2010 ISLANDERS TRAINING CAMP IN CHINA
Sept. 13-23 in Beijing and Shanghai
Read the news, provided to Sportsnet of Canada. Point Blank has confirmed the story, in case you had any doubts. Tough to fathom another NHL team joining them for exhibition games, but Global Gary Bettman will probably use his influence. Comments.
88 Responses to 2010 ISLANDERS TRAINING CAMP IN CHINA
Sept. 13-23 in Beijing and Shanghai
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eastonhockey says:
Priority’s…Wow. Could Wang run this team any more differently then Steinbrenner ran the Yankees?
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Isle in Dixie says:
I have to presume that Saskatoon was not a far enough distance from the fan base. I guess they might not play any games until they come back to the US. Would a benefit exist to play some Chinese club team?
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Chris R says:
AMAZING. I want to see the Islanders vs the Shanghai Sharks.
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mht says:
Who will we play exhibition games against during this trip?
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Dan says:
Nice to see hockey becoming a global sport. If the Isles get get any press or publicity to play in the winter classic be nice for them to get some for playing in China!
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
This is a worse decision than signing DP to a 15 year contract.
Stupid!!!
CB … last year I made a ridiculous joke last year on this site that Wang will try and hold camp in China … I had no idea that Wang would be irrational enough to do it. He’s got enough on his table to deal with, and the team has enough growing pains to go through without this side show.
Hockey has always been a regional Global Sport … China is as far removed from top tier hockey as Hawaii. Stupid move.
My patience for Wang is wearing thin … as thin as his patience for the TOH.
I was hoping to make it to Isles camp this coming year … I can forget about that now.
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isleBwatchingU says:
Not sure I see any negatives here. Not like they are there for the entire camp or playing any regular season games. NHL teams went to Europe, so what is the problem with Asia?
Is it only a ‘problem’ because Wang has Chinese roots?
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Well CB, maybe fanhouse will send you there to cover it, better start practicing chopsticks.
I can dig this, why not? It’s only until 9/23, plenty of time for games and cuts when they get back state side. 松开岛民
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(Sim)ple says:
19 isles nj – Nothing is worse than DP’s 15 year deal. And you can still go to camp, this is 10 days.
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B-ri says:
I dont see what the big deal is. Why not build a fanbase in a place that is starting to play hockey but has not seen a pro team over there? This could be a money maker for the isles as they help spread their brand. I like it. Let’s be honest i bet most of you wont even care during training camp because baseball season.
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Staten Islander says:
In Hong Kong, they’re ALL Islanders
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MickeyBoy7 says:
Tambellini will still be a healthy scratch.
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Couple problems with this. #1-a free agent who isnt interested in a 20 hour flight to China may decide to go play elsewhere with a similar offer. #2-it shows where Wangs prioritys are once again..(his mini city..China..developing youth hockey in China..what about winning hockey games?) Wang has been an on ice failure with the Islanders..he would be better off spending his energy learning how to run the Islanders successfully rather then trying to spread his “Islander knowledge”
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Strummer's Army says:
lol #1.
I understand growing the sport and Chinese fans have proven if they like a star player they buy a TON of merchandise but still. Is it worth stressing the team and any risk?
I am guessing Richard Park will be on the training camp roster now. He’ll probably get the Tavares treatment in China even if he is from Korea. I can’t see the Isles dumping one of the few Asian’s in the NHL before going to Asia. Sigh.
For once I’d like to come to this site and read about a great trade. Seems like it has been a year (Camps).
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Beatlebailey says:
This is not a big deal…good for Wang…. Maybe the kings or sharks will go over with them and play a few games
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Easton – You’re telling me a free agent will make the decision to not play here solely on 10 days, 12 with travel, in China? Wouldn’t want them then anyway. I want players that are committed to the organization, the system, and winning. Not a lighter load and easier travel arrangements. Let’s be honest, team won’t be big in free agency anyway.
Look at the bigger picture. His priorities are all about this team. He’s trying to make this team somewhat relevant outside of Long Island. No one else cares about this team. NHL officials on and off ice, NBC, VS., KC… the list goes on. Our own county and town aren’t even backing us. A little more recognition for this up and coming franchise is a good thing.
He’s building a young team. Remember he brought us to the playoffs 3 straight times? I think he wants to build something with a significantly higher goal than that.
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Isles Fan in Toronto says:
Great move by the Isles. Great business decision too. The Chinese organizers will welcome the Isles for their appearances especially after the Olympics which will have great coverage and exposure in China. The China ecomony is booming like crazy.
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admin says:
The Islanders have told Newsday that the trip to China is not yet official. What this could mean is 1) the news got out before they planned to announce it; 2) they have some details to iron out, like possibly sharing the news with the city of Saskatoon…CB
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NYICHAMP39 says:
Unless Wang develops a Chinese hockey league that sends studs over to the united states every year (much like the japanese baseball league sent over ichiro/matsui) Wang’s time and effort could be better spent getting this team a big power forward, mobile defenseman, and some toughness. Why does it seem like the Isles are always in the press for bad/ridiculous reasons? Drafting JT was the best and only good press we have had for a long time. Just ridiculous. Doesnt exactly help the perception of this franchise as a traveling circus.
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sketchykg says:
Good for Charles Wang. But this will not serve our team on the ice well next year.
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Josh says:
Prediction: The Sharks will go to China to play the Isles. They have spent money in China, as well.
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Joe says:
Maybe we should send Kate Murray to play in China
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Matt S. says:
I’m sure this will be a great incentive to sign with the Islanders this coming off-season…. 20 hour plane ride to work out.
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So dramatic. I totally don’t see what the big deal is. Everyone wants to have a problem with this team, especially when they’ve been playing the way they have as of late.
The comment about “tambellini will still be a healthy scratch” had me rolling! Hahaha…I like this move. I hope it benefits them much…
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JayK says:
Examiner #16 — exactly. Think of all the publicity that is going to surround a team that otherwise plays in total obscurity. We’ve always complained about that lack of attention; now we’re moaning about something that is going to bring it to us.
And for all the comments along the lines of “He should spend his time getting us a power forward,” why does a Chinese training camp preclude that?
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Jim Clark says: They will be coming back to Uniondale to play the regular season, right?
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EJ-1since40 says:
Oh boy, when will the madness end???
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This reaction is ridiculous. How about attracting some players with a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit China and experience something special. Nothing brings a team together like being in a foreign land. Good press, grow the Islander brand.
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Donna says:
The more I think about it the more I like it, certainly takes my mind off the 4 losses in a row. Wonderful opportunity for the players etc, hope you get to cover it for FanHouse/SI etc. Great photo ops for the team, i.e. first NHL team photographed at the Great Wall etc. Just got to keep the team away from street food vendors.
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Larry-Saint James says:
What happen to holding a training camp on long island? So say maybe um the long island fans can watch the team? No offense to China but I don’t see there team meeting the height requirement.
Were are they playing at the Egg Roll Palace or the Wonton Pond? Come on Chop Stick Charlie…Do you really think China give a Sh!t about hockey or the Isles?
I here the 2011 Training is in Brazil.
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goislesgo105 says:
I think that going to China is a great idea! It also shows Charles Wang’s commitment not only to the Isles but to hockey. They should offer a travel package and take some Isles fans with them too.
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Bob Bassen says:
I dunno. I like it. Should be an incredible amount of press at the very least.
The travel and upheaval could be another story though.
If the Isles slump at the beginning of the Season at least we’ll have something tangible to blame it on.
Go Isles! -
ken says:
i think this is pretty neat.
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Healy says:
Dorfer81:
I thought the same thing. Why would he be planning this trip if he really was going to give up on the Isles? In my mind its not really a big deal. Spread the game a little, will definitely be exciting for the younger guys who may not have gotten to travel around the world much.
As for a free agent not joining because of this trip. Compare the the long flights for the 10 days spent in China against the season long, super easy divisional travel the Islanders have (Rangers and Devs games the guys even get to sleep in their own beds after). People still want to play for Detroit and they have travel long distances much more frequently.
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Schultz39 says:
How about having your training camp on Long Island so your fans can attend and participate? No wonder why we can’t build a fanbase of fans to come to games…..
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BD Hendo says:
Sum dum move!
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RD says:
Great, maybe we can find the Chinese version of Gretzky and sign him.
Who the hell are we going to play against for that time span? What NHL team wants to come China with us?
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Mike from Oceanside says:
BREAKING NEWS – The Town of Hempstead has released a statement that will stall the Islanders plans to hold 11 days of training camp in China. The Town cites traffic concerns along the already saturated 简体中文版 Parkway and the heavily used 大麻代替 Turnpike, water usage and the strain on the additional responsibilites of the local fire department.
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Lafars says:
I am going out on a limb here but it seems to me that the financing for the Lighthouse project is tied to this move. He may simple be trying to woo potential investors, a 10 day open house if you will.
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cgs878 says:
When Wang said “Meet Me At The Lighthouse” I did not realize that he meant on the coast of mainland China.
So who’s gonna televise these games from China? -
znatokhokkeya says:
how about a good reception for the home games radio broadcast?
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It does not pay to hold training camp on Long Island. The Islander play one preseason game on the Island and that doesn’t even draw over 10,000. It’s way to expensive. I never understood how they can charge regular ticket prices for a preseason game. Let them get off of Long Island for a bit. I would think players would be excited to be the first NHL team to participate in training camp in a new country.
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John from ATL says:
Some of the best from above:
1)They’ve been shanghied? wonderful2)I have to presume that Saskatoon was not a far enough
3)Stupid!!!
4)In Hong Kong, they’re ALL Islanders
5)Doesnt exactly help the perception of this franchise as a traveling circus.
*But the only one that read through the BS.
Cool. Doesn’t sound like an owner looking to sell anytime soon
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I think its cool. My mom has been to China a few times, she has told me a number of stories. No gum, Rick! And no spitting, Shremp!
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DRIVE45 says:
If true, ridiculous!
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Hopefully this gets confirmed and reported ASAP. Would rahther have this be the story on NHL.com instead of a 14th straight loss to PHI.
This is great for the organization and the sport. Those haters out there are just typical Islanders fans looking for anything and everything to complain about with this regime. Its not like we’re going to a place we can potentialy move to down the road. Then I would be worried and annoyed.
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joe fred va says:
Any publicity we can get, we will take! I agree, does not look like Wang is going to sell anytime soon when he plans on having training camp in China, just more concerned over the boys having jet lag when the season kicks off. Maybe looking to attract investors as well. some good points on the blog!
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Patience says:
No.38. lol. Well It’s better than Kansas City. No?
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Mario says:
You guys on here are ridiculous. What the heck is the big deal. If a free agent wants to come here do you think going to China is going to stop him. Give me a break. Everyone is so critical of everything Wang does.
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Rick says:
For Chuckles, this makes sense I guess. From a hockey perspective, makes ZERO sense at all.
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raul17 says:
#35 – I agree!
When NHL teams started playing preseason (and regular season!!) games off the NA continent, I guess the same fears and concerns were made.
It makes sense for Wang to do this: he been spending money to develope the game there, the last two or three years the Jr Isles have visited and Chinese youth teams have played in a youth tournament at the Coliseum in past years.
Play two or three games: San Jose Sharks or another NHL team plus one or two clubs from the KHL or a KHL team plus a club from an Asian hockey league.
BTB, I doubt the club will force anyone to travel if he doesn’t want. Only 25 players will probably go and the rest in Canada (or wherever NA camp is).
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Brian from Massapequa says:
When JT gets SARS I’m gonna be PO’d.
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TimQ says:
Give the guys some credit, this is a really good business move. There are lots and lots of consumers in China, so it would be pretty cool walking around Beijing seeing kids with Islander jerseys. My only concern is whether they give themselves enough time to adjust before the season starts. I’ve been to Asia a few times and it takes a good 10 days before you feel ‘normal’ after the trip.
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therain93 -- terriers fan says:
Not a big deal — other than i was hoping to visit Saskatoon for a camp this coming year but that’s no biggie. I’m in agreement with whoever said people will look for anything to hate on the Islanders. It’s training camp during baseball’s playoff push. *shrug*
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
I’d take 10 days in China, getting paid to do my regular job having hospitality galore and bonding with my co-workers. What is so wrong about this? Give me a break.
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Section 303 says:
If my boss was going to give me a free trip to a nation where I most certainly never would get the opportunity to visit, I’d be all over it. I think most are reading into this way too much. It’s certainly another affirmation of Wang’s continued dedication to this team. Whine all you want, but without Wang, this team would have been history a long time ago.
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I Think some of the same people inexplicably complaining about this idea are the same people who complain when other teams do ‘special’ things- play in the winter classic, play in europe, etc. In those cases its “Why not the Islanders?” but now that it very well CAN be the Islanders doing something different and special you complain, too? Honestly- does that make any sense?
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doug says:
I thinks it’s a good idea. This is a good opportunity to market the Islanders brand on a worldwide basis. What’s wrong with that?
Hopefully, we’ll be watching a sporting event that is coming from China next year and we’ll see someone that has an Islanders hat or T-shirt on…
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Issac says:
This is about as smart as trying to sell winter coats in the desert. China? Why not North Korea or Argentina? Another dumb idea from the owner who wanted a sumo wrestler as a goalie.
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kevin fitz says:
why do people care about this? the are going to play hockey for 10 days in China. They’ll sit on a plane for 12 hours, play hockey for 10 days, then sit on a plane for 12 more hours and be home. Not exactly a life altering event.
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dose says:
41 Lafars on Jan 31st, 2010 10:52:35 said: I am going out on a limb here but it seems to me that the financing for the Lighthouse project is tied to this move. He may simple be trying to woo potential investors, a 10 day open house if you will.
interesting comment. you may be onto something there.
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LouD says:
I’m sorry but acting as if this is a bad thing is incredibly narrow minded. Someone mentioned Steinbrenner but failed to mention the way he marketed the team globally which in turn helped to finance the “empire”. More fans = more money. More awareness for the NHL = more hockey coverage in main stream sports which leads to more information. Kids going on a trip to a country they’ve never been to = more time together with more comradrie built. Any negatives mentioned are only “what ifs” and I am no longer shocked at this weird faction of fans who complain about everything Wang does no matter how insignificant.
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mrlbem says:
Think of all the accupuncture options for Ricky, though.
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BigMo says:
I like it because: _ It will spread Islanders brand even if it is in China (God knows we need any fan base). – If I were a player I would love to see China all expenses paid. _ Is’nt Wang trying to get China’s billions to build the Lighthose?
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Chris A says:
It’s an obscure move but a good move business wise like all the European soccer teams tour Asia and generate so much buzz, which leads to more $$. All Wang is doing is following that trend and seeing if it will pay off for hockey the same way it does for soccer and I’m confident it will.
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I’ll go out on a limb here.
Bettman: Boy, I sure would love to have the NHL get the kind of attention that the NHL gets in China. What a market! They derive millions from the Chinese.
Wang: What if I did training camp over there, and in return, you stick us in the Winter Classic sometime in the next 2-3 years?
Bettman: Done.
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Sorry..meant that the NBA gets over there, of course.
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4theisles says:
I think too many fans are missing the positive aspects of this chinese news. Wang would not be doing this if he was about to bail out of th LH and trying to sell or relocate the team. Bottom line, he is proud of his heritage, sees great PR with this trip, feels very positive and proud of this year’s development. This is definitely the best news the fans have gotten all year!
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MJS says:
Just imagine if the NYI become China’s team. The merchandising alone would be pretty freakin awesome. I’m sure that a trip like this would be pretty good for team bonding, but I’m not sure it would create an awesome start to the hockey season. After all, the teams that started out in Europe the last few seasons needed to really pick it up when they got back. All in all, though, if you’re going to put training camp in a place other than where your fan base is, then you might as well go where people don’t necessarily have a favorite team already. China is certainly that type of place. We’ll see how it goes, and hopefully Wang and Co. can sell a ton of Islanders jerseys and t-shirts while they’re there.
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Hoser14 says:
I agree with #43 znatokhokkeya: “how about a good reception for the home games radio broadcast?”
As for them training in Chine, I would like to see them have their training camp on Long Island or Bridgeport and play more “home” here rather than in cow towns all across the Great White North!
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Greg says:
sign me up to go. China is great fun. It would be awesome to go to Asia to see them. See no negatives here — will get lots of press coverage I think.
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OA PEST says:
Maybe he can build the Lighthouse there!!! Big deal no one cares about this team anymore!!!
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JP says:
The trip to China is a good business venture. Mr Wang is a very savvy business man, always looking for an angle. A little known fan fact is that he actually owns large portions of Long Islands real estate. In order to build and develop on the countys’ land around the NVMC he had to buy the Islanders. He could care less about the fans, or the team. He cares about the millions he stands to make with the light house.
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geduffer says:
Just another example of how these guys may know about running a business, but they know absolutely nothing about running a hockey franchise. This is the stupidest idea that Charles has had since suggesting a sumo wrestler for a goaltender. The team should be holding training camp on LI so that fans can come out and connect with the team. Instead they do this. Enough is enough. I will no longer purchase season tickets after this year.
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Anyone against this is a xenophobic fool.The NBA sells their broadcast rights in China,they sell millions and millions of licensed merchandise,they maintain a business office there and as a result their website gets millions and millions of hits.The players will be exposed to one of the truly great cultures of the world,and they will be treated like visiting heads of state.Did any of our Olympic athletes complain in 2008 of their experience; no!One additional bonus is if a top notch team like the SJ Sharks is also picked it provides a good measuring stick.
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4theisles on Jan 31st, 2010 14:27:36 said:
I think too many fans are missing the positive aspects of this chinese news. Wang would not be doing this if he was about to bail out of th LH and trying to sell or relocate the team.i thought about that, but it’s his team, maybe he just wants to do it. maybe it is tied into the LH in some way. i can’t think of a good reason to not do it regardless of what might happen. planning.
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Geduffer- connect with the team? Is that a joke? They spend more than half the season here (games and practices), hold draft parties, do appearances and signings frequently, and have rookie camp here. Dont make it sound like fans have no chance to ‘connect’ with the players. I think is one of the easier franchises to get close to the players.
And giving up those ticket?. There are better times ahead.
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jaymz27 says:
Not a good selling point for free agents.
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isles316 says:
great now can we acquire a young defensemen please. imagine if hillen and macdonald weren’t around.
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Bruno says:
Here is a novel idea Mr. Wang, have training camp at Iceworks! Get the local buzz about the team going in preseason instead of this gimmick crap in China. I understand you want to bring hockey there but your first concern should be the Long Island area. Absolutely ridiculous.
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Terry99 says:
Did Detroits european trip have a cause/effect on there uneven season? Who knows,but when the isles lose there first 10 out of 15 at least we’ll have something to blame it on. but really no big deal..why not spread the islander brand. But knowing there luck they’ll come home with the Hong Kong Flu.
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Glen S says:
There’s pro’s and con’s to this debate. I guess it’s nnot big deal but I have a couple ?’s. Can someone or CB tell me when was the last time the isles had training camp on Long Island, CW is going to spend all this money to go to China which is fine, and yes maybe this will be a spring board for the LHP (Wishful Thinking). But if there’s $$$ for this then why do we have to have simulcast TV onto the radio to save $$$$.Now this is not a knock at Howie or Jaffe, but it’s not the same as they aren’t painting the picture for us as they calling the as they see it.
LETS GO ISLANDERS………. -
Brian says:
Sounds to me like a trip that could be a team-building exercise like none other. Those of you who think this is a horrible thing for 10 days in pre-season are just being short-sighted and blinded by either your misplaced hate for everything our owner does or your own xenophobia.
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Hockeymad says:
I’ve been to China and other parts of Asia on business a number of times. I have business associates that follow the NBA & other sports regularly. When they came for training several years ago we took them to a Sens game and they were blown away at how exciting the sport was. I always thought it would be cool to give them a taste of hockey in their own country and as a oldtimer rec hockey player myself, I had always thought it would be great to get a number of teams over there for a tourney. Hearing now what Mr. Wang is thinking about doing with the Isles, I think it is a great opportunity to: a) promote the sport to a much wider audience b) give his players a rare opportunity for an exciting cultural experience c) open up some possible investment opportunity.
Sure the jetlag will be tough but you cannot ignore what a HUGE market this country has for just about anything – average sized cities there make NYC or Chicago look like small towns. BTW, I’ve always been treated as an honoured and welcomed guest anytime I’ve travelled to the Far East. For those critics: don’t pre-judge until you’ve been there yourself. GO Isles….and enjoy. -
If the Isles catch on while there can you imagine the amount of new fans there would be! Looks like a moneymaker for Cablevision!
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they’ve been shanghied? wonderful