Jr. Islanders Prospects Meet NYI Prospects
Steve Webb takes area youth hockey players on special tour
By Jason Lockhart
There was added excitement yesterday at the Islanders Development Camp at Iceworks. The Jr. Islanders program, now led by Steve Webb, hosted a group of youngsters from 11 hockey teams located throughout Long Island and New York City and gave them an opportunity to meet and greet the Islanders prospects and take a tour of the facilities.
Webb first led the kids to the practice room where Bruno Gervais, Petteri Nokelainen and prospect Wes O'Neill were working out. They explained to the kids what it takes to train while playing hockey professionally. Bohemia native Brian Fenster got the chance to spot Gervais while he was lifting.
Following the weight room visit, it was off to the Islanders' locker room, where the kids were introduced to Chris Campoli, who gave them a guided tour. The kids were impressed with the room's size and amenities. The room consists of three big screen TVs, a bubble hockey game, computers and a Sony Playstation 2 console.
"I couldn't believe how much stuff was in the locker room," said Mark Lamarr from Garden City.
The kids received brand new Jr. Islanders jerseys and autographs from many of the prospects who had fun meeting their newest fans, following their third day of training.
"It's always great to see the enthusiasm of kids," said Campoli. "I enjoy sharing my love of the game and experiences with young hockey players."
The event ended with Webb wishing them well and good luck with the rest of the season.
"I had a lot of fun today," said Jack Gibbons from New York City. "The best part was meeting all the players."
"The kids had a blast today, and that's what it's all about," said Webb. "That's what hockey should be about: having fun."
This event was just the beginning of Webb's involvement in the Jr. Islanders program.
For parts of eight seasons Webb played with grit and determination on Long Island and the organization and fans appreciated his work ethic.
Two years after hanging up his skates, Webb has returned to bring his grit and determination back to Long Island by heading up the Islanders Grass Roots program. The program encourages the growth of ice hockey on Long Island and the surrounding areas, while fielding a competitive team for the prestigious Quebec International Pee Wee Tournament. The program utilizes the resources of a professional team to help spread the excitement of hockey to youngsters in the area.
The Jr. Islanders program became a reality in the 1980s because of dedication from former Islanders Bob Nystrom and Gerry Hart and local hockey parent Lou Body. The Islanders alumni and the Long Island community had a strong desire to promote hockey on Long Island and this program has made that dream possible.
Webb has only been in charge of the Islanders' grass roots program for a few months, but sitting down and talking with him, you can tell instantly how much passion he has for the program and youth hockey on Long Island.
The native of Ontario turned Long Islander believes that through time and effort the sport of hockey can flourish on Long Island. There has been a steady growth of interest in hockey on Long Island since he began playing for the Islanders in 1996, and he hopes to continue that growth.
"The Islanders and the fans treated me very well when I was playing, and it's only natural that I give back to the organization and the community," said Webb. "Long Island hockey has grown over the past decade or so, with Long Islanders like Montreal's Mike Komisarek and Chris Higgins succeeding in the NHL. I'm hoping to continue building on what has been done in the past, and the Jr. Islanders program can help."
One way to help promote the game is by fielding a competitive team at The Quebec International Pee Wee Tournament. Through the Jr. Islanders program, hundreds of young hockey players have been given the chance to experience the largest pee wee tournament in the world. The tournament has been in existence since 1960 with some illustrious alumni including Guy Lafleur, Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, along with Campoli and Islanders prospects Luch Aquino and Rhett Rakhshani. Over one hundred teams travel to Quebec City to compete in the three-division tournament. The Jr. Islanders play in the highest division.
"It was such a great tournament to be in," said Campoli, who made it to the tournament finals in 1996. "They made playing cards of all the players who participated and people still come up to me today with my card to get it signed. It was an unforgettable experience."
The Islanders joined the tournament in 1983 and have been entered in every year since. The tournament is so popular that once a team misses a tournament, they forfeit their spot permanently. The Islanders are one of the teams that have been grandfathered in and are able to participate every year. Tryouts for the Jr. Islanders team that travels to the tournament each February occur in September.
Webb is looking forward to coaching in his first Quebec tournament.
"Playing in the tournament isn't about winning, it's about having fun," said Webb. "As long as the kids play to the best of their ability and have a good time, then it is a successful tournament."
Steve Webb will be running a two-week pee wee hockey camp in August at Islanders Iceworks in preparation for the Quebec tournament. All kids born in 1994 are encouraged to sign up for the camp. You can find out more information about the camp at www.islandersiceworks.com
Visit the Photo Gallery from the event.
