FINAL BLOCK OF ANSWERS: Yash, Ridderwall, Colie,
the “Can Opener” video showing, my book demands
Final answers? For now, yes. Some questions left unaddressed - including Geoff’s request for my personal take on the day Luongo was traded and DiPietro was drafted - I’m keeping in the bank and will address during the year as stand-alone columns. Thanks for all the Qs. Hope you enjoyed the give-and-take. We will definitely do it again sometime…CB
Vlad from Brooklyn asks if buying out Alexei Yashin was the right move, pointing out that players like Guerin, Comrie and Fedotenko have not matched Yash’s production.
A: Alexei was a great friend to me on a professional and personal level, but I felt the franchise did the difficult but right thing to turn the page. The day the news became official, I was on vacation in London. He called me and we spoke for a while. Although he agreed to every interview and appearance request, he actually thanked me for putting up with him. I hear he’s doing well and enjoying being back home. I couldn’t be happier for him.
Rob asks whether you’ll see Mark Katic or Aaron Ness on the Islanders first.
A: If you ever see them, I would guess Katic. He is one year older and playing top-4 dman minutes in the Ontario Hockey League. Still, I couldn’t sit here and 100% guarantee you the Islanders will sign him. I’d put it at about 80%.
Ness is a freshman in college, where you’re usually broken in real slowly. He has 3 assists in 10 games. If Katic or Ness ever play for the Islanders, it would be 2010-11 at the earliest. And that’s probably pushing it.
Chris TMC wants to know the identity of the Islanders emergency goaltender if both goalies were hurt within the same game.
A: Teams almost never plan this in advance. Lots of superstitious people in hockey. I would think if it happened, Brendan Witt would be your only volunteer.
Isles fan in NY wonders if Charles Wang would settle on just having a new arena instead of the complete Lighthouse Project.
A: The County, not Wang, insisted the best that could be done would be a thorough renovation of the Coliseum instead of a completely new arena. Scott Rechler and Charles have every reason to feel the complete arena project is theirs to develop. Among several reasons, they own the friggin’ property.
Chuck DiMaggio asks about the time Mike Milbury popped in a videotape before game 3 in the Toronto series in 2002 to show the media a series of unpenalized infractions by the Leafs.
A: I had been in TO for four days and figured it was going to be a quiet off-day, so I volunteered to take our then 4-year old son Aidan to practice with me. We get to the Coliseum and Aidan’s buddy Mr. Milbury is standing there brandishing a VHS tape. “I’m thinking about hosting ‘movie day’ with our media. I’ve got the ‘Can Opener’ and all the other stuff they didn’t call the first two games. You have one minute to talk me out of it.”
I had no interest in talking him out of it. Mike had no clue I had Aidan in a corner of the weight room, hopefully out of harm’s way. Mike showed the tape - with Pacino-like narration - to about a half-dozen writers. Thankfully, that 4-year old boy still doesn’t use those words six years later (at least in front of his parents). You know the scene in Old School with Vince Vaughn with the little kid and he’s saying “Earmuffs”! Yeah, that was me.
The media covered the “screening” with a ton of fanfare and Milbury and the Islanders got hit with major fines. The Islanders proceeded to get just about every call in Games 3 and 4 and tied the series at 2-2. It was all worth it. Those were a fun two weeks.
Err…Jim wants to know the deal with Colin Campbell and if he has a vendetta against the Islanders.
A: I think Colin just gets things wrong sometimes, like we all do. I would hope after all his years in the league, it would not be personal against the Islanders just because he once coached the Rangers and Mike Bossy routinely roasted him for goals when Colie was a defenseman. Again, a reminder that the Islanders went well out of their way to release a statement after the Pock suspension saying they supported the league’s actions.
I also have a hard time killing Campbell because he gave Chris Simon a long suspension. I love Si, and I wasn’t thrilled with the process, but we need harder evidence than that.
The thing about Campbell is that if you ever met him, you’d probably really like him. He doesn’t talk like a BS executive. He’s not smooth. He probably gives the PR people at the league heart episodes. I disagree a lot with the guy, but he’s a real person, not a stuffed suit. That could be why you haven’t seen Garth Snow rip him publicly on a large scale.
AM asks if what’s going on in Tampa Bay with the Melrose firing and other crazy rumors was happening on Long Island, what would be the reaction of the North American press?
A: I’ll give you another one. Imagine if Garth Snow - just weeks after a prospect had tragically passed away - petitioned the league for a compensatory draft pick, pointing out that if the young player had been revived, he would have been eligible for the draft again.
DINO asks if goaltending prospect Stefan Ridderwall might be on the Islanders in the next year or two.
A: Ridderwall is well-regarded by the Islanders and some other NHL scouts I’ve spoken with. As I wrote in the Sudsie Maharaj feature, the goaltending consultant has been to Europe to meet with him a few times. The Islanders would like to get him here in the near future. Whether Ridderwall yearns to come over soon is unclear.
Andreas the Badger wants to know if the Islanders have a big following around the world.
A: Pretty darn big, especially of people of my generation who were teenagers when they won four Stanley Cups in a row. I’m sure it would be bigger if they’d had more success since. It also has to do with the roster. This blog gets a lots of visits from hockey fans in Switzerland (Streit) and Denmark.
Someone made a real good point in the press box last night - I think it was Howie Rose - the Islanders and San Jose Sharks should play a pair of games for real in China in the next year or two. I agree. The league and two teams should be all over that.
Rich says that he does not believe for a second my position - mentioned in an earlier block of answers - that I wouldn’t expose trade secrets for millions of dollars for a tell-all book. He asks if I have “an abnormally high moral ground” or whether I signed an air-tight legal agreement when I left the Islanders.
A: Nothing air-tight. Actually Rich, my exact quote was I wouldn’t do it if someone “gave me a million bucks” to do a book. You’re talking millions. That’s different! If I could ever get whatever Artie Lange got for burping out his Howard-and-heroin stories to a ghostwriter, oh man, you’d be surprised how quickly my Abbie Normal high moral ground would fly out the window.
Just kidding. Not gonna happen. No deal.
Michael wants to know if there will ever be an Oleg Kvasha Night at the Coliseum.
A: If that doesn’t fill the barn, I don’t know what will. To be safe, I suggest the Islanders schedule three Kvasha nights at the Coliseum, because Ollie generally showed up only once every three games.
That does it for the Q & A until next time. Always open for suggestions and Comments on the blog. Thanks.
39 Responses to “FINAL BLOCK OF ANSWERS: Yash, Ridderwall, Colie,
the “Can Opener” video showing, my book demands”
Please Wait
I hope this is subject is in the “another column” list, but what was the deal with the whole Kirk Muller situation?? As head of PR, that must have been a nightmare for you in your first few years.
You have readers in Hong Kong as well…..although I live on Long Island and travel here for work.
“A: If that doesn’t fill the barn, I don’t know what will. To be safe, I suggest the Islanders schedule three Kvasha nights at the Coliseum, because Ollie generally showed up only once every three games”
Botta with the cheap shot!
CB, thanks so much…these Q&A sessions are always great.
I was on vacation in Brussels when I heard the Yashin news…I let out a war whoop that really disturbed and confused the rest of the people in that little Belgian internet cafe.
ANY TRADE RUMORS ON THE ISLANDERS AT ALL??? Should we expect a trade in the next 2 months or all of them at the deadline?
Im a little disappointed my question didn’t get answered. I’ll have to get you next time around. Q & A sessions are a really great idea. Keep up the good work!
I really enjoyed reading this. Thanks!
I am going to agree with Chris on the Katic v Ness debate. While I have seen a lot more of Katic than Ness since I have been able tow atch for two years, there is no doubt that katic is further along then Ness. That being said, he will need at least a year and most certainly two in the Bridge before he competes for a permanent spot on the Island.
I would like our 4th line to be Jackman, Thompson and Fritz every game!!!
CB, I guess I’ll believe when Colin Campbell doesn’t have a bias when he gives me a reason to think otherwise. The list of is more than just Pock and Simon, though those are two valid reasons. How about when he upheld the overseas suspension of Todd Simpson (thus precluding him from playing in the NHL)when they desperately needed a gritty defensemen– the first time I’d ever seen the NHL do that? How about when he defended the blown call on Brendan Witt’s tying goal in the Buffalo series, contradicting himself at least twice in the process?
How about when, in discussing the Witt call, he made allusions to Snow just being “a rookie GM,” essentially saying he hadn’t been there/done that/doesn’t know how the NHL works.
How about not meting out any punishment to Gary Roberts or Darcy Tucker in 2002?
When you see the body of evidence, when you measure act-for-act, suspension-for-suspension for things like Simon-vs.-Pronger and Ruutu-vs.-Pock, etc., it’s tough not to believe Colin Campbell is a man with a clear and unbiased mind.
This is only the stuff on the top of my head. I’d love to meet Colin Campbell and see what a warm human being he is like you say he is. I’d definitely have a few questions for him, though.
**
Keep up the great work you’re doing. In a perfect and very possible world, sometime in October, Isles fans will be able to read this blog, start buying Hedman or Tavares jerseys, kick dirt on their way into an under-construction Coliseum, and start talking about contending sooner than later.
You’ll write the book sooner than you think and it will be on the NY Times best seller list for months.
P.S. If I was the Islanders, I’d be going well out of my way to lavish support on Colin Campbell’s decisions and memos at this point too! Jebus, what if they said it was a bad decision? Campbell might dictate Andy Sutton is too big and suspend him until he can get below 220 lbs. He might declare Pock should’ve never been here in the first place, and dock the Isles their 2009 first round pick.
I’d be scared of Colin Campbell and agree with everything he says too.
Colin Campbell was recently asked his thoughts about expansion in the NHL. He said, “Not for it. The NHL is strong at 29 teams, and I’d like to see it stay that way for a few years.”
Colin Campbell was asked about the greatest team from 1980-83. “I don’t think that’s an accurate assessment. The Soviets basically dominated from 1972-1984, save for that mistake at Lake Placid.”
Colin Campbell was asked what he thought of the Islanders. “They were awesome. When my family visited, the first thing they did was put leis around our necks. We enjoyed sunset after sunset on the beautiful beaches of Maui.”
Colin Campbell has a few final thoughts:
Bossy? “No, I see myself as more of a team player. Open to everyone’s opinion.”
Potvin? “Great announcer for the Panthers. By the way, expansions into the south = great idea! You saw it on Slapshot! first, but we made it happen!”
Gillies? “Classic Buffalo enforcer.”
Trottier? “Final piece of the puzzle for the Pens ‘91-92 dynasty.”
Turgeon? “I would’ve suspended HIM! How can you not keep your head up after you scored a goal most would view as the final nail in the coffin against Washington?!”
Milbury? “We agreed on a lot of things. Straight shooter, upper management written all over him.”
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions CB.
We may be getting closer to the day I regretted: like a lot of blogs, having all Comments have to go through moderation…CB
James couldn’t agree with you more. Campbell just furthers the negativity and lack of professionalism that keeps a lot of people from watching this sport. His biased decision making as well as the mickey mouse officiating in this league do the NHL no favors. How about the brain storm of having the Rangers play the Boston Bruins at Yankee Stadium for that great rivalry that doesn’t exist anymore! Morons, from Campbell on up!
I remember reading in the NY post that it was NBC or (who I think had the rights to broadcast the game) didn’t want a Rangers-Isles game in favor of Rangers-Bruins because they wanted a bigger media coverage than two NY teams, they wanted it to keep it “original six”, something something. I’m not sure about this as I barely remember that article, I’m just saying
CB, Whats the chances of MSG Plus broadcasting some Sound Tigers Games? I know its a stretch but they did it a couple of years ago(maybe one or two games at most)…Just looking for some more hockey other than NHL Network looped over and over again. Versus has zero coverage and we can forget about ESPN.
Aside from the Kirk Muller fiasco, I’ve loved all of the “goalies of the future” that have suited up for the Isles in the last 15 years - Mark Fitzpatrick, Eric Fichaud, Tommy Salo, Luongo and Dipietro, just to name a few…
And another thing - since Don Maloney became GM, which 1st round picks, aside from Dipietro, have even been legitimate contributers for the Isles? Bertuzzi, maybe? Not Brett Lindros, not JP Dumont, not Michael Rupp, not anybody really…let’s hope things turn around.
james - i am with you. colon campbell is a gutless puke. cb is entitled to his opinion but the writing has been on the wall for some time in my opinion. simply ridiculous. nhl shouldnt scratch their heads too hard as to why they cant compete with the major us sports markets with clowns like colon at the wheel. seems like the rest of league, teams, fans turn their heads….
“Matt” and “toorude”, thanks for your support on this one. I brought it up because I thought it was a valid issue. Perhaps, though, I brought it up with all the subtlety of a bull running through a China shop.
I’d like see a little perceived equity in his decisions, because from where I am standing, they all seem to favor one side.
It’s frustrating.
Thanks for answering my question CB. When I get back home again I’ll keep up spreading the good word about the Isles in Norway.
As for the discussion Ness vs. Katic, it would be surprising if the latter had the biggest talent since he was picked a round later in a weaker draft. However, it’s all a big guess until they’ve actually competed at a training camp together.
I will say this. I saw Ness play for the Gophers a couple of weeks ago, and he was easily the Minnesota D-man with the lowest fault percentage. Everybody seems to praise his offensive upside and at the same time be skeptical about his defensive ability only because of his size. I was totally surprised. This guy seems like the real deal, let’s hope he can handle the next level all the way to the NHL.
I don’t know if I’m missing any spam comments or the like that were deleted before I got here, but if the “moderation” possibility is coming up because of James’s actions in this thread, I think it’s a bit of an overreaction. James obviously needs to cool it with the constant posts (we got the point after the first one), but someone with the habit of writing a bunch of annoying posts doesn’t justify a remedy as aggressive as taking away the current free exchange of ideas in comments.
Incidentally, thanks for the Q&A; it’s a great concept. And I appreciate your answering my question a few days back.
An Artie Lange mention on the site! I didn’t know you were a fan Chris. Did you like the book? Fire!!!
JKP: nothing to do wth James, although the multiple posts thing can be a bit bunch no matter who’s doing it. It had to do with some lack-of-class posts that I deleted. This is not going to be a place where people can post bogus urban legend nonsense that hurts people on a personal level. Hope you understand…CB
Colin Campbell counted to infinity - twice.
CB,
Sorry. I take full responsibility for the post in question. I understand, and I will not broach the subject again.
I posted it in an “entertaining” context, as that situation and the subsiquent actions have, and continue to, effect the franchise.
If it’s “urban legend”, I had never heard it before. It was pure mythical speculation on my part… but it does appear to have hit a nerve.
In hindsight it would have been irresponsible for you to allow it to stand on this blog, which is first class all the way.
Please accept my apology. I think that my body of posts here and elsewhere stand as evidence that to hurt any of the “alleged participants” (for lack of more appropriate phrasing) was not my intent.
JP
PS… You said “posts”. If the others were due to mine (I am not sure what you are referring to), then I truly apologize for getting that started.
all good JPinVA. Thanks…CB
whew!
Chris - Thanks very much for choosing my questions and your detailed answer. Regardless of all the criticism towards Mike Milbury, you certainly can’t deny that the guy is a big time character. I bet your wife Catherine was not happy when you told her what Aidan was exposed to that day. Is Aidan the son who had serious surgery in the past few years?
CB,
Thanks for expressing your thoughts about Yash. The whole idea of “Qs & As” is great. It will bring You and fans closer to each other. Now we fill that the communication has a purpose.
CB - will your 1050 radio show ever be podcast?
I guess I missed the question and answer/response type of thingy about trading Luongo and drafting DP.
The opening paragraph states you were gonna share youre feelings…
Uh…nvm. I just re-read the opening paragraph.
[facepalm]
“Scott Rechler and Charles have every reason to feel the complete arena project is theirs to develop. Among several reasons, they own the friggin’ property.”
Did I miss something?
the folks who pay astronomical taxes to an inept county government own the property in question. Wang and Reckler own surrounding properties but the silly overtaxedpayers own the meat those two are after.
The arena getting refurbed by the owner and despot of the NYI gives him title to taxpayer owned land for his profit? Am I missing something?
I can’t believe how complacent we’ve become with a rich SEC violator who claims he wants to save the team but is after a HUGE land grab.
Next up, do we allow him to own Nassau Community College when he offers to modernize the north end buildings on campus and give students a Dragon mascot???
Chris can you tell us why you left your old job with Isles and became the full time blogger of this great site.