy drafts!
 Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home
telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on
Twitter @ehornick

Future Pioneer now a future Islander

Isles select Scott Mayfield -- who is scheduled to play at the University of
Denver next season.

http://www.denverpost.com/colleges/ci_18350487
 Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home
telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on
Twitter @ehornick

Friday, June 24, 2011

Trranscript of Strome interview

<<
Q. Well, how does it feel?

RYAN STROME: I couldn't be happier right now. Sitting there, I mean, fifth
overall is pretty special. To have my family there, I'm so happy. I saw the
emotion. It really is the best day of my life.

Q. Thoughts on going to the Islanders?

RYAN STROME: I work out with John, and he already called me as soon as it
happened, I couldn't be happier. I have a guy to mentor me through the summer.
I see him every day. I think I'm in a very good situation.


Like I said, I couldn't be happier with the situation, and I'm just excited to
get things started.

Q. How does the near future?

RYAN STROME: Obviously my mindset for the summer is to be ready for training
camp. That's the way I have to approach it. If I don't approach it like that,
I'll never be successful. That's the way I'm going to approach it, and that's
more of a question for the general manager and coach.

Q. Can you talk about what your visit was like?

RYAN STROME: It was good. They take it very seriously. It's obviously a big
investment for them and a big part of their future. I got X-rays done, and MRIs
of my body and a whole bunch of medicals done to make sure I'm healthy.


I sat down and talked with them and after they got to know me a little better,
and I think they justify wanted to do an extra background check.

Q. What was the difference this season?

RYAN STROME: I think just confidence in the second-year round. I worked really
hard in the summer. I credit that to athlete training center where I work out
with John, obviously. I came back with a ton of comments. I got the ball

rolling early, and just tried to keep it rolling through the whole season. I
mean, confidence is such a big thing in hockey, and that's what I tried to do.

Q. When did you know it was the Islanders?

RYAN STROME: Not until they announced and I saw Dougie Hamilton still on the
board, so I wasn't sure. But I was just so thrilled. I really can't remember
much of it. I have to watch the video when I'm done, but it was great. It was
so fantastic.

Q. Did you and Dougie have any friendly bets or anything?

RYAN STROME: No, not at all. He text me probably an hour before I left. He said
whatever happens, it's been a great year. We're both best buddies. I wish him
the best of luck. I just went out and gave him a hug. His time's coming. He's a
great player, and whatever team is lucky to have him.

Q. What is your impression of the Islanders in the direction they're heading
right now?


RYAN STROME: They're a young team. They've got a ton of assets. I want to grow
with the team, and I want to win a championship. I know I'm young saying that,
but that's what you want to do. You want to build from the ground up and that's
what New York's doing, and I hope to contribute to that.

Q. talk about your meeting

RYAN STROME: I met with them before the combine. They did a psychological test.
They came to Niagara, and I met with them another at the combine and went down
to New York. So I knew the interest was there, and I knew where they were
selecting so it was a very good possibility. Things worked out.

Q. Talk about playing in Niagara with the IceDogs in the OHL development?

RYAN STROME: It's been great. Since I got traded there last January, I've
gotten consistently better each day. I can't thank them enough, the coaching
staff, Marty Williamson, Mike Van Ryn, Billy Burke, and the owners are second
to none. I was there with them last night.


They're the greatest people in the world. They're probably the proudest people
now. It's such a welcoming organization and such a big family there. Everyone's
been so great, and everyone's wished me the best of luck, and they're the best.

Q. Do you have a uniform number in mind?

RYAN STROME: No, not at all. I honestly haven't had a chance to look at that. I
didn't know what team I was going to so never mind looking at a number.

Q. What did John say to you on the phone there?

RYAN STROME: John just said -- he's been through it not too long ago, so he
knows how busy I'm going to be. He just said best of luck. Enjoy it and soak it
all in. We'll have a great summer together and work hard. And I'll be side by
side with him and he'll show me the ropes, hopefully and I'll just learn
everything I can.

Q. Any of this a surprise? Anything you weren't prepared for?

RYAN STROME: Not really. Coming here I didn't know what to expect, but my agent
informed me, kind of told me about all the media that's going to go on and
stuff. I've just embraced it and soaked it all in. Just having the most fun I
can at this time.

Q. Was it a blur the last 48 hours?

RYAN STROME: Not the last 48 hours, more the last 15 minutes. Everything seems
to come and go very quickly.

Q. Do you plan on being active on Twitter?

RYAN STROME: We'll see. I'm very busy in the off-season, so I might shut it down
for a little bit and just get to work.
>>

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home
telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on
Twitter @ehornick

More on Strome

Hockey Night's Jeff Marek tweeted the following to me, earlier tonight:

<<oh Eric, I love that pick. Isles nailed it w/Strome. I've watched him since
minor midget AAA (where he captained the Marlboroughs)  Put him w/Tavares in 2
years and BANG!!! Isles did a great job here.  >>

 Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home
telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on
Twitter @ehornick

Time to flip Strome's # around

You may have seen Ryan Strome debut the 40th anniversary patch in his interviews
earlier tonight.

Strome wore #18 in Junior -- the same # worn as an Islander by 1st round draft
pick Tim Connolly.

It's also the number worn by the Isles first Captain, Ed Westfall.  Westfall of
course scored the first goal in Islander history and then scored the goal to
beat the Penguins in Game 7 in 1975.  More than that, Westfall served as a
mentor to the young Islanders who would begin their dynasty the year Eddie
retired.

Eddie will turn 71 in September (yes, he was born in a year I'll mention Forever
-- 1940); it would be nice for the Isles, who have used the number for players
such as Rob DiMaio, Marty McInnis and Mike Sillinger to celebrate their 1st
Captain's influence in their 40th anniversary season.

If they don't retire "18", but instead just honored Eddie in the Islanders Hall
of Fame, then young Mr. Strome, who was born two months AFTER the Islanders won
their last playoff series, can keep "18".  If not, I am sure that he would look
great in "81".


 Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home
telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on
Twitter @ehornick

(And full disclosure for those who can't connect the dots-- I worked with Eddie
in all but his 1st two seasons in the TV booth)

More video on Strome

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LL4Ftg6AKRo

I heard Strome with EJ and Don on NHLRadio this evening. If he can play half as
well as he can speak, the Isles will have something. He is a very-polished 17
year old (he won't turn 18 until July 11)


Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home
telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on
Twitter @ehornick

Isles draft Ryan Strome

Take a look at this goal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsf8P5LLF-I

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home
telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on
Twitter @ehornick

Au Revoir Richards and Carter

The Isles have to be thrilled about the Flyers' trades of Richards and Carter to
the Western Conference yesterday.

The Kings and Blue Jackets, on the other hand, need to realize that the players
they acquired yesterday both put up their career best numbers against the
Islanders.

Carter is 19-23-42 in 39 games against the Isles (301 pts in 422 games vs rest
of NHL); he has 6 PP goals (of 38 career) vs NYI
Richards is 13-21-34 in 38 games against the Isles (315 pts in 415 games vs rest
of NHL); he has 6 SH goals (of 23 career) vs NYI

For both players, it represents their most points against any opponent.

For the Isles to make the playoffs next spring, improved play in the division is
a must -- particularly against the Flyers. The Isles are 1-17-4 in their last
22 vs Philadelphia, including 0-5-1 last season.


Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home
telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on
Twitter @ehornick

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Isles schedule quirks

The Isles will open their 40th anniversary season with a 4-game homestand. It's
the first time since the Original Islanders opened with 7 straight at home that
the Isles have played their first 4 games at home. It's one of two 4-game
homestands on the schedule, with the other coming in mid-January.

Unlike last season, where the Isles established multiple club records for fewest
home games in the first __ games, the Isles will play 6 of 9 games at home in
October. They will also play 8 of first 11, 13 of first 20 and 17 of first 29
at home.

The Isles have two four-game road trips, and a 5-game road swing to Montreal,
Toronto, Tampa, Florida and Pittsburgh in late-March.

In addition to the unprecedented three-straight games against New Jersey in
early March, the Isles and Devils will face off for a home-and-home over
Thanksgiving weekend. The Isles also have two home-and-home series with the
Penguins and one with the Maple Leafs.

The Islander-Ranger match-ups are fairly spread out through the season, although
the Isles will visit the Garden on both December 22 and December 26.

The Isles will play only one late game all season -- a 10:00 ET start in
Anaheim. They visit both Vancouver and Phoenix this season as well, but the
games are at 9:00 ET and 8:00 ET respectively.

Families will have lots of home games to choose from as the Isles will play 10
afternoon home games, including Columbus Day, Black Friday, New Years Eve Day,
MLK Day, and Presidents Day. The Isles will play back-to-back home matinees on
February 11/12 and March 31/April 1. All night games will start at 7:00, with
the exception of an 8:00 start for the home opener, which will be played about
an hour after the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur ends.

The Isles will have a mid-west road trip to Winnipeg and St. Louis on February
14/16. They do not leave the Eastern Time Zone the remainder of the season,
playing their final 25 under Eastern Time.

The NHL also scheduled the Islanders at home on January 21 (vs Carolina). The
game will mark the 30th anniversary of the first game of the Islanders' 15-game
winning streak, which was my first game on Islander TV.


Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home
telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on
Twitter @ehornick

Hello, Winnipeg -- It's been a long time.

Winnipeg will make its 1st Coliseum visit on Thursday, November 3rd and a second
trip of Thursday, April 5th.
The Isles will visit Manitoba on Tuesday December 20th, and on Valentines Day,
Tuesday, February 14th.

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home
telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on
Twitter @ehornick

Isles face Devils three straight games in March

Very strange part of schedule:


Sun Mar 4, 2012 Devils Islanders 3:00 PM

Thu Mar 8, 2012 Islanders Devils 7:00 PM

Sat Mar 10, 2012 Devils Islanders 7:00 PM

The Devils have a game on March 6th, so only the Isles will play three straight
against same opponent.

And yes-- it is the first time in Isles history that it has ever happened. I'm
guessing that it might be a residue of the Atlanta move to Winnipeg causing some
strange scheduling.

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home
telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on
Twitter @ehornick

Isles 2011-12 schedule released!

Sat Oct 8, 2011
Panthers Islanders
8:00 PM ET






Mon Oct 10, 2011
Wild Islanders
1:00 PM ET






Thu Oct 13, 2011
Lightning Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Sat Oct 15, 2011
Rangers Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Thu Oct 20, 2011
Islanders Lightning
7:30 PM ET






Sat Oct 22, 2011
Islanders Panthers
7:30 PM ET






Tue Oct 25, 2011
Penguins Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Thu Oct 27, 2011
Islanders Penguins
7:00 PM ET






Sat Oct 29, 2011
Sharks Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Thu Nov 3, 2011
NHL Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Sat Nov 5, 2011
Capitals Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Mon Nov 7, 2011
Islanders Bruins
7:00 PM ET






Thu Nov 10, 2011
Islanders Avalanche
9:00 PM ET






Sun Nov 13, 2011
Islanders Canucks
9:00 PM ET






Tue Nov 15, 2011
Rangers Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Thu Nov 17, 2011
Canadiens Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Sat Nov 19, 2011
Bruins Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Mon Nov 21, 2011
Islanders Penguins
7:00 PM ET






Wed Nov 23, 2011
Flyers Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Fri Nov 25, 2011
Devils Islanders
1:00 PM ET






Sat Nov 26, 2011
Islanders Devils
1:00 PM ET






Tue Nov 29, 2011
Islanders Sabres
7:00 PM ET






Fri Dec 2, 2011
Islanders Blackhawks
8:30 PM ET






Sat Dec 3, 2011
Islanders Stars
8:30 PM ET






Tue Dec 6, 2011
Lightning Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Thu Dec 8, 2011
Blackhawks Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Sat Dec 10, 2011
Penguins Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Tue Dec 13, 2011
Islanders Canadiens
7:30 PM ET






Thu Dec 15, 2011
Stars Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Sat Dec 17, 2011
Islanders Wild
8:00 PM ET






Tue Dec 20, 2011
Islanders NHL (Winnipeg)
7:30 PM ET






Thu Dec 22, 2011
Islanders Rangers
7:00 PM ET






Fri Dec 23, 2011
Maple Leafs Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Mon Dec 26, 2011
Islanders Rangers
7:00 PM ET






Thu Dec 29, 2011
Flames Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Sat Dec 31, 2011
Oilers Islanders
1:00 PM ET






Tue Jan 3, 2012
Islanders Hurricanes
7:00 PM ET






Fri Jan 6, 2012
Islanders Ducks
10:00 PM ET






Sat Jan 7, 2012
Islanders Coyotes
8:00 PM ET






Tue Jan 10, 2012
Red Wings Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Thu Jan 12, 2012
Flyers Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Sat Jan 14, 2012
Sabres Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Mon Jan 16, 2012
Predators Islanders
1:00 PM ET






Tue Jan 17, 2012
Islanders Capitals
7:00 PM ET






Thu Jan 19, 2012
Islanders Flyers
7:00 PM ET






Sat Jan 21, 2012
Hurricanes Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Mon Jan 23, 2012
Islanders Maple Leafs
7:00 PM ET






Tue Jan 24, 2012
Maple Leafs Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Tue Jan 31, 2012
Islanders Hurricanes
7:00 PM ET






Fri Feb 3, 2012
Islanders Senators
7:30 PM ET






Sat Feb 4, 2012
Sabres Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Tue Feb 7, 2012
Islanders Flyers
7:00 PM ET






Thu Feb 9, 2012
Canadiens Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Sat Feb 11, 2012
Kings Islanders
1:00 PM ET






Sun Feb 12, 2012
Panthers Islanders
3:00 PM ET






Tue Feb 14, 2012
Islanders NHL (Winnipeg)
8:30 PM ET






Thu Feb 16, 2012
Islanders Blues
8:00 PM ET






Sat Feb 18, 2012
Hurricanes Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Mon Feb 20, 2012
Senators Islanders
1:00 PM ET






Tue Feb 21, 2012
Islanders Sabres
7:00 PM ET






Fri Feb 24, 2012
Rangers Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Sun Feb 26, 2012
Islanders Senators
5:00 PM ET






Tue Feb 28, 2012
Islanders Capitals
7:00 PM ET






Thu Mar 1, 2012
Islanders Flyers
7:00 PM ET






Sat Mar 3, 2012
Islanders Bruins
1:00 PM ET






Sun Mar 4, 2012
Devils Islanders
3:00 PM ET






Thu Mar 8, 2012
Islanders Devils
7:00 PM ET






Sat Mar 10, 2012
Devils Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Sun Mar 11, 2012
Islanders Rangers
7:00 PM ET






Tue Mar 13, 2012
Capitals Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Thu Mar 15, 2012
Flyers Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Sat Mar 17, 2012
Islanders Canadiens
7:00 PM ET






Tue Mar 20, 2012
Islanders Maple Leafs
7:00 PM ET






Sat Mar 24, 2012
Islanders Lightning
7:00 PM ET






Sun Mar 25, 2012
Islanders Panthers
5:00 PM ET






Tue Mar 27, 2012
Islanders Penguins
7:00 PM ET






Thu Mar 29, 2012
Penguins Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Sat Mar 31, 2012
Bruins Islanders
1:00 PM ET






Sun Apr 1, 2012
Senators Islanders
3:00 PM ET






Tue Apr 3, 2012
Islanders Devils
7:00 PM ET






Thu Apr 5, 2012
NHL Islanders
7:00 PM ET






Sat Apr 7, 2012
Islanders Blue Jackets
7:00 PM ET
 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Cap earns vote in Adams Award

Dan Bylsma won the Jack Adams Award, but Jack Capuano earned a 3rd place vote for the Islanders strong 2nd half.  Apparently the voters noted that the Isles had as many points as anyone in the East over a 3-month period from mid-December to mid-March.
 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Grabner named to all-roookie team

Not surprisingly, considering that he was one of the 3 finalists for the Calder:

2010-2011 NHL All-Rookie Team
                                                                                           GP      W       L    OT    GAA SV% SO
G      Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks                     57     33     18       6     2.30    .917      4
 
                                                                                           GP      Mins.      G       A    Pts
D      John Carlson, Washington Capitals                           82      22:38       7     30     37
D      P.K. Subban, Montreal Canadiens                            77      22:16     14     24     38
F       Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks                             79      17:49     32     24     56
F       Michael Grabner, New York Islanders                      76      15:04     34     18     52
F       Jeff Skinner, Carolina Hurricanes                             82      16:43     31     32     63
 

 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Nielsen 6th, Grabner 20th in Selke Voting

Ryan Kesler was a runaway winner for the Selke award. 

However, the Isles dynamic defensive duo of Frans Nielsen and Michael Grabner both finished in the top 20.

Ironically, Nielsen finished 6th despite not getting a single 1st place vote (out of at least 126 votes cast).  Grabner received only two votes total, but one was for 1st place-- he finished 20th in the balloting.

One would expect that as the team improves so may the balloting for both players.
 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Grabner finishes 3rd in Calder balloting

The final vote totals were released and the much-publicized boycott by the NY writers did not affect Grabner's chances at winning the Calder -- he finished a distant third.


2010-2011 Calder Trophy Voting
Pts. (1st-2nd-3rd-4th-5th)
1. Jeff Skinner, CAR 1,055 (71-39-12-4-0)
2. Logan Couture, S.J. 908 (41-46-29-10-1)
3. Michael Grabner, NYI 497 (6-19-37-35-14)

Corey Crawford-John Carlson-PK Subban were 4th, 5th, and 6th

 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Please help my friend Jake

In a sad way, today has turned out to be the biggest day in the blog's history.  So...for a wider audience...please help my friend Jake!

My colleague Jake Wisniewski, an Associate Director on Devils telecasts, needs a double lung transplant.  Here's where you can help: 
http://cota.donorpages.com/PatientOnlineDonation/COTAforJakeW/  

More info is here: http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/donate_to_help_jake_wisniewski_get_a_double_lung_transplant/
 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Congratulations Doug Weight

The retiring Islander captain was honored with the King Clancy Memorial Award at the NHL Awards tonight. The award honors the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution
in his community.

He is the 2nd player to be so honored as an Islander; Bryan Trottier won the award in 1989.  Another former Islander, Trevor Linden, has also won the award, but he won in 1997, before he was traded to the Islanders.
 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Michael Grabner, meet George Stroumboulopoulos

If Michael Grabner's name is called tonight, it will be Canadian TV personality George Stroumboulopoulos doing the calling.   Stroumboulopoulos will present the Calder along with Jeremy Roenick.

Calder Memorial Trophy
(presented by George Stroumboulopoulos & Jeremy Roenick)
Nominees: Logan Couture, Michael Grabner, Jeff Skinner

The Calder is scheduled to be the 6th award presented, right after the Messier Leadership Award.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Stroumboulopoulos_Tonight
 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Isles fan arrested in quadruple-murder

Newsday has confirmed that the man charged in the quadruple-murder is the same guy that got engaged at an Islander game in 2006.
http://www.newsday.com/news/breaking/four-killed-in-medford-drugstore-shooting-1.2968653#3
 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Good news/bad news

Good news:  Police have arrested a man in connection with the quadruple homicide at a Long Island pharmacy.
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/source-arrest-in-medford-shooting-1.2975975
Great job by the Suffolk PD!

Bad news:  He is married, and has the same name and age, and was married in the same part of Long Island, as a guy who got engaged at an Islander game in 2006. He is also the only person with this name listed in NY on 411.com
http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-01-11/entertainment/17914617_1_challah-bride-and-groom-ceremony 
(Isles won the game 4-2, outshooting Carolina 48-15, including 20-1 in the first period as they moved into a tie for 1st place in Atlantic)

Unlike Flavor Flav, he apparently was not arrested wearing an Islander jersey.

 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Summer Ice

There will be 8 Islander games from the 2010-11 season featured on MSG+  this summer.

Here's a hint -- they'll do very well in all of them.

First-up --the Columbus Day battle with the Rangers.  Wed 8-10pm on MSG+

Lots of other great Isles moments, including the beat-down of the Penguins on Friday, Aug 12 (that game needs a 2 1/2 hour window).

Complete list here: http://islanders.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=564998&navid=DL|NYI|home
 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Friday, June 17, 2011

Milstein

Former NY Islander owner Howard Milstein is the new head of the NY Thruway Authority ... and a bunch of people are not happy. At all.
http://www.buffalonews.com/city/communities/niagara-falls/article456570.ece
 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick #sabres

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Please help my friend Jake!

My colleague Jake Wisniewski, an Associate Director on Devils telecasts, needs a double lung transplant.  Here's where you can help: 
http://cota.donorpages.com/PatientOnlineDonation/COTAforJakeW/  

More info is here: http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/comments/donate_to_help_jake_wisniewski_get_a_double_lung_transplant/

Hopefully, I've provided you some entertainment and information over the past (nearly) 30 years.  If you've ever wanted to say "thanks" (as so many of you have been kind to do over the years), here's a perfect opportunity. 
 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick #devils

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Newsday: New Coliseum could raise Nassau County taxes by $58 annually

Story just posted to Newsday's website:

http://www.newsday.com/long-island/politics/analysis-coliseum-loan-would-raise-taxes-1.2957611
 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

Possible landing spot for Nabokov?

With Bryzgalov gone (and Montoya traded to the Isles), Don Maloney needs a goaltender....

<<Flyers acquire Bryzgalov's rights from Phoenix
Tuesday, 06.07.2011 / 8:08 PM /
By Brian Compton  - NHL.com Staff Writer
Hoping to strike a deal before free agency begins on July 1, the Philadelphia Flyers acquired the rights to impending free agent goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov from the Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday night in exchange for minor-league left wing Matt Clackson, a 2012 third-round draft pick and a conditional pick.
>>
 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Ex-Isles Guerin joins Penguins staff

<<Guerin joins Penguins as player development coach
Wednesday, 06.08.2011 / 2:41 PM 
Associated Press

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Former NHL star Bill Guerin has joined the Pittsburgh Penguins as a player development coach.

The 18-year veteran retired in 2010 after playing for the Penguins during his last two seasons.


The team said Wednesday that the 40-year-old Guerin would work with prospects throughout the organization, assisting in the development of players in the minor leagues along with junior and college hockey.


Guerin had 429 goals and 427 assists in his career and won two Stanley Cups, the last with the Penguins. The right winger also played for the New Jersey Devils, Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks and New York Islanders.>>

 
It's unclear whether Guerin would work out of Pittsburgh, but I would guess that he would probably keep his home on Long Island.


Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Rome not the first to be suspended in Stanley Cup Final

Aaron Rome was suspended four games for his hit on Nathan Horton.  So basically Rome misses the rest of the playoffs for taking Horton, one of Boston's leading scorers, out for the rest of the playoffs.

It's the first suspension in the Stanley Cup finals since 2007 and the longest in Finals history.

One of the NBC/Versus guys was also suspended during the finals -- back in 1977 a Bruin defensemen was sat down for a game after drawing two game misconducts in the playoffs.  His name, of course, was Mike Milbury.

Milbury could be excused, in part.  Both game misconducts were issued by Ron Wicks.
 
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: forever1940.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick