Let the 2007-08 Season Begin

For Yankees fans like me, it'll hopefully take until the end of October to get fully involved with the Islanders, but for Mets fans, welcome to the 2007-08 NHL season!

Hi, I'm Dr. Hook. You might remember me from such blogs as ... well, none actually. I did work on sports webpages about 10 years ago where I wrote some semi-regular editorial copy (sort of a forerunner of blogs), but this is my first true blog post. First off, thanks to Ken for the opportunity to join this blog - it should be a fun ride this season, and I look forward to Ken's eventual postings from the Isles' new Blog Box, where I hope he is able to break several exclusives, such as which show does Ted Nolan watch -- Grey's Anatomy, CSI or The Office? Inquiring minds want to know.

By way of quick background, I've been an Isles fan for about 25 years - first watching the Isles during the Stanley Cup dynasty, following them through the Easter Epic, going crazy in Bayville after Volek's goal, cringing through 1995-2000, and finally glad to see playoff hockey back making more regular appearances on the Island. The Isles still have some work to do (and a new building wouldn't hurt either - I love the Coliseum, but as we've learned in recent months, free agents do not), but at least one thing seems guaranteed: with Ted Nolan at the helm, these guys will play their asses off.

So once again this year, the Isles are expected by the "experts" to finish out of the playoffs. Personally, with the additions of Bill Guerin, Mike Comrie, Ruslan Fedotenko and Andy Sutton, and the return of Sean Bergenheim, I believe the Isles could surprise once again this season. And if they show as much fight during the season as they did during that preseason brawl with the Rangers (poor Al Montoya never stood a chance), it should make for a very fun season.

I'll be checking in every so often with various thoughts on the Isles, the Coliseum, the Atlantic Division, etc. -- but until then, I'm looking forward to October 5 at a much weaker Buffalo.

Ted makes way for Al

This story has been picked up by several media outlets and fellow bloggers, but in case you missed it Al Arbour is returning! On November 3rd, the finest coach in Islanders history will get behind the bench for his 1500th game. We think it's a great move by Ted Nolan and Isles management, not only for the publicity that surrounds the event, but as a nod to history. In the current sports landscape, too many teams are quick to discard their history. The current Islanders, clearly living in the shadow of former glories, are at least acknowledging and displaying pride in their far-too-distant dynastic era. The newer, younger fans will get a chance to see (and hopefully meet and speak to) the great coach later this season. If you're an Islander fan, someone wrote, that game is a "must attend."

One question though: If the Isles win the game, are they going to change the banner in the rafters to read "740?"

We're All Islanders (Bloggers)

Welcome NYI Blog Box readers! We're so excited that the Isles have decided to make Okposo Net part of their new BLOG BOX feature. We hope to bring you all of the fresh Kyle Okposo news as it rolls in.

We must correct an injustice, though. If you found this blog through the aforementioned Isles website, you'll see a picture (unflattering) and bio of Ken Dick, known here as 'Okposo Island.' But not pictured, and deserving equal or more credit for his effort is Brett Schmitt (Okposo Nose). He's an experienced blogger and runs another Isles blog, Former Islanders Watch (http://formerisles.blogspot.com).

Brett has recently packed up his bags and moved to Beverly (Anaheim, actually) and he and his wife are expecting their first child any second now. No, I'm not joking, it could be happening right now. Or now. Anyway, he'll still be contributing to both blogs and when not juggling school and family you'll find him screaming himself hoarse for his beloved Islanders on the road versus the Kings or Ducks.

Before the season starts, we may be able to get some pictures of the Hockey Hall of Fame up for your viewing pleasure. It was a great experience, and we took lots of Isles-related pictures while there. I suggest it to any hockey fan who finds themself in Toronto.

A New York State of Mind

Hello hockey fans!

Well, it's our favorite time of the year -- hockey season! Okay, sure it's in the 70's outside and the Mets and Yanks are still doing their thing, but in this part of cyberspace we're focused on ice, vulcanized rubber, red lights, and twine...

Yours truly has been hanging out in Canada most of the summer, and have hardly had a chance to put down the Molsons and write something. But no more...The good news is that Okposo starts playing meaningful games again on October 12th...and the Isles are already working the legs in those preseason games. Sure, they dropped the first two contests, but I don't think anyone is putting too much stock in that. We're just glad that the Zamboni is oiled up and the leaves are ready to turn. Before you know it the snow will be flurrying and the pucks will be a-flyin' for real.

One minor note, last week the Isles traded former first round pick Petteri Nokielainen to the Boston Bruins for Ben Walter and a conditional 2nd round draft pick. Walter is regarded as a prospect and at 23 years old here's hoping we get to see him in Uniondale sooner rather than later.

One more year...

While we here at Okposo Island have been enjoying our summers (and we certainly hope Kyle is enjoying his), it's just too darn hot out to think about hockey. But think about this: Kyle, who felt his development hasn't reached a level where he would be comfortable competing against professionals, has decided to return to Minnesota for his sophomore year. We support his decision to continue his education, and just think of what another year in one of college hockey's toughest divisions will do for his game. We're not looking at this as a year delayed, but as a year of improved skills before he makes his way to the Isles. See you in September Kyle, when you're once again 'schooling' goalies from Michigan, Wisconsin, and everywhere else.

Minnesota Squeaks Through First Round

The Golden Gophers upended University of Alaska, Anchorage's playoff hopes this past weekend taking the best of 3 series 2-1. It wasn't easy for Minnesota who were trailing the Seawolves 1-0 in the third game before rallying for three unanswered goals including the insurance shorthanded goal to put the game away at 3-1. In 3 games Okposo had 2 goals. He now has 19 goals and 20 assists on the year (season and playoffs) and is tied with Jay Barriball for the team lead in points.

Regular Season Over - Okposo Team Leader

The Golden Gophers have found their MVP and his name is Okposo, Kyle Okposo. With the regular season officially wrapped up and Minnesota crowned with the WCHA title for best record the team can now look to the playoffs to do some damage, we hope. The finish to the year was not as strong as it began. In the end the Gophers were 26-8-3 (18-7-3 n the WCHA) after a fabulous start with only 1 loss in their first 24 games. But worry not, for the Gophers have KO, the man of the hour.

Okposo finishes his rookie regular season leading the team in goals (17), points (37) and tied for game winners (3). He finished second on the team in shooting percentage (.177) and powerplay goals (5). His 20 assists, 96 shots and +15 rating were good enough to qualify him for third in those categories as well. All of this while taking 4 games off to play in the World Junior Championship for Team USA. Not too shabby for a freshman.

And did I mention that Kyle plays with a gentlemanly style managing only 15 minor penalties in 33 games?

We can expect big things from Okposo in the future, but first, let us keep our eyes on the college playoff scoreboards. Go Gophers!