A MESSAGE FROM SEAN BERGENHEIM
Wing clears the air with fans on position change
12:08 am - After Scott Gordon spoke this afternoon about giving Sean Bergenheim the option to move from left to right wing and perhaps pick up more icetime in the process, I asked the player for his view. After taking some time, Sean sent me the following statement late tonight, saying it was important to him to clear the air with Islanders fans.
“Just to clarify to the fans, I cherish every shift I get in the National Hockey League and have never declined to play any position. I have only said that I feel most comfortable on the left wing because that is where I have played most of my professional hockey career and that is where I feel I can help the team the most.
“I am working along with my teammates and the coaches to get the results we all want. I will always play as good as I can in whatever position the coach or team wants me to play.”
56 Responses to A MESSAGE FROM SEAN BERGENHEIM
Wing clears the air with fans on position change
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Bri On LI says:
I like that he reached out. Now let’s win a game.
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HilbertSnipe says:
Great, Bergie. Now score a goal and let’s win a game!
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Will C. says:
Point Blank Pressure strikes again…..let’s talk LIGHTHOUSE.
Good move Bergie. -
Chris Mc says:
i dont like how gordon even made it known that bergy declined to switch wings. now hes stuck having to defend himself instead of worrying about his play on the ice, which i am very impressed by. he gives 110% every shift
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The New Isles GM says:
If he thinks he is going to hurt the team playing out of his comfort zone, I respect him declining more ice time for a different position. The only way we are going to get the most out of our current roster is having them play where they perform best. Kudos to Berggy for being honest with himself to the coaching staff.
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BillyIsle says:
Awesome that he was upfront and open about it. This is the 2nd time he’s done such a thing on this blog that I remember. Were rooting for you sean, how about another hat trick?!
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TheRaRaisg@y says:
Hey CB, would Al Arboure have given a player the “choice” to play.. Wondering if Gordon is the right man for this team
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Starscream says:
When has a player ever had to justify a decision he made with his coach to a website??? Crazy how much this site has connected the team with the fans.
Good job, Bergie. Nicely put. -
doc says:
It is obvious that Bergenheim cares. It is also obvious that he give 100% on the ice. Thanks for clearing this “non” issue up.
DOC
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Jim Clark says: I can understand why Bergenheim is reluctant to switch. Learning a new position in the NHL means your opponents can easily take advantage of your mistakes. But on the other hand he’s Sean Bergenheim. Not Bobby Hull, Clark Gillies or Aural Joliat. I’s like it better if he told the coach “I have little experience but I will give it a 100% effort if you put me on right wing”.
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Strummer's Army says:
LOVE BERGIE! He needs to be playing with Bailey.
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Shawn says:
I love that Bergy felt the need to address the fans and I love how much influence this single web site has on the team in general, but honestly anyone who tries as hard as Sean does every single shift doesn’t owe me any explanation!
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Dadi says:
Sean Bergenheim is – THE MAN. And Scott Gordon…an AHL coach
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beatlebailey says:
If it was me as an unproven, on the brink of bust/emerging player since the jury is still out..I play anywhere to get on the ice..especially if I need a new contract.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
How did this even come out? Gordon said it. What a moron. Good for bergie to come clarify. Bergie if you read this have no fears. You have been have put the most consistent effort on team. Be a bit more selfish like ovechkin. Drive to net and take at least 6-7 shots a game.
Just don’t do it from the boards. Drive to the net hard.
Guys stop with this given up cr@p. Isles need a few wins and with that comes confidence. Look at how shakey boston is so far. And they took the East last year.
I agree bench grevais a night and send a message. Get hillen in there. Freddie meyer actually have been defending great. -
The Real JD says:
Love the intensity that Bergie plays with. If he continues to drive to the net when he has the puck he will either get a scoring chance or draw a penalty. Speed has always been one of his best assets but Bergie seems a step quicker this season. He needs to drive to the net with the puck EVERY game and he will easily score 20+ goals this season.
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HG on LI says:
There are three outcomes for Bergie, he plays well on RW and all is fine, he doesn’t play well on RW and they give up the experiment and he returns to LW or he doesn’t play well on RW and loses more ice time because of his poor play on RW.
The final scenario is what is feared and with a coach who tells stuff like this to the media, can Bergie trust his coach or will he find himself on waivers because RW didn’t work out. I’ve never gotten the feeling that Gordon will go to bat for his players.
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TimQ says:
This Gordon bashing is getting to almost comical levels. In my opinion anyone that turns down an opportunity for more playing time – regardless of the reason – isn’t hungry enough. I know he shows some intensity when he’s on the ice, so he should want to be out there more frequently.
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Leviticus says:
Overrated by Isles fans…. Will never be a 20 goal scorer. Good third line energy guy that can chip in some goals.
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Al Beezle says:
The statement constitutes a few things. If Bergenheim isn’t comfortable switching wings, it doesn’t mean he’s not hungry enough, but rather that he knows his own ability as well as anyone on the team. You can’t fault a player for thinking not only of himself but perhaps the good of the team in general, I’d like to see him get more ice time because I like his play, but it’ll work out regardless I’m sure. The Gordon bashing isn’t really necessary, but it’d be nice if he kept some private matters in the clubhouse where they belong.
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Shoogah says:
I love Bergie. I had a whole paragraph typed but really that’s all that needs to be said. Love you, Bergs!
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David Volek says:
If only Bergie didnt have hands like feet, he’d be a top line guy…..
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I’m a huge Bergie fan, good job setting the record straight. One last thing, Bergie, if you’re reading, time to change those gloves, those things are hideous.
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318J1 says:
Gordon made another mistake here. He should not have asked, but told Sean he wanted him on RW if that was the case. The coach should already know Sean prefers LW (I did), if Gordon had known this then there would be no reason to ask. Although it is good to have a player in the position he wants to be in, it is the coach who decides who plays where (or at least its supposed to be!). So yea its Gordon’s fault, Bergie is great for coming out with this statement for the fans, great for playing so hard every shift, and great for still wanting to be here despite some contract problems, hard times (last year), and now his coach making this public with a negative twist for apparently no good reason. I just hope Bergi remains an Islander, he belongs here!
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UIF says:
Go get ‘em, Bergy.
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See, non-issue; anyone who plays hockey knows switching wings is a big difference. And some are more comfortable with it than others and obviously Bergie thought it would hurt his game.
And on another note, switching from coaching the AHL to the NHL is a big difference too and some are better at it than others. Its unfortunate our coach falls under the ‘others’.
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Dan from Westchester says:
Nice to see Bergie reach out to clear the air on this issue.
Haven’t been too critical of Gordon yet. . but anyone else concerned that on ice practice was “optional” after Monday’s effort??
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Brian in VA says:
Yep Bergy is a 3rd liner who will average 8 goals a season for his career… We have only two playmakers Kyle and John.
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KO21 says:
First of all, Bergy has the ability to score 25+goals. I also noticed that Gordan throws around compliments like they’re manhole covers but I believe its because he has many young rooks who need to have that fire lit under their @sses. I don’t know if all the Gordan bashing is justified tho. Its his 2nd year and he’s also learning.
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Bob E says:
Bergie is one of the more consistent guys on team. He brings it every night. Where he is getting snuffed is on Ice time.
Why is there issue on where he plays. LW is our weakest postion why would you want to move him to RW.
If there is anything bergie has to do is be a more selfish with puck. he should be getting 6-7 shots a game. Drive to net. Like CB said, he can probably pick up 5-10 more goals just if he drove more to net with or without the puck.
For you are Negative Nancies. While OCt is tough schedule. LA kings were power ranked #3. This is team that missed playoffs last year. They are a rebuild team. It goes to show it turns quick.
are arent even ranked at the bottom. Put it this way. We could be toronto. Spend all that money and be dead last so far.
Only think i think Stubborn Gordon needs to realize is its ok to make adjustments during a game. you can just do the same thing every time. LA knew exactly what were were doing after first period and shut us down.
You know what best solution to losing is. Winning the next game. they can start friday vs Buff.
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chebaturkin says:
That a boy Sean!! I agree with you. How Gordon wants bergneheim to shift over the right side does not make sense to me. Look at our left wingers (Bergenheim, Moulson, Comeau & Sim). When Mouslon is getting 18 even strength minutes a game and the other 3 are getting about 10 each, its a problem. First off, 4th liners shouldnt get close to 10 mpg. Thats time taken away form Bergie and the others on the ice. The way Bergie played last game, he deserves more ice time. He worked his tail off and was one of our better players.
Ice Time management Go-Go…work on it!!!
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Rachel G says:
Good for Bergie. Gordon still has much to learn. Maybe another day off for the “lazy” team? Lets Go Lighthouse. The people want it Ms. Murray!!!
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Sean Bergenheim, you are the man for your consistant effort and dedication. Reaching out to us fans is awesome. As an Islander fan from the Dynasty days (was a kid) I am proud to call you a New York Islander. I now live in Columbus and also root for the CBJ. I have seen players step out of their comfort zone and become more effective in the long run, so it couldn’t hurt to try something. On the other hand you know yourself, so I also respect your decision. Here’s to reaching the next level as a player and a team! Let’s Go ISLANDERS!!
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#24, It’s not a great situation to have a team and a coach on a steep learning curve.
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Josh says:
Bergy rules.
And with that message he made it abundantly clear that he reads fan message boards.
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CIsle says:
Certainly a brief and concise statement representative of what we fans universally want to hear from the players, especially considering we rarely do hear from them in this manner.
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Original Rob says:
Gordon is bad for the team, if for no other reason than we are specifically building a team to fit his style of play, rather than taking the existing talent (or lack thereof) and trying to get the best production out of what we have. What happens when it’s time for Gordon to go- do we have to rebuild the entire team again for the new coach?
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Irish Isle says:
Wow Gordon handled trying to get Bergenheim to switch wings as well as Art Howe did with getting Mike Piazza to play first base.
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Why is everyone so negitive about the coach? I love this new exciting to watch system of play. Loved Nolan but the last season he coached was the most boring brand of hockey I’ve ever had to watch. Gordo will be fine and this system can be successful if we get the personel to actually perform for 60 minutes.
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double W says:
I played hockey, and at a fairly high level, and if the coaches thought I should play goal, i would. The coach shows he has confidence in you to switch positions, so you do it!
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Rich says:
Love Bergie. I hope he eventually winds up as the LW with JT and KO.
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nick says:
i love the fact sean came out and wanted to get this to the fans. he clearly cares a lot about the islanders fans and i think truly likes it here. Sean had 15g in 59ish games last season, to say he cant hit 20 is pretty naive. He plays the game right. Goes hard every shift, finishes checks and creates space by doing so. Give the guy more than 4 games before people get on his case. its ridiculous that he missed time in camp bc of an injury and comes back and doesnt have 5 points in 4 games and hes a bum. Some fans are never happy, and unfortunately theyre the ones who are all too often the most vocal. If you come here to hate on the isles and still call yourself a fan, go across the bridge to manhattan. we dont need you
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Scott W says:
Bergie has some upside. I completely disagree that we have seen his best hockey. He is searching for some consistency to his game. It would not be wise at this point for him to move positions. we need to see what he can do over 80 games healthy. The talent is there for a solid second to third line player. Plus, seems like a good guy. Lets hope for the best. I would like to see him stay on the penalty kill. It will force him to work on his positional play.
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Mike from Oceanside says:
No matter what side you play, Bergie, just always keep your legs moving.
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Staten Islander says:
AGAIN, we are NOT a playoff team this year or probably next. Bergie is young along with most of our core of forwards. This is a rebuild, and we are 4 games into year TWO of it. lets all get off the ledge and enjoy the kids development.
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Since72 says:
I can’t get enough Islanders news but this topic is overheated. SB was “offered” an opportunity to play RW and he declined. He wasn’t told to play there and refused. The offer could be looked at as a vote of confidence from Go-Go with the added minutes as incentive to do something that might be difficult for him to do. I take SB at his word (re-read the first paragraph of his comments to CB) and I believe that he feels he would be less effective for the team.
Thanks for reaching out to connect with the fans SB and way to be on the ice for the optional practice.
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JPinVA says:
Bergie may be a middle six guy, but he’s a middle six guy who shows up to play every night.
To me, he’s Jason Blake in a slightly slower, but stronger body.
Nolan made Blake a 40 goal scorer, very wealthy, and a member of a playoff team.
Gordon has put Bergie in the doghouse, leaked their conversation to a blogger and wants to use him where he would be least efficient…
But Gordon isn’t really the culprit here. Look at the roster of both the Isles and BP… not one NHL ready RW to fill in for Hunter. Park playing the position weakens them at center, because Bailey really needs to be in the AHL for at least half a season.
When Nielsen and Hunter are back this is all a non-issue… but the blame falls squarely on Snow (who stockpiled goaltenders and LWs).
Not that he cares, but maybe Wang might want to check in on the HOCKEY TEAM he’s helped decimate.
$42M payroll… $14M in cap space… of the $42M Yashin $3.2M and DiPietro $4.5M are dead money.
Tavares $3.7M is a rookie
Bailey $1.7 is 2 years away from being effective.
Weight $2.2M may not get in 50 games
Witt $3M (not built for Goo Goo’s system)Meanwhile Dean Lombardi (a candidate for the GM pos when Smith was hired) has completely turned the Kings around in that time…. and has Smyth on his team just to rub Snow’s nose in it.
just sayin’ -
Vlad from Brooklyn says:
Any team in the League would love to have player like Bergie. Keep him on the Island and make him comfortable. He will bring everything he has to the ice as he always did.
Thanks Bergie. -
Zeike says:
If Weight can play left wing then Bergy can play right wing. That being said Sean is one of the Isles best players, in terms of effort, winning battles and generating scoring chances. The fact that he was benched in the second half of the third period with the Isles down two goals is laughable. Gordon needs to get over whatever issues he has w/ Sean.
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Willis says:
Thanks for the statement Bergy. Do what feels best. This fan loves to watch you play and is rooting for ya!
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geduffer says:
Irish Isle (#39) – I know people don’t care for Go-Go, but comparing him to Art Howe??? Ouch.
I am a supporter of Bergie. My wife loves the kid. I think losing Bergie would make her consider rethinking her loyalty.
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Cs says:
Gordon’s system will not work..everyone kept saying the beginning of last season that the players just need to be conditioned enough to play his system for 60 minutes…it never happend..we are now in the second year of it..and it still is not happening…instead what is happening? Players are being injured left and right..People can say its the players..but i’m really not understanding how a whole team can’t play 60 minutes of this system after trying for a year..Something needs to change.
I also believe Gordon is making himself look worse and worse every day..why did he feel the need to let everyone know Bergy said no to the change? thats a personal thing between the two of them. He wont tell us how injured a player is..but he’ll tell us that? I respect Bergy a lot for coming out and setting the record straight..he shouldnt of had to do that in the first place.
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Merrick says:
In fairness to Gordon and without criticizing CB, this could be a case where blogging unnecessarily makes a mountain out of a molehill.
Context means everything.
Gordon could have been giving CB a solid piece of inside information about some of the options the team was considering (info we all crave) and may not have wanted to make the move if the player was uncomfortable. You can question the wisdom of a coach making this public, but we have no idea if CB interpreted the tidbit in a manner that was different than what Gordon meant to convey. Anyone who is married will understand the distinction!
In addition, for those of us who are upset with the PR pablum that the Islanders regularly feed us, I hope this incident doesn’t further restrict the already limited candor we get from the front office.
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Rich says:
I like Bergie and think he’s a good fit for this team and Gordon’s system. He needs to keep skating hard, just as he always does, and hopefully some of the others will follow his lead. I like his grit.
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Alfred says:
#48
Totally agree. Wang has decimated this team with his underfunding.
Until he gets to take ownership of the most valuable piece of land that Nassau County has, for free, he will continue to shortchange the Islander.
makes sense to me.