NYI NOTEBOOK: Comeau with KO at Team Store tonight, Petrov news, Satan view and a personal tale
(Thx, Tom Liodice)
Contrary to some buzz on the misinformation superhighway, Blake Comeau is indeed on Long Island this week.
“Yeah, I’m here and very happy to be a part of it,” Comeau clarified in a text.
The restricted free agent forward is scheduled to be part of a series of Islanders-sponsored community events this week with his pal Kyle Okposo. (Details on the official team site). However, he did not join Okposo at his first event yesterday, a private visit to a Long Island day camp. This raised a flag that maybe Comeau stayed home in Western Canada, or was asked to stay home while contract negotiations continued.
Turns out Comeau’s flight on Sunday was canceled and he didn’t make it to the Island on time. Keeping his commitment to the club, he’s here for the rest of the week. Tonight at 6:30 pm, Comeau and Okposo will be signing autographs at the Islanders Team Store in Sunrise Mall. Check that out if you have the time.
ETC: No Tweets from agent Allan Walsh since he first broke the news on Saturday that he was in negotiations with the Islanders on a free agent contract for ex-Isle Miroslav Satan. As I mentioned then, it could have just been a ploy. If it’s the real deal, I want to reiterate that I don’t like it at any price.
You know what they say: if you’re not moving forward, you’re…uh…not moving forward. Or something like that. Miro is an okay pro, but this rebuild does not need him. It could use any one of about 50 other players I can think of off the top of my head.
Kirill Petrov is a lock to make Team Russia at the World Junior Championships in Saskatoon. However, the team that pays him – Ak Bars Kazan – has requested that he skip the national team’s first training camp and exhibition games in August. This will not affect Petrov’s standing on Team Russia.
Agent Sasha Tynjynch told Point Blank last night that a visa issue prevented the talented 2008 third round pick from attending Islanders prospect minicamp, but the forward “is excited to be part of the Islanders and will join the team when the time is right.” With three years left on Petrov’s Ak Bars contract, a Lighthouse shovel will hit the ground first.
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I leave you this morning with the kind of personal tale I’m often requested to share from my time with the Islanders. I’ve been asked if I hung out with the players much, especially in my younger years. Fact is, while I liked just about all of them, my approach was to have a friendly, personal relationship, but not pal around. (And yes, I’m sure I wasn’t high on their list either, ha).
But a long, long time ago, the Islanders acquired a young man with a rep for having trouble staying under control – especially after a few drinks. Clearly without any better options, Bill Torrey asked me to befriend the fellow and try to help him out. (My kids would laugh at the idea of me trying to be a role model). Turns out we did hit it off. He was a bit of a tortured soul, but a really kind person. We’d go out to dinner once in a while. We played a lot of tennis. It got way past the point where I felt like I was doing anything for Torrey or the team. We had become good friends.
There was one incident when he and a teammate ended up owing some Marriott a lot of money after they tried to remodel their room. Other than that, he gave the Islanders three years of mostly-good behavior and solid play. A few weeks after he was moved to another team, he invited me and a few other friends to his place down south. I did not go on vacation with players, but this was different. He was no longer on the team and it was going to be kind of a farewell. Honored, I took him up on the invite. (I remember my wife’s friend telling her, “You’re okay with Chris going to a resort town with a professional athlete”?!)
On the last night of our trip, my buddy got completely ripped and out of control. Uh-oh. I don’t remember why, but he wasn’t wearing any shoes when we left the bar. He decided to put on his shoes, not by leaning over a curb, but by jumping on the hood of a parked Corvette. A parked Corvette with the driver inside it. The driver was bigger than my pro athlete pal. The driver also had a large pack of friends who were still hanging around the parking lot.
Long story short, a few months later, I had major back surgery.
Comments.
79 Responses to NYI NOTEBOOK: Comeau with KO at Team Store tonight, Petrov news, Satan view and a personal tale
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James says:
wow CB that personal tale definetly headed in a complete and total different direction then i thought it was going
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Scott from Newburgh says:
Are you still friends with this guy?
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Frank D says:
All those fans that are all over Garth Snow’s handling of free agents should read the article on LighthouseHockey.com-
“The Merits of Garth Snow playing hardball with free agents.” Nuff said. -
C. Felix says:
My first instinct was Kasper.
But, I think he was with the team longer than 3 years…
What about McCabe?
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TONYSAC says:
WOW, not only is CB the best blogger in the east, he is a total bad a**!!! You should of ended it with, a few months later I had major back surgery, but you should of seen that guys corvette!!!!
BILLY….I totally agree with you, having Petrov in Russia for another 3 yrs, is going to delay his progress I believe….I would love for him to play one more year in Russia and join Bridgeport at the end of this season to get his feet wet….I still believe that we scored HUGE with drafting Petrov, thats if he makes it to the NHL…
I will be honest and say that I will be very disappointed if Comeau doesnt sign a contract with the Islanders…I have believed in him since he came to this team, and I truly believe he can be a 20-25 goal scorer if put in the right situation…He needs more ice time, and I believe he should be put on the 2nd PP unit…Last season he wasnt utilized to his potential, and I really want to see him succeed and develop into the player I truly believe he can be…He should also be used on the PK, for his grit and defensive play….Give this kid a shot and he will prove he belongs….
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FourCupsin4Yearsnot60 says:
Why does it seem like Petrov always has 3 years left on his contract? Wasn’t it three years when we drafted him?
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Bob Bassen says:
Has to Kasparitis,right?
GO Isles! -
G. HOWITT says:
Satan still lives on LI my friend lives next to him. At the club house he told my friend he will be coming back to the Islanders..”Dead Wood”
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Mark P says:
I beleive Kasper and McCabe were post Torrey era. We will have to dig deeper in the past.
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ME says:
Torrey was not around for the majority of Kasparaitis’ tenure with the Islanders. Remember people, Torrey was let go by the infamous gang of four in the beginning of the 1992-1993 hockey year. Kasparaitis was drafted in 1992 so Torrey was out even before Kasparaitis started his career.
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art says:
CB Can you share the names of lets say the top 10 out 50 players you would take over Satan if they were available thru rfa or trade? On my list would be Marleau, Kaberle, Laroque, Understood we would have to give up some prospects, piks, and cash. BUT PLEASE NO MORE GOALIES!
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4peatsake says:
Hint: his name rhymes with Hadrian Nocoin
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jethro09 says:
I know CB can’t drop names, but I’d love to know who that was. Any night you leave the bar with no shoes on is a good night. Maybe Baumgartner?
As for Petrov, can the isles negotiate a buy-out directly with Petrov’s team even though there is no transfer agreement? If he’s that far along, maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea? BTW, NO SATAN! He’s not necessary.
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Brian From Jersey says:
CB said “acquired” not drafted so I think it was a free agent/trade …Kaspar and Caber were draft picks. Control issues??? Brian Curran is my choice..
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moose says:
Ron hextall?
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Hunter07 says:
“Long story short, a few months later, I had major back surgery.”
You can’t Yada Yada back sugery!!!
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Ron says:
Bryan Berard.
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James says:
The guessing game is fun. It’s got to be someone acquired in the late 80′s-to-early 90′s. Didn’t stay on the Island long. Wouldn’t be shocked if it was Ken Baumgartner, Esq., who was acquired from LA and stuck with the Isles for 2-3 seasons.
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Actually, that (Berard) doesn’t mesh with the Torrey timeframe, but I recall Berard getting in some trouble during the Olympics for destroying a hotel room. I guess maybe several athletes enjoy that sort of thing.
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Willis says:
!LOL! Thanks, I needed a laugh
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Peter says:
My guess it is someone from the early 90s.
Tom Kurvers. After a quick search he fits the mold. Only three years with the Islanders and acquired by Torrey.
Maybe Benoit Houge?
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I hate to guess on these things but my best estimation would be Benoit Hogue.
Was only 5.10—was acquired by Torrey—spent 3 years on the Island—had family issues.
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UIF says:
Good story, CB. I’m sure your wife’s friend had a nice “told you so” moment!
I think in Russia they pretty much just make contract lengths up as they go along while completely disregarding in-force NHL contracts. After the whole Radulov deal, I personally don’t see why the Isles have to even pretend to honor Petrov’s contract. If he says he’s ready to jump ship before the three years are up, would the Isles bring him over regardless of the contract?
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Mike L says:
Sounds like a Kaspar story. I think I heard he once drove his car into a pole at the coliseum parking lot.
Anyways, good story CB. The team is a great bunch of guys and some fun drinkers. At the bar, these guys are very down to earth and know how to have fun without getting into real trouble. The only exception is Joey MacDonald. He ripped on his teammates and nearly accidentally knocked my girlfriend out with a pool stick.
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lovin lethbridge says:
CB – maybe next career you could hook up with UFC. Rolling with one of Dana White’s athletes has to be safer!
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dan from va beach says:
it’s definitely ken baumgartner,
he was on the team for three years only and i remember him well,
met him at hofstra when i attended one semester during a leave of absence from my years at URI……
gotta be baumgartner,
and he was one loyal sob isle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1989-90 Los Angeles Kings NHL 12 1 0 1 28
1989-90 New York Islanders NHL 53 0 5 5 194
1990-91 New York Islanders NHL 78 1 6 7 282 -
bill scanlon says:
Pier Turgeon? Lady Bing was a fraud? Please say it so.
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Alex says:
Awesome story!
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oops…..
1989-90 New York Islanders NHL 53 0 5 5 194
1990-91 New York Islanders NHL 78 1 6 7 282
1991-92 New York Islanders NHL 44 0 1 1 202 -
Mike says:
Don’t think it was the Bomber. Had a reputation as being very low-key off the ice…
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I want a signing at my store. Wrecker!
Yeah I thought Petrov originally had 3 years..was it 4 and now it’s 3? How old is he?
I’m a Blazers fan..(odd i know, just loved clyde drexler growing up), and this is like when i was waiting for Sabonis forever! He was awesome but so old by the time he got here.As for the mystery Islander.. Robert Reichel… haha yeah right. one of the softest Isles ever. good story though.
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Matt Scordato says:
Mick Vukota?
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IslesHockey21 says:
Joe Reekie.
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MikeD says:
Vukota was an Islander for a decade.
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JOE REEKIE…Came here with injury (maybe Tortured) Went to Tampa (Place down south)
3 years as Islander? -
bcarey says:
Reekie or Hogue. The two best guesses so far.
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Joe Reekie: parts of three seasons with the Isles. Then, indeed, headed south.
1989-90 New York Islanders NHL 31 1 8 9 43
1990-91 Capital District Islanders AHL 2 1 0 1 0
1990-91 New York Islanders NHL 66 3 16 19 96
1991-92 Capital District Islanders AHL 3 2 2 4 2
1991-92 New York Islanders NHL 54 4 12 16 85 -
Reekie is a good guess but what about Tom Kurvers???…5 teams prior to the Islanders, then to Anaheim (down south). Out of the NHL at 32 years old.
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I consider Anaheim “out west” rather than “out south” from here.
Other than Reekie, I would guess Mark Fitzpatrick, but I’m pretty sure Fitz came in on CB’s first year in the organization and I doubt Torrey would’ve dumped that task on a first year employee.
This is a fun way to kill time.
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Why not throw every obscure Islander we can find out there and see if it sticks lol. Graham Townsend, Scott Scissons? LOL
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Tavares #1 says:
Good to hear about Comeau.
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Come on Eric that’s easy…I already looked at those guys and they don’t meet the criteria…LOL
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JPinVA says:
1. I’m not so sure Satan can’t help. But the answer lies less in Satan’s abilities, and more in his potential relationship with Gordon (and possibly past relationship with Snow). We definitely do not need another Jon Sim situation. BTW, are they going to give Jon a chance to win an NHL job if they can’t ship him?
2. Interesting story. That’s what you get for hanging with Tony Bernazard…
3. Will the KHL last as long as Petrov’s contract? Is this just genius by Snow? He won’t have to pay for Krill’s developmental years, and get him in his prime… but then they are going to have to teach him what a body check is. -
jim in 226 says:
Graham Townsend, now that’s a name from the past. He was a college classmate of mine at RPI, on the same team as Joe Juneau, a couple of great college players. Too bad their pro careers weren’t as successful, I always thought Joey would be a bigtime scorer (although he still holds the assist record for a LW with 70)
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Todd says:
You guys are not up on your isles man. Kaspar was acquired in the draft by Bill Torrey in 1992. He had traded up to get him because he thought that much of him…Was wondering if the player in the story was Benoit Hogue, but not sure
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admin says:
It took a little while, but the player in question was finally brought up. For legal reasons, I won’t confirm which one, lol…CB
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Hubie McDonough? Acquired in ’89, stayed with the Islanders for three seasons and then sent to the Sharks.
(Hogue was with the Isles for most of a fourth season as well.)
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KO21 says:
What do people think of picking up Prospal?I know it really does not fit entirely with our rebuilding scenario but it would certainly be a boost in offense. Even in a “bad” season last year for him he had 19 goals at 45 points. He would be a star on our squad compared to our stats from last season.
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1) Seems like CB is ackowledging Reekie
2)-47-Reading the Petrov situation right. KHL teams are having problems paying players…they may let players walk down the road just to get out of obligations.
3) Prospal is not a terrible idea
4) No long term deals-leave room to help Chicago clean up their mess next year. Mid 20′s are going to become available for cheap down the road. Maybe not Kane, Towes, or Keith…but Versteeg, Barker, or Bolland will need to be moved for 10/11 -
cgs878 says:
If I harrass Comeau-ver about his not signing the QO, will I get thrown out of the team store by security??
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Isles1982 says:
Its Joe Reekie……He later played for TAMPA
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Strummer's Army says:
HAHAHA! I got a great mental image of poor Botta being pulled apart and twisted like a pretzel by 5 guys. That’s why you gotta be careful who you work with and hang out with.
I’m sure Satan would like to come back to the Islanders in that A) There isn’t much interest and B) the real estate market sucks. While I see where it benefits him it would not benefit the Isles. I hated watching him and was thrilled to not have to and don’t want to again.
I like Comeau. I remember what Guerin said about him after he left that he could be a high scorer but I think this is Blake’s year to show what type of player he’ll be….a defining year. If he shines then great if not the Isles have a ton of wingers who’ll provide a push.
Petrov thing is getting annoying. He should at least be with the camps. I’m not sure why he had visa problems when he was saying all year he planned on attending the camp but as a friend just told me who was trying to go to Russia from another European country they have way different requirements but shouldn’t he at least coming to training camp now or a visit or something?
I do hope they find a way to end his contract there.
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Sal says:
CB, you got it wrong. Blake Comeau WAS at the private event today at Long Island. I know because i was working the isles event there.
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doc says:
A friendly vacation with the boys ending in major back surgery…
And that my friends, was the last “business” vacation Mr. Botta was allowed to take without his wife… lol.
I can hear the “I told you so’s” from here.
DOC
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Sal (57) First event he was supposed to be at was Monday. Blake confirmed he missed it.
Strummer (56) Your first paragraph is pretty much how it happened…CB
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1) If Petrov has any success in the KHL it’ll be a possible double edged sword. It’ll be nice to see a prospect develop, BUT it will be difficult to lure him away from the tax free income(probably more than the rookie cap max)
2) Just say no to Satan! Makes no sense from any stand point. -
Brian G says:
CB – Why is Jon Sim still on this team?, Why wouldn’t Wang want to save 333K (333 against the cap this and next year) if they just buy him out? the last few days players are starting to get bought out so I figured I would ask. Also they can use the 333K they save toward another bargain free agent or just have another young guy make the 09-10 team.
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Hud says:
Don’t think it’s the Bomber, he has an MBA from Harvard ya know. My old roommate went to Harvard to get her MBA, the bomber was in her class. She told me she talked to him a few times, I found his email address at Harvard, sent him a little message to tell her to clean her room(she was great looking but a slob, and she turned me down when I hit on her) Anyway, the bomber walked up to her in class and said, “your old roommate says to clean your room”. I’ll always like the bomber for that.
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IslesPassion21 says:
I understand why you don’t want Satan but what makes him any worse than Tanguay???Aren’t they similar type players who wouldn’t be here long anyway???No matter who we get they wont be here long…As much as I dont want an isles “has been” I also don’t see the difference since any player signed will only be a short term situation…We need to sign a real foward for a few years…I’m sick of these 1 year deals…
Any thoughts CB?
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KO21 says:
their us an imposter using KO21!
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IslesJT27 says:
CB – Where do the Islanders stand as far as # of contracts? How many are allowed at the NHL or AHL level or total for the team? Is this the reason for letting some of last years productive AHL players go (Iggulden) to make room for some of the recent draft choices?
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EAF says:
re-Petrov, he would come here to the camp if he really wanted to. Visa problem – give me a break.
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Prospal just Bought out by TB, Rumor is they will Sign Tanguay
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Oh ok, i thought you were talking about today. I was shocked to see him at the event today. CB, take a look at my blog site! check your email…i want your honest opinion!
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Staten Islander says:
Petrov is gonna look like Andrei Gromyko before he comes here to play
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dose says:
if it was baumgartner, it’s another surprising facet. while he was on LI he took classes, i believe at hofstra. after hockey he went on to harvard business school and got an mba, graduating near the top of his class, then got a job with the best firm on wall street. by chance, i happen to be home from my office today and saw an ‘msg vault’ show about ranger fighters. they showed baumgartner go at it with domi twice. he didn’t win all his fights but he would have scared the hell out of me i’ll tell ya. interesting guy.
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IslesJT27 (63) – According to my fast, loose, and unverified math, the Isles have 41 players signed to one- or two-way NHL contracts, and three outstanding RFA’s (possibly two): Jack Hillen, Blake Comeau, and possibly Nathan Lawson.
I think contracts are limited to 50 per team.
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I took Ken Baumgarther over to Hofstra and with the help of a university advisor named Harry Curtis got him enrolled. No, it wasn’t the Bomber. If he was there, I would have made it out unscathed. Guy could throw a great left hook…CB
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definitely think it was Hogue!! He was a feisty player, not sure if he could hold his own against 5 friends pounding Botta..(:
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cody says:
Comment 57
I work at the camp. and Comeau was not there. When I asked why the guy gave a very recorded sounding answer. Only Okposo was there. I was actually planning on letting you know CB but i forgot too. Thats funny that you knew anyway. -
SCLI says:
IslesPassion21 on Jul 28th, 2009 15:31:22 said:
I understand why you don’t want Satan but what makes him any worse than Tanguay???
With all due respect. How long have you followed the NHL? For starters, age, Talent, production. Satan hasnt been productive in quite some time. Tanguay when healthy puts up respectable numbers and is much younger. Satan couldnt stay with the Penguins and was sent down despite the fact he was playing on a line with Sidney. Of his 18 goals, I believe 9 of them were scored in the first 3 weeks of the season. Then he disappeared for the season. 18 goals playing for that offensive juggernaut isnt anything to write home about.
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Steve Webb Rules! says:
Easy – Oleg Kavsha. Ruskie so he must drink, traded south to Florida and the way I figure, since every Islander fan still wants to take a swing at him, why wouldn’t five random dudes?
LOL
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thanks for clarifying.
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sincityhockeyfan says:
I had a few conversations with beniot hogue when ma-LOONEY was gm, and the islanders held training camp at the rinks in hiddeon pond park, if it was hogue, i’d be kinda shocked, he was extremely nice and personable, even after being hurt that day in camp. then again, i’ve never been around the guy after he’s been drinking, he just seemed way to nice to be jumping on someones vette
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mikeybiggs says:
I’m not going to disagree with the Reekie statement, but if that guy was bigger than Reekie (6-3 200lbs) How the heck did he fit in a Vette??
why the mystery on the player CB. ahahah
We have got to find a loophole in that Petrov contract, 3 years is a long time, but if he ends up being a dud at least we wouldnt have to deal with that over here.
i always feel bad for players who get put on the block whether its just the fans that insinuate it or not. I really like comeau and think he may become a 20 plus goal scorer and would hate to see that leave.