Jr. Isles Get First Win

A team effort contributes to victory over Moncton Hawks

By Steve Webb

It was 8:30 Monday morning and in walked ex-Junior Islander Eric Nystrom (Calgary Flames 10th Overall pick in the draft). Eric was kind enough to come to the rink in Syosset that holiday morning and take the time to talk with the 2007 Jr. Islanders.

Eric shared his experiences with the young players and future stars about his time in Quebec City during the Quebec International Tournament this year’s Jr. Islanders will compete in next month.

The son of legendary Islander Bob Nystrom talked about all the fun activities, living with the billets, playing the games as well as talking about his fellow teammates and the success that a number of those players have had in their hockey and scholastic careers.

Eric was there to help motivate the Jr. Islanders who were preparing for their exhibition game against the Moncton Hawks. The Hawks traveled from Moncton, Nova Scotia with financial assistance from the local Quebec Junior team, the Moncton Wildcats, which Islanders head coach Ted Nolan coached during the 2005-06 season.

It was quite evident that Eric’s talk with the players had an impact on them. The team came out skating and playing extremely hard; the way we would like to see the team play in future games as well. This game started out tight with some exciting plays at each ends of the ice.

It was our defense, which was playing with a lot of confidence, that put us on the board first. Our blueliners were keeping the pucks in Moncton’s zone while delivering hard shots on net, three of which resulted in goals.

The defense continued to play well with their great passing and clearing ability in front of our goalies. We split playing time between our two goalies that made key saves and played with confidence.

Overall, the coaching staff, which included former Islanders Benoit Hogue, was impressed with how the players moved the puck and controlled the game while making smart heads up plays.

“They played very well today,” said Hogue, who was invited to help the Jr. Islanders by former coach, Bobby Nystrom. “At practice they listen well and have been picking up on the tricks of the game. I’ve liked teaching the kids and it’s been working well”.

The forwards chipped in as well, potting two goals of their own, which helped the Jr. Islanders win their first game, 5-1 over Moncton. It was a great overall team effort with everyone contributing.

We want to thank the team from Moncton for making the effort to visit New York and compete against us while we prepare for the international tournament in Quebec starting February 9th.

The Jr. Islanders next face-off against the Jr. Rangers at the Nassau Coliseum, Tuesday, January 30th before the Islanders battle the Detroit Red Wings.