How about this theme for Richard Park's keynote address when more than 100 immigrants take the oath of U.S. citizenship during a Friday morning ceremony on the Stony Brook University campus:
"We Are All Americans."
Park, in his second year of playing for that local hockey team that promotes "We Are All Islanders," guessed that he had been sought out for the event because he himself is a naturalized American, born in Seoul, Korea, but raised, since he was 3, in suburban Los Angeles. (Another obvious connection: The ceremony, which the university said would include several of its own employees, is scheduled in the building named after Islanders owner Charles B. Wang.)
"I'll just go and tell my story, I guess, give a little speech," Park said. He will treat it a bit like a hockey game, he added, "not think about it too much, because when I do that, I get nervous."
His story: "I have a Korean background but I always considered myself American. I've been here since I was 3." He is the youngest of four children, and his family relocated from Korea and settled in Los Angeles in 1979 because seven of his mother's eight siblings, as well as her parents, already lived in California. Park's father was a lawyer in Korea but, since he didn't speak English when he arrived in the United States, established a grocery story that Park's parents still own and operate.
Hockey? "It was kind of a fluke," said Park, aware that the sport isn't exactly native to either his birthplace or childhood home. "Just by chance I started playing. My sisters were figure skaters" and he followed them to the rink. "No one in my family knew what hockey was."
....
BREAKING NEWS! The lights went out at the Islanders IceWorks practice rink roughly 15 minutes before the planned end of their daily session, so coach Ted Nolan and his assistants spent that time (most of it in the dark and semi-dark) pushing the players through tongue-dragging skating sprints.
Not really new: With Bryan Berard out for two to four weeks with a groin injury, Marc-Andre Bergeron is back on the point for the power play and paired with defenseman Andy Sutton. Defenseman Aaron Johnson continues to not be a defenseman, working on the fourth offensive line. Forward Shawn Bates is still working his way back from surgery, not yet a candidate immediate game action.
Comments (76)
Nice in-depth article on Chris Simon
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/michael_farber/10/24/simon1029/index.html
Where does Sean Bates fit in? Some please tell how..besides an injury..Will Bootland go down?
Steady -- In response to your post in the other thread, let's start a chant at the Coliseum: "Long-term No-lan!" Or will it backfire because Charles Wang does not like to be told what to do?
KH,
I actually heard Wang is negiotating stock options for Nolan in an un-heard of, 25 yr life sentance, i mean contract.
Lets go Islanders!
Steady: I wish I could get a refund on the NFL Sunday Pass as well. Watching the Jets offense is like watching a baseball team bunt in every at bat. Yeah I shell out the bucks for all of the satellite packages, and yes I need Tivo + an extra TV for the wife & kids shows. It's got to be tough living in Mass this time of year, the Boston fans are on par with Ranger fans. I lived in Rhode Island for 6 months and hated it for that fact.
The Ranger posts from the summer made me have flash backs to 5th grade; and I am not kidding; it was the same crapola back then. Some people never grow up.
Snow has a good pulse on the game and has a good relationship with Nolan. The team is now run like a good business and that is they have a plan and an identity. They say most business' don't plan to fail, they fail to plan.
By the way this is the second week in a row that the Bruins re-scheduled a home game for 4:00. Do they have to get approval from the NHL to do that? I don't remember that happening when the Yanks & Mets were in the world series? Am I right about that?
hey simon fan,
That was a great article!
Simon for President!! He is sure to get a job in the front office with NYI
Steady -- I lived in Boston for 9 years. Back in NY now, thank God. I 100% agree with everything you said, esp. the part about how Bostonians act like they're the only true fans. Go Rockies!
Living hell right Ceasar and KH......I lived on 65 Monument Avenue before getting married. My best friend lives on Green street with his family in Chuck Town. Great area. I am up north in the suberbs now....Lynnfield.
My office is in Beantown.
How great is the Warren Tavern. On a snowy day to get a burger and brew in there is awesome!
After they win the series just say "How does it feel to be the highest paid team in MLB history to win the World Series....TWICE !!!"
As you said everything they ripped the Yanks for all those years. Now 04 and 07 there payroll tops all others in history!!!
I suppose it's no secret as to why we own Banknorth Garden whenever the isles come up here!!!
LOL
I think when I moved up here I was the only Isles fan in the whole city. Lot more of us here now adays!!
Hopefully MAB will conform with the team concept and work to keep the PP number one in the league. If he can't , Marty would be more than an adequate replacement. Maybe with the MAB/ Sutton pairing, they'll be the third set of D to hit the ice. Marty/Witt and Campoli/Gervais should see the bulk of the ice time.
Let's go Isles!!!!
Caeser:
Were you at last years Bruin ~ Isles game, when they won in a shoot out??????????
I was the Isles fan that caught the puck and was on the Jumbo Tron in OT.......My third puck caught since going to games way back in 77......The fans around me were so pissed. I was with guys from work, and they could not believe it. Hand was black and blue for a week. The whacko with the gold hair that is at all the isles games (guy that does the chicken dance) was also at the game. He is a tool!
Miggsey~ I think MAB might surprise us when he comes back. I have no problem giving people a second chance. Hopefully he steps up!
with berard out and MAB back in, why dosent Nolan do this.
let Arron Johnson play as the 6th d-man and put MAB on the wing up front and let him play the point on the PP. i swear i should be the coach, that is the safest and most logical thing to do until berard the great is back. no doubt MAB has offensive talent but is a moron on D, so maybe we can get goals from him as a winger and then put his 100 MPH non-accurate shot on the PP point. by playing him up front in 5 on 5 situations we limit his turnovers. what do you guys think?>???????
http://www2.sportsnet.ca/features/nhlpests/simon.php
pretty fun little article about the top 10 current pests in the league
Thank goodness for Islander Hockey - as noted above, this seems to be Boston's trifecta for all sports. It's hard to believe prior to 2000, New Englanders were a pityful fan base with the "loveable losers" tag all over them. Now in 2007 where are looking at:
a possible Red Sox World Series win
a likely New England Patriots Superbowl win
The Celtics are an eastern contender in the NBA
I guess the Buins aren't on the list yet, and hopefully the Isles can bring the pride back to NY this year -- Lord knows the Rangers aren't gonna do it.
Playing MAB on the wing might be the solution. Short time, but still.. But steady is OK and absolutely agree - no problems giving people a second chance. He will start producing, no worries, but 3rd line might suit him better. MAB-Sillinger-Hilbert(or Bates). Sounds fine :)
I guess I'm like Piero and Anthony when it comes to MAB: putting him on wing is likely the safest place to start his rehabilitation project. Two games in the press box should have given him time to retool his attitude and start a move to become a team player on and off the ice. His speed, puck handling and shot might be a better fit on the wing without compromising our own end of the rink.
Steady is bang on about second chances so maybe the wing is the place to start. He could easily replace one of our many third/fourth line "Nolan type players" for a few games to see if he's another Wendel Clark who was a defenceman before converting to the wing.
how do you all feel about bates being on the team? Do you think he is going to contribute at all?
As much as I love Bates, I doubt it. The groin injury, from my understanding, has hobbled him considerably. He has to wear special pants and his speed isn't what it used to be. Let's face it, Bates' whole game is speed, and if he has no speed he can't serve this team well.
Also, Piero, good to see you again, buddy....Though I'd say MAB-Sillinger-Hunter as the 3rd line. Now THAT'S a good line.
I was having hard time to adopt to all these changes (new interaface of this blog and so on) - but I was reading regularly :)
Great to hear that....I can't figure out the continued need to have Johnson on the wing and MAB at the point. Miggsey makes an excellent point here; MAB could score 25 goals as a forward, and he would help both the powerplay and the overall offensive attack. I can't understand Nolan's reasoning here at all. This makes too much sense to not happen.
1) Bates was MM's final mistake ...he signed him to a 3 year extension before he left. This guy is STILL living off of that penalty shot. In my opinion he really has no reason to still be on this team ...we already have a penalty killer with no hands that gets waaaay to much time in important situations ...that man ...is Andy Hillbert
2) I think MAB will be fine. We all just need to face certain realities - he'll never be a "defensive" defenceman. The only thing he needs to worry about is getting his shot on net. If he's hitting the net the puck's either going in or creating a rebound ...and with the Witt/Martinek and Campy/Gervais paring we get solid "D" so the Isles can afford to have a MAB out there ...as long as he's producing points ...
I have tremendous respect for Nolan, but I cannot figure out what he is thinking by putting MAB with Sutton. He knows more than I do, so I'll keep an open mind...but a very scared open mind.
I'm not sure if this has been braught up yet or not, but while the PP has been obviously tremendous has anyone noticed the Isles +/- stats? I don't think that anyone has a + rating at all ...to win in this new NHL you need to have your PP going well, but it would be nice if the Isles started producing 5 on 5 as well because the realities are that it's going to be difficult to keep up that PP pace, plus some games you're just not gonna get as many chances
I am with you on that pairing Jbear. I believe you are the one that first warned us about Sutton and his play. Dead on !!! Again, let's see how it pans out. For the first time in quite awhile, I have faith in our coach!
The lock wager of the century is the Rags tonight over the Devils. I think they finally break out tonight! If not you will start to hear whispers of negativity by more than just some fickle fans. Mook~Brian~Midnight not included. They realize it has been early. I think even you guys can agree this is a big one at MSG tonight! Call Vinny boom Botts and place some cheese on it! It's in the bag! :)
I agree AZS.....5 on 5 hockey must be improved! I think it will when Hunter starts scoring along with a consistant Satan.
I would like to think you are correct Steady, except now besides the obvious ineptitude on offense, there is another raodblock in the way of an offensive outburst tonight. That is the injury bug, as I am sure some fans are aware of. No Straka, no Avery and now no Callahan. Seemingly an obvious time to call up a forward from the minors, Renney pulls another rabbit out of his hat and decides, that's right, no callup! He is inserting Strudwick into the lineup tonight. That means Hollweg most likely gets to play third line tonight. Which more or less means this team is looking quite shameful up front and especially on the left side. The leftwingers for tonight's lineup look like this:Hossa, Dawes, Hollweg and Strudwick. I don't know about you, but I don't think Brodeur is losing sleep over those guys.
Callahan is a good player. He will be missed. Hollweg is simply ridiculous. Mark my words he will get a long suspension by the end of the year. Unlike Avery that does his job of being a pest well, he crosses the line of illegal hits from behind.
Devils are easier to watch these days. Sutter has let them play!
Still think it is a great play. The Rags hit the post 4 or 5 times against the Penguins. They are going to break out!
This 7days off for the Isles is BS....How many more CSI's can I watch! I think I could solve the Jack The Ripper mystery by now!
Yeah, I have to say I am expecting the Devs to win tonight... They've lost 2 in a row and Brodeur has not had a really good game yet this year... both the team and the goalie are pissed off and due. And the Rangers' injuries are really piling up.
I agree, I think this is the perfect storm for a Devils blowout, much the same way the Islanders were sitting ducks going into Toronto (though Dubie didn't help by doing his best impression of Swiss cheese in that game). The Rangers definitely have some work to get done.
Back home in NY from my client site tonight...I'll be splitting my time between that game and the season premiere of Scrubs.
I will eat both your bets :) :)...You all know I hate the Rangerrs, but they win tonight! If not I will galdly lose the few nickles wagered for them to spiral out of control.
Soxtober continues up here in my sports hell. Today I came in to 3 different newspapers sports pages taped to my desk....The chowdahs are killing me!
Does anyone know about Ted Nolans current contract? How long ????? Garth ????
Good question steady - how long? I would like to know as well..
Btw., for those who were talking about possible Hossa trade: just read news in slovak papers: Hossa hired a new agent and they are talking about new contract with Trashers. However, this won't be done in the next couple of days as Atlanta management would like to improve their position in standings first and this has nothing to do with Hossa trade. There were some rumours about possible trade to Toronto (in an exchange for McCabe) but this is not their priority and as Hossa says, ANY TRADE is impossible right now.
Maybe we'll see something before trade deadline (should he nor sign new contract until then).
I'm a little worried about the upcoming game against the Canes. I think we could get crushed if we don't come out ready to play hard.
Steady, are you literally, seriously proposing a bet? For how much? I assume we're talking a token amount here...
I don't expect a Devils blowout, just a win, something like 3-1. The Rags have played solid D and they're not missing any defensemen.
So my nephew, who's 9, is growing up in Newton, Mass., and I want to make him an Islander fan (my earthy-crunchy sister and bro-in-law somehow don't have NESN, so he has not latched onto the Bruins yet). I'm going up there this weekend for a visit and will be fitting him for an Islander jersey -- his mom's already told him and he's really excited. But I can't decide which player. The obvious choice is DP since he's from Mass and people up there follow his career. And he'll be an Islander until my nephew's 24 years old! But everyone has DP, and I'm sorta toying with the idea of Campoli -- fun to watch a young player blossom and he, too, should be an Islander for a while. Any thoughts?
Must win for you guys tonight MM!!!!
This game is absolutely HUGE for you guys to pull off. AND PEOPLE CLAIM OCTOBER HOCKEY IS BORING!!!!!
Looking at the standing and last nights results, it seems the scoreboard watching has already begun!!!!
Tampa @ Philly
Pittsburgh vs Toronto
Two games that I think everyone in the conference will have their eyes on tonight. The marque matchup is definitly NYR vs NJD. Huge implications for both teams tonight.
Especially for the Rangers who blessed with having the task of ending a scoring drought vs Brodeur!!!!
Us Isles fans get to sit back and bite our fingernails as this whole thing plays out.
When I am buying a new jersey of my local team, I usually go for a young players who has a future with my team. From this point of view - DP and Campoli makes sense...
Btw., seven or eight years ago, I bought a jersey of my local with a number dressed by a very young player who I though will play for my team in years to come ... it was number 17 and I still have this one. Guess who it is? ....Lubomir Visnovsky :)
And by the way ... Rangers will win today. Dont ask my why but they will win!
Im going to downtown to have a beer or two. Great rest of the day to all!!
Piero, you could probably sell that jersey on ebay to a Kings fan for a pretty penny.
KH: Good idea, but the thing is that in Europe - even if you buy an official jersey in a team shop - there are no names on jersey. Only numbers :(
Berard, Bates are both from up here also.....I would still go with DP ! He is our franchise and he can grow up watching him! Or give him a Gillies jersey and piss off the O'reilly fans of Boston!
Newton is a very nice town. YES, a lot of tree huggers :) :)
No NESN ??? For Christmas buy the kid the dish and call it a day. :) :) In all seriousness high school, college and AHL hockey up here are huge and cheap. Bridgeport (Isles team) comes up here and plays a lot and if he is young he will not know the difference!
You are crazy to come up here this weekend. I am getting the hell out of Dodge......Soxtober is running wild....You will see....Dare you to wear a Yank or Met hat around town....Ughhhh
As for a nice little wager on tonights game......I will post as Miss Steady if the Devils win for ONE WEEK ! LOL If the Rangers win you post as MISS KH for one week...........Funny harmless wager since I do not think you are going to post me your address to wager cash! :) :) :) :) :)
LOL
I used to live in Newton!!!
Eliot Street!!!
???
Total Newton connection here....I taught SAT at the Kaplan place in Newton Centre while I was at BU.
I found far more spoiled rich kids than tree huggers, not so good....And nice reference Piero, I totally forgot Visnovsky was an Isles draft pick way back in the day.
As for the contract, I believe Nolan got a 3 year deal, so expect an extension this year....same for Snow I believe.
My wife got he B.A and MBA from BU.......She is 32 I am 37!
She is now a full NY fan (even though she could care less)...Not much of a choice unless she wants a grumpy husband. She grew up in Andover, MA.
Midnight, Steady and all the other Ranger fans (sorry steady, but you're in that boat for the next 10 hours) -
I agree with Steady... the Rangers will win tonight. First of all, Brodeur thrives on a lot of work and he didn't play against us on Saturday.
But the #1 reason why I think the Rangers take the Devs is because of Dawes. I think the kid breaks out HUGE tonight. Mark my words. He's had 2 great games in a row, was the best player on the ice against the Pens, and has just been promoted to the 2nd line to play with the high-priced boys. This kid is good. He's got a feel for the net. I hope the dope Renney sends him back to the AHL before the next Isles/Rangers game.
The Rangers need a big kick in the pants, and it's most likely to come from one of their kids. Watch Dawes.
10 hour penalty for telling you about an easy wager??? Tough crowd :) :)
You can call me a lot of things but a Ragner Fan will never be true!!! I would root for the Pats before the Rangers....And if you knew me, that is saying a lot !
Steady: OK, you're on. News flash: You're now rooting for the Rangers! That's gotta be a first.
Yeah, I am leaning towards DP on the jersey...
Not planning to wear my Mets hat to Boston this weekend... Actually, we'll all be watching the 2 WS games together as a family. It's fine... first of all, neither my sister (non-fan) nor my bro-in-law (Cubs fan) are Red Sox fans, just my nephew. (My niece, by the way, knows she was born in NYC and considers herself a Mets fan.) The whole thing doesn't bother me the way it would if I rooted for the Yanks, obviously...
Can't buy the kid a dish... my sister and bro-in-law are waaaaay too controlling for that.
I wager with my head and my wallet not my heart. Like they say in the Godfather:
"Just business Sonny, not personal!"
If you want to know the truth, I hope the ice melts and both team drowned! Would that mean the bet is null and void ?
Nick: was he? I dont know but I dont think he was... I was talking about my local team - Slovan Bratislava. Thats where he grew up and played in his young career (and during lockout with Miro Satan as well).
Visnovsky was drafted by the Kings in 2000.
I agree with Steady's comment on Sutter. He is a similar coach to Nolan and he will make a huge difference in New Jersey. I expect some great game between the Devils and Islanders this year. Maybe Satan can continue to score!
Renney on the other hand, I have trouble with. I don't understand what kind of a coach he is. He only lasted in Vancouver for about a season and a half. Players tuned him out and Fans were calling for his head. However, that was his first NHL job and he didn't look too confident.
How is Renney perceived in Ranger land?
Kevin T.
Hock - I share your concern. Seen the Canes play quite a bit this year so far, and the Isles will not be able to ease into this game after a long rest. Four good lines, good goaltending so far, and a responsible defense that can also bring it on offense and is great at transition...that's a deadly combo. They absolutely dismantled Buffalo last night, not only in fundamentals, but physically as well, causing two injuries.
Staal never quits on the puck either...Sutton and MAB stand the chance of getting absolutely victimized unless they've learned to work together a lot better over the break here.
But...if the Isles skate hard from beginning to end, and if they can bring a tough, physical game, they could knock the Canes off their plan. One thing about the Sabres - they just don't hit, and the Canes were bascially just having a party in front of Miller all night. I don't see Witt standing for that. We'll see, but that's a really bad team to have to play after a long layoff.
You guys are all so cute over here with your little lovefest!
I live in Elliotsville. I live in Springfield, I grew up in Whoogivesaratsass! I got a PA, a CPA and we share STD's. Jeez get over yourselves acutally talking civil and about hockey!
IMAGINE THAT!!! (above paragraph a big joke!) ;)
Really someone must be away from their computer today because there is decent hockey talk on both blogs today! PLEASE everyone, see how we can talk some of us. IGNORE THE 'TROLLS' like Darkside said yesterday...
As for the game tonight. I was saying the Pitts game was the big one the other night. Willing to bet a nut on it just like Steady is today. Or Miss Steady as we might call her tomorrow!
But, i am going to sit back and watch. The Devils aren't that much better off right now in the season then the Rags. So, I think they are going to win tonight.
Wow that was totally my bad - I confused him with Rob Valicevic....good job, jackass
KH- Unless you get DP, put a HOFer on your newphew's jersey (Piero, you can buy my Weinhandl jersey since I used your reasoning back in 2002).
KH:
The choice is clear, you should get him a Glenn Healy jersey!
Or... failing that, how about a DP jersey, he is pretty much a lock in the franchise for a long time, is young and has shown an attitude so far thats pretty good as a role model.
I have never lived in Massachusetts but I did grow up in Oyster Bay.
As for the Rangers, I really do like Dawes, he stood out to me in the Rangers preseason games I've seen. I agree that he will be a difference maker but come on. The teams got Jagr/Drury/Shanahan. Its only a matter of time before someone puts the puck in the net. Its still too early.
Very good Mook.....LOL
KH ~ I had a mental block before...Without a doubt, shock the Newton community and give him a CHRIS SIMON jersey !!! :) :)
Make him a lil bad A^^ !!!
My kid is going as David Wright for the third year in a row for halloween. I am going as Bill Buckner for the 23rd year in a row! My neighbors love me !!! :) :): )
A MUST SEE !!! While we were winning Cups Mook this is what your boys were up to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duvWNZ68p1g
Sorry bro had to do it!
Note to all people that post and those watching, running and monitoring both Blogs:
No Rich Dip today equals real hockey talk with minimum trash!
Found our impostor?
That guy is definetly Gary when he comes over here !!
Let me tell you; the Sabres had many defensive lapses and you are right, they don't play physical. But the Canes are a balanced team. It will be a tough game, but we need it.
Rags & Devils; My prediction is the team that scores first tonight wins. Expect many boo birds if the first period ends with a zero on the board for the Rags. And if they lose tonight they may have to start paying rent for that last place spot they are going to be occupying for a while.
GO ISLANDERS !!!
Go Devils!!! But the reality is that a Rag's win could give them a lot of confidence and possibly get them on a roll. Their payroll is weighted towards offense for sure, but their defense has not exactly let them down............so far. On the other hand, the recent injuries may be a test of their depth. I hope to see the frustration on Shanahan's and Jagr's faces for at least a while longer.
;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwE3b0w5Y8U
If you guys want to come meet me in between periods on Saturday night, this is who and what I am all about at NVMC !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RjNEs1i-R8
LOL ... Not really me, but how funny!
Oh God!
Guys I found Steady at a game!
Video footage and everything...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RjNEs1i-R8
I hope that was one of the games where you went with the guys and not the family pal.
That sasoon video makes me puke in my mouth.
Holy S steady, would have been funnier had you let me just post it!
Laughing Very damn hard!
I will be there at the Garden tonight. Hope Steady is on the money, but I think I am more on the side of the fans that think my boys are going down tonight. Brodeur is due to have a good game, because so far he hasn't had one. And what better way to break his early season doldrums than facing a team that wouldn't be able to score on a $2 prostitute(sorry for the vulgarity).
How great is that ???
Here is KEVIN T in Mexico or MASS on his honeymoon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7NSwRtDyCw
Mookie on the way to the game tonight:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY3SDKr9ItA
on a more serious note
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE-Fx63xxrE
Gary the Troll at the past four Rags games:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWjnHj5wagc
I agree "anon." Carolina is looking like a beast of a team. I'm impressed with the isles so far but if they compete in this one I'll be a little more at ease.
Steady: I hope you're wrong about the rags tonight... I just can't get over how none of the rag-fags from the summer are here. Freaking priceless!!! Sorry mookie + midnight;)
I also can't understand why MAB and Sutton are paired together, but in Ted we trust........
Steady,
Too funny with all that Youtube. I was posting the one of you drunk singing WE WILL ROCK YOU as you were posting it yourself.
So can you predict me a win for Saturday and bet on it with Miss KH please?
LOL, all in good fun boys. It was actually nice watching hockey last night.
Two more things:
Cincy, great call on the kid Dawes last night. What a shot that kids got. He is going to make it interesting when the three injured guys are ready to return.
Kevin T, I would say overall the rational fans accept Tom Renney very well. The average moron fan has been calling for him to be fired since the first loss of the season. I am not big on blaming anyone outside of the players. The refs, the coaches and management when it comes down to it it's the million dollar salaries on the ice. Renney has done great things here in NY with the Rangers.
For the one asking about what SHAWN Bates can bring to the team, here's my opinon on the guy.
WHEN he's HEALTHY (you know 10-15 games a season) I think he brings depth and solid defensive play to the team. Granted, Richard Park is doing that right now, but it won't hurt to have Shawn available.
I'm a big fan of Shawn Bates and will always be, but his time is running out with the Isles.