POSTCARD #2 FROM MONTREAL – Mark Streit
Post-SuperSkills; Plus: send All-Star Qs to Mark here
Sunday, 12:20 am: A second postcard from Islanders all-star defenseman Mark Streit…
“For starters – yes, I am okay. I was not hurt when I fell. Not even a little bit. I did not have to go to the hospital for X-rays. Sounds like a bad rumor. Thank you to everyone for their concern, but I’m okay.
“Today was about soaking up the experience. I got two of my All-Star jerseys and I brought them around to all the players to sign. One I’m going to auction off in the summer for a charity I’m close to back home in Switzerland. The other I’m going to keep for myself so I can always remember this weekend. We took the team photo today, so hopefully I’ll get plenty of copies of that.
“The ovation I received from the Montreal fans was really great. It tells me there are no hard feelings and they appreciated my time with the Canadiens. I know some people wondered what the reaction would be, but the fans were amazing. It’s kind of funny how they still boo Kaberle from Toronto and they boo the Boston guys, but I thank them for being so kind to me. The entire city and the NHL should be proud. All of the events, the major ones and the stuff behind the scenes, have been first-class.
“It’s been sweet getting to know the players. You know, I came here on Thursday and really didn’t know anyone. The guys that I do know, the all-stars on the Canadiens, obviously they are not staying at the team hotel. But everyone has made me feel comfortable, part of the team, like I belong here.
“I spoke with Sidney Crosby today for the first time. What a nice guy off the ice. I got to know Thomas Vanek from the Sabres. He’s Austrian so we spoke German to each other. That was very cool. The weekend so far has already become one of the highlights of my career.
“Sunday is the big game. It will be an easy day because there is nothing else on the schedule – no morning skate, no meetings, no media availability or photo shoots. I’m looking forward to sleeping in and then having a very late breakfast with my mother and father. I’m sure the game is going to be a thrill.
“If you have a question about the All-Star Weekend that you’d like to ask me, put it on Chris’ blog. He’ll run the top 10 questions by me when we catch up late after the game. Talk to you then.”
52 Responses to POSTCARD #2 FROM MONTREAL – Mark Streit
Post-SuperSkills; Plus: send All-Star Qs to Mark here
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Joe in Massapequa says:
Mark, Congrats on this weekend. It was well deserved. To be honest I didn’t know much about you before you came to Long Island but I was in for a pleasant surprise. I look forward to the next few years seeing you here. What has been your favorite part of being on Long Island since the start of your season?
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Justin says:
I would like to ask Mark if he played any outdoor hockey on lakes or ponds growing up in Switzerland? And how popular is hockey in his home country?
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JKP on LI says:
HE WENT TO THE HOSPITAL FOR X-RAYS?! THE WORLD IS OVER!!!!!!!!!!!
Heh. Glad to see he’s having a good time; he’s earned it.
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Strummer's Army says:
I was thinking how wonderful it will be when the Lighthouse is done and the Islanders are hosting the All-star game and NHL Draft.
My question for Mark is, which of your current Islander teammates do you expect to join you in future all-star games? The 2nd part is: call how many goals & assists you’ll have in the game.
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Tim says:
Dear Mark,
Were you as embarrassed as the rest of the hockey world for this wasted display of hockey’s best? I’m sorry you had to experience that. Nice shooting though…
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MSA says:
Mark-Congratulations on your selection to the team. Thank God your not hurt. We need you!!!!
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MT says:
Glad to hear that the rumors we’re just rumors. I think we all breathe a huge sigh of relief!
How impressed were you with the breakaway challenge, and do you think you have moves that could compare with those that competed?
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The Losers says:
First of all I want to thank Mark Streit for making the best of his opportunity to represent our team, and for giving us something to cheer for.
My questions to Mark are: 1. What are your goals for the next few seasons with the Isles? In terms of helping the team develop and/or individual play. 2. If possible, summarize your All-Star experience in 2 words.
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BringTheReign says:
Really proud of you Mark, keep up the great work
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We really are proud of you, Mark… I have been saying “Streit to the ASG” since like October lol.
And I am so glad that the Habs fans are treating Mark well- he certainlydeserves it. I think it is because many of the fans realize what their team gave up this summer!
My questions are for after the game tomorrow: Since the ASG is not really about defense, did you wind up having to remind yourself of that while you are playing? Also, who did you enjoy meeting the most?
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Brooks Simpson says:
Mark–First, congrats. Second … what do you think is your single greatest strength (a) offensively and (b) defensively, and what one aspect of your game do you want to work on (a) offensively and (b) defensively?
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Hey CB,
I know this is a little off topic, but what do you feel about Isles prospect Doug Rogers? I was talking to my friend up here at Connecticut College, and his good friend from home is Doug Rogers. According to my friend, Rogers said that he was going to be leaving college after this year to sign a contract, and hopefully break into the AHL or NHL next year. Any truth to this?
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Bryan from Massapequa says:
Once again, I don’t post much on these types of things, but I just wanted to say that it’s a breath of fresh air to see a guy genuinely enjoying himself and representing himself and his organization with class and professionalism.
I wasn’t all that enthused when he signed here, as I felt the signing a power play specialist on a “rebuilding” team was rather unnecessary. I hated the money and everything about the deal, but he’s absolutely made me eat crow. The man is a minus 3 on one of the worst teams (record wise) I’ve ever seen (consider that Mr. Defense Brendan Witt is minus 27).
Mark Streit has absolutely won me, and most I know, over and I hope that he’s still around when this team gets its feet back underneath it.
Just felt the (un-often) need to post about this, since this is one Isle we can all definitely be proud of.
Here’s to Mark getting some recognition for the Norris!
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For Mark,
What made you decide to sign with the Islanders over other teams? As Im sure there were a lot of teams interested in you, what was the main deciding factor?
Whatever the reason, THANK YOU for coming to the NYI.
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glenn says:
From the time you arrived in Montreal, what single moment will you take away as the most memorable of all-star weekend?
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
I’d first like to thank Mark for the effort he’s given the Isles this season. As a late blooming hockey player myself I’m proud to see a late bloomer like Mark blossom on the Isles and get a well deserved chance to play in the All-Star game. Congrats Mark!!!
My question to Mark is:
While on the ice during skating sessions with the other players, do you guys share tips and tricks with one another? I found as an amatuer I’ve learned a lot of puck skills from other players while I was participating in tournaments. Is it the same at the All-Star game? -
Both Greg Logan’s article and this blog were very pleasant reading to wake up to in a horrible stretch of no NHL hockey.
Thanks to Mark for respresenting the Islanders so respectfully. Thanks to CB and Greg for giving us the opportunity to read his words.
And thanks to Garth for knowing what he was doing when he signed him.
Have a great time. We’re all very proud of you.
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Mike from Oceanside says:
Question for Mark Streit…after getting back into the lockeroom following the fall, which of the other players broke your balls about it the most?
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Chris I enjoyed listening to you on the ESPN yesterday. My question is why didn`t Wang buy out SMG??….makes no sense.
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kevin says:
how was it shooting against the best? chara broke the record so that was cool.thanks for representing us, good thing your not hurt, you and the young guns are the few brightspots on the team
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also, at least you were not the only one that fell
looking forward to seeing you in the all-star game today! -
volmeeezy says:
Hey Mark , congrats on being an allstar .. you have been a pleasure to watch all year! My question to you : its been said that Big free agents won’t sign with the NY Islanders because of the lackk of up-to-date facilities. What is your take on the Islanders practice facilities? How about playing at the colusium? Did the facilities play any role in your signing with the Islanders? Goood luck and enjoy it .. this is your day … Lets go Islanders
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Pritchett54 says:
Question for Mark,
How do the other players at the all star game view the Islanders franchise? Do they feel bad for you that you have to be an Islander and give you sympathy?
How was the franchise viewed when you were a free agent by you and others? It is better/worse than you anticipated or heard?
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Cari says:
First of all, congrats Mark for making the All Star team! You’ve made us Islanders fans very proud this season.
Now, my question is, did you know Ovechkin was going to pull that little stunt? Did you enjoy it? We got to see a bunch of your teammates’ reactions, but not yours!
Good luck tonight! Be sure to remember all of Islanders nation is cheering for you!
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Peter DeBenedetto says:
Ok Mark…I’ll give it a shot….
Glückwünsche. Wir sind sehr stolz, Sie auf unserer Mannschaft zu haben.
It’s great to see you on the team and we look forward to having you around for a while.
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John says:
Mark… you’re awesome… drafted you on my fantasy hockey team…
question: Looking around the Isles locker room and knowing where the team is and has been, when do you think the team will become competitive again.
Also, of all your Isles teammates, which guy that plays under the radar on the roster can you see blossoming beyond what anyone expected and being a major contributor other than the guys we expect great things from like the Okposos or Baileys.
Thanks, and cherish the all-star memories.
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Dally Mac says:
Our lone representative running into the sign board on the ice and destroying it. Kind of puts into perspective our year and where we are as an organization right now. “Islanders loveable losers,” gotta love them. Go Islanders.
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Oh god, just getting in from a night of hard “fun” didn’t mean anything bad. Mark you are awesome, what a year “you” are having. Go Isles. SORRY
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isles316 says:
Hey Mark,
Congratulations on your All Star appearance.
Question:
Obviously the pre-season game in Kansas City has gotten a lot of people talking and the moving of the Islanders although not imminent is also not impossible at this point.
Does that effect the players at all and do you think that has any bearing on free agent signings this offseason? Would a player not want to come here because the franchise has some question about their building and location in the next few years?
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JKP in Halifax says:
You know, reading this post makes me realize how often we forget these guys are regular people underneath all the gear and glitz of the NHL.
Congrats, Mark, it sounds like you’re having a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enjoy it!
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djd says:
hey mark – can you please recruit Komisarek back to the island!! or any other ufa’s for that matter. You (the isles players) are the biggest factor/s in recruiting other top players here. We need you to work overtime! Thanks and keep up the stellar play.
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Rick says:
Question For Mark:
Now that your first All-Star Weekend has come & gone, what was your favorite moment and what was your least favorite of the weekend?
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Ha! He totally demolished that sign! It’s great to start the day with a laugh. Mark Streit, you are awesome!
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Drew says:
Hi Mark,
Congratulations on a well-deserved trip to Montreal! Which young Islanders defenseman has impressed you the most so far and has the brightest future in the NHL? Thanks!
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Terry says:
Mark,your blog is well written and straight from the heart. A rare commodity in todays professional athlete. Congrats on your selection. You’ve made islander fans proud.
My question: Whats more thrilling,making the allstar team and showing the Canadiens to be foolish for letting you leave or being the only player to represent Switzerland at the game. By the way,a minus 3 on a team that has given up 164 goals is frankly off the charts fantastic. -
isles72 says:
I would have seriously wondered who sold their soul to the devil for the 4 cups if Streiter would have gotten injured on the advertising sign he tripped over.
enjoy the day marko and look forward to better times on the island in coming seasons buddy
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MiKe says:
WHo was the other player that did the same thing as Mark did not too long after him??
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Here’s one I’ve always wondered about the All-Star Game – how seriously do the coaches treat the game? Do they teach you specific plays, talk strategy, so on and so forth? Or do they just throw guys out there and tell them to have fun?
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Islander505 says:
Question for Streit….
Swiss or American on your Deli sandwiches?
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Frage für Mark: Glauben Sie, dass die Organisation zu einer anderen Stadt in naher Zukunft verlagert?
Question pour la Mark: Croyez-vous que l’organisation replacera à une autre ville dans un avenir proche?
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frank nyc says:
Don’t worry Mark.
When versus was interviewing marc savard he saw a few other players fall or almost fall. Yes tim thomas was one.
Unfortunately they were not on camera, as the camera was trained on savard.
THE ICE WAS BAD I SAY… -
Angelica says:
I had to laugh at what happened… I mean yeah, you wonder if he’s okay and all, and thank goodness he is, but… what an embarrassing moment. LOL. Thankfully a couple other guys tripped too, so he wasn’t the only one.
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Isles1972 says:
Congrats Mark. You deserve it. Starting your NHL career later than most, how much longer do you see yourself playing in this league?
Also, CB a question for you. I read the article written by Larry Brooks in the NY post about Stamkos. Do you think its true and do you think one of the teams that have called TB is the Islanders?
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I dont think its true- even TBcant be that dumb as to give up so easily on an obvious talent like Stamkos. But if it was even remotely possible, I think the Isles would be the #1 team after him. After all, the Isles drafted the rest of the guys on his line lol!!!
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Mike Olivo says:
For Mr. Streit,
How good is your relationship with Chris Higgins and/or Mike Komisarek. WE LOVE YOU and if you could somehow talk one or both of them into moving to the island…i really wanna see a cup before i die….
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
Congrats to Mark for being at AllStar Game for his team and for us fans. Thanks for you effort to communicate with your fans. Not a lot of players do that.
My question to you:
Being from Switzeland, which brand and model of wrist watch you are wearing off the ice? -
Dadi says:
I have just one wish: Can we all get back to the REAL hockey…
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Ed says:
Really interesting stuff. Thanks a lot for taking the time to update us Mark.
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Ferdinand says:
Mark we are really proud (especially in Switzerland)of what you have achieved so far… I am sure you gonna have a successful career in Long Island. In addition you are a good exemple of tenacity… You deserve to be an all star player.
Question 1:
Who are your best friends in the NHL (Huet? Komisarek? Gervais?).
YAAA our best player. Or should I say only good player isnt hurt!!!! Lets go Streit. Get us a goal tomorrow and try and win. You might not get another for a while. Best of luck we are lucky to have you. You are an excellent dmen!