Word came from Islanders media relations director Seth Sylvan (via Islanders Point Blank) today that Kyle has passed a series of neurological tests and has begun skating again. While he's still not participating in team drills, that is encouraging news.
Kyle was also present at the preseason game at Nassau Coliseum on Wednesday (9/23) night, though he was seen in street clothes and left the building shortly after the game ended.
While it would be great if Kyle could join John Tavares for the home opener on October 3rd, it is imperative for him to take the utmost care of his head injury before returning to full contact. We have heard that a good rule of thumb for concussions is to sit out another week *after* Kyle feels ready to return to game action. A little time spent cautiously now may result in a lot less time missed down the road.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Last Words on "The Hit"
Clean? Dirty? Necessary?
We've been getting a lot of good feedback on the Dion Phaneuf hit that injured (we won't say "KO'ed") Kyle this past week. We already expressed our opinion below and others polled seem to be split 50-50 on the 'clean or dirty' issue. We submit the above screencap, which is the moment just after contact, along with the opinions of two of our highly esteemed colleagues. Like with politics, people have their indomitable opinions and you can argue with them perpetually. However, the two gentleman presented below are well versed in ice hockey as both longtime players, fans, and scholars of the game. Whatever your take on the hit, you will do yourself a service by reading their postings. Intelligent opinions are always welcomed on both their sites and this one.
"Revisiting Hits to the Head" by Doug Davidson of 'Official's Outlook.' (Also included with his post are lots of additional good links).
"Okposo Carted Off on Stretcher; Isles Lead 3-2 Midway Through" (with follow-up comments) by 'Islanders Outsider' Ken Rosenblatt.
***
It should be noted that an Okposo and Tavares-less squad won the preseason rematch against Calgary on Saturday (9/19) night. 4-2 was the final score. Jon Sim seems to be having quite a camp, even though we can't find a verified boxscore for the game anywhere.
The Isles play another "home" game in Saskatoon on Sunday (9/20) night, this time against Edmonton. We'll have any news that emerges.
***
UPDATE on Kyle via Newsday's Katie Strang.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Kyle Okay After Scary Preseason Incident
The good news is that Kyle Okposo is talking, moving, and has been cleared to travel after this scary open ice hit by Dion Phaneuf during Thursday's (9/18) preseason game. After being taken in an ambulance to a local hospital, KO was able to call his father and assure people he was not seriously hurt. The Islanders later announced that Okposo has been diagnosed with a mild concussion, with no timetable set for his return to action.
Since we were unsure of the extent of his injuries we did not want to post anything until an announcement was made on the situation. While we weren't the first to carry the story, we wanted to be sure that we could get as many of the facts correct before posting. We'd rather be late with news than disseminating misinformation or speculation on a serious matter like this.
Reviewing the tape many times, it appears that Phaneuf leapt into the hit, which is not allowed or appreciated, especially during a preseason tilt. Things being what they are in this league with respect to hits and the Islanders, we fully expect no action to be taken by the NHL against Phaneuf.
We wish Kyle a speedy recovery and hope he is available for the regular season opener in New York on October 3rd.
Since we were unsure of the extent of his injuries we did not want to post anything until an announcement was made on the situation. While we weren't the first to carry the story, we wanted to be sure that we could get as many of the facts correct before posting. We'd rather be late with news than disseminating misinformation or speculation on a serious matter like this.
Reviewing the tape many times, it appears that Phaneuf leapt into the hit, which is not allowed or appreciated, especially during a preseason tilt. Things being what they are in this league with respect to hits and the Islanders, we fully expect no action to be taken by the NHL against Phaneuf.
We wish Kyle a speedy recovery and hope he is available for the regular season opener in New York on October 3rd.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Kyle and Isles in Action Tonight!
The first pre-season game has arrived! It's even being broadcast (almost live) in your area! The Isles will take on the 1981-1982 Campbell Conference champion Vancouver Canucks tonight (9/14) in Terrace, British Columbia, Canada. The broadcast details can be found here via the official website.
Despite advanced notice that John Tavares will not play in the game, seeing hockey again will be a relief to this blogger. Why, you ask? It's been a rough summer in these parts, with these guys just slightly out of the playoff hunt and all...
Despite advanced notice that John Tavares will not play in the game, seeing hockey again will be a relief to this blogger. Why, you ask? It's been a rough summer in these parts, with these guys just slightly out of the playoff hunt and all...
Thursday, September 3, 2009
One Month Until Hockey!
Friends, the long wait is almost over. One month from today (10/3) New York Islanders regular season hockey returns! And this year, the date is doubly special because it will be the debut of new Islander John Tavares.
Of course the excitement surrounding the arrival of the new season may be tempered by a few pestersome issues surrounding the team. In case you've forgotten, the Isles have the fate of the Lighthouse project/new arena in limbo, the health of Rick DiPietro is up in the air, and one wonders who, if anyone, will emerge as a scoring threat on the left side of the offense? These are in addition to the other uncertainties that normally surround a young and inexperienced team.
That said, we can't wait until October 3rd. We can't wait to see Kyle, Mark Streit, Josh Bailey, our new goalies, and the rest of our squad in action. Sure, the potential exists for a mauling at the hands of the Stanley Cup Champion Penguins on Opening Night. But at least it will be in front of a sold-out crowd of rabid fans in our building. Fans who are expecting big things in the coming seasons, both on and off the ice.
As a public service, we now present the official 2009-2010 New York Islanders regular season schedule. Hopefully it will be a fun and productive season for all involved; maybe even a return to NHL respectability. But let's remember this year's motto (as brought to you by Okposo Net): Baby Steps.
Of course the excitement surrounding the arrival of the new season may be tempered by a few pestersome issues surrounding the team. In case you've forgotten, the Isles have the fate of the Lighthouse project/new arena in limbo, the health of Rick DiPietro is up in the air, and one wonders who, if anyone, will emerge as a scoring threat on the left side of the offense? These are in addition to the other uncertainties that normally surround a young and inexperienced team.
That said, we can't wait until October 3rd. We can't wait to see Kyle, Mark Streit, Josh Bailey, our new goalies, and the rest of our squad in action. Sure, the potential exists for a mauling at the hands of the Stanley Cup Champion Penguins on Opening Night. But at least it will be in front of a sold-out crowd of rabid fans in our building. Fans who are expecting big things in the coming seasons, both on and off the ice.
As a public service, we now present the official 2009-2010 New York Islanders regular season schedule. Hopefully it will be a fun and productive season for all involved; maybe even a return to NHL respectability. But let's remember this year's motto (as brought to you by Okposo Net): Baby Steps.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
This Summer, Kyle Goes to (Olympic) Camp
In mid-August most of us are thinking about how to stay out of the heat or which barbecue to attend. Kyle Okposo, however, might just be thinking about the frosty February climate of Vancouver, Canada. That's where the 2010 Winter Olympics will be taking place, in case you hadn't heard. But in order to make Vancouver and an Olympic dream a reality, he'll first have to focus on Woodridge, Illinois.
Beginning tomorrow (8/17), Kyle will be taking an excursion from Minnesota down to the Chicago suburbs (a trip we've made more times than we can count) to attend USA Hockey's Olympic orientation camp. It runs through Wednesday (8/19) and two of the days are open to the public at no cost.
If you're one of our Chicago-area readers, you can get a good look at Kyle (and the 33 other camp invitees listed below) on the ice at the Seven Bridges Ice Arena. Directions and a map are found on that page. Here's a look at the full roster of invitees:
2009 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Orientation Camp Roster
Goaltenders: Ryan Miller, Jonathan Quick, Tim Thomas
Defensemen: Tom Gilbert, Tim Gleason, Ron Hainsey, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, Mike Komisarek, Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik, Brian Rafalski, Rob Scuderi, Ryan Suter, Ryan Whitney
Forwards: David Backes, David Booth, Dustin Brown, Dustin Byfuglien, Ryan Callahan, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler, Phil Kessel, Jamie Langenbrunner, Ryan Malone, Mike Modano, Kyle Okposo, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise, Joe Pavelski, Bobby Ryan, Paul Stastny.
It looks like youth may be served this time around, and while there's no guarantee that Kyle will make the club, having (Islanders head coach) Scott Gordon as an assistant coach of the team can't hurt.
And since we mentioned hurting, word comes from the New York Times that the NHL and its clubs will not insure players participating in orientation camps. While USA Hockey has purchased augmented policies, we urge Kyle to be careful this week, because it's easy to get hurt at summer camp.
Beginning tomorrow (8/17), Kyle will be taking an excursion from Minnesota down to the Chicago suburbs (a trip we've made more times than we can count) to attend USA Hockey's Olympic orientation camp. It runs through Wednesday (8/19) and two of the days are open to the public at no cost.
If you're one of our Chicago-area readers, you can get a good look at Kyle (and the 33 other camp invitees listed below) on the ice at the Seven Bridges Ice Arena. Directions and a map are found on that page. Here's a look at the full roster of invitees:
2009 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Orientation Camp Roster
Goaltenders: Ryan Miller, Jonathan Quick, Tim Thomas
Defensemen: Tom Gilbert, Tim Gleason, Ron Hainsey, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, Mike Komisarek, Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik, Brian Rafalski, Rob Scuderi, Ryan Suter, Ryan Whitney
Forwards: David Backes, David Booth, Dustin Brown, Dustin Byfuglien, Ryan Callahan, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler, Phil Kessel, Jamie Langenbrunner, Ryan Malone, Mike Modano, Kyle Okposo, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise, Joe Pavelski, Bobby Ryan, Paul Stastny.
It looks like youth may be served this time around, and while there's no guarantee that Kyle will make the club, having (Islanders head coach) Scott Gordon as an assistant coach of the team can't hurt.
And since we mentioned hurting, word comes from the New York Times that the NHL and its clubs will not insure players participating in orientation camps. While USA Hockey has purchased augmented policies, we urge Kyle to be careful this week, because it's easy to get hurt at summer camp.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Lighthouse Project Public Hearing Tomorrow
Hello all! This is your final reminder about the public hearing we mentioned last week regarding the proposed Lighthouse project. The Lighthouse Development Group and the New York Islanders have asked as many people as possible to attend the events taking place tomorrow (Tuesday, 8/4). In fact, we received this e-mailed reminder this morning:
Lighthouse project public hearing tomorrow, August 4
On Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing on the Lighthouse project at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse on the campus of Hofstra University.
A rally is also being held in Lot 8 in the Nassau Coliseum parking lot from 8- 8:45 a.m. The rally will march to the Adams Playhouse to arrive by the start of the meeting. Special guest speakers will include Islanders owner Charles Wang, Islanders Alumni players and local elected officials. Islanders forwards Josh Bailey and Joel Rechlicz will on site meeting and greeting fans and supporting the Lighthouse project.
For more information please visit www.lighthouseli.com or the official blog of the Lighthouse Development Group the Light Post at lighthouseliblog.blogspot.com. Follow the Lighthouse project on Twitter at @lighthouse_li or join the “I support the Lighthouse at Long Island” on Facebook.
Thanks, everybody!
On Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing on the Lighthouse project at the John Cranford Adams Playhouse on the campus of Hofstra University.
A rally is also being held in Lot 8 in the Nassau Coliseum parking lot from 8- 8:45 a.m. The rally will march to the Adams Playhouse to arrive by the start of the meeting. Special guest speakers will include Islanders owner Charles Wang, Islanders Alumni players and local elected officials. Islanders forwards Josh Bailey and Joel Rechlicz will on site meeting and greeting fans and supporting the Lighthouse project.
For more information please visit www.lighthouseli.com or the official blog of the Lighthouse Development Group the Light Post at lighthouseliblog.blogspot.com. Follow the Lighthouse project on Twitter at @lighthouse_li or join the “I support the Lighthouse at Long Island” on Facebook.
Thanks, everybody!
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