Labor Day weekend has traditionally been known as the final weekend of summer. It’s fitting that a long summer of parties ends with a 3-day weekend full of the same. Fire up the BBQ and grille some hot dogs and hamburgers one last time – they just don’t taste the same during the winter. Labor Day weekend also means that hockey is right around the corner.
As you are reading this, teams around the league are making final arrangements and roster adjustments for their annual pre-season training camps. These camps will help the coaching staff determine a final roster – and whip the team into playing shape. For our Islanders, this year’s camp starts on September 14 and runs through the 23rd, and will be held in Moncton, British Columbia.
A quick recap of the important camp notes; Sean Bergenheim will rejoin the Islanders, having resigned at the start of the summer. Wade Dubielewicz has his first one-way NHL contract and will back-up DiPietro. Kyle Okposo – WILL NOT be coming to camp, having decided to play one more year of collegiate hockey. Chris Campoli and Bruno Gervais look to both play a full season with the big club. As I posted previously, Bryan Berard and Gordie Dwyer have been extended tryout invitations. Jeff Tambellini and Frans Nielsen will be among forwards battling for a roster spot. Chris Simon has been resigned, as has Trent Hunter. Let’s not forget all the new faces making their first Isles Camp appearances; Bill Guerin, Mike Comrie, Jon Sim, Ruslan Fedotenko, Josef Vasicek, and Andy Sutton.
All in all, it looks like it will be a very intense, competitive camp which should make for some interesting pre-season games. I know I am amped up about things to come – bring on the cool weather and loud nights at the old barn. I can’t wait to see what happens with our roster – as it still may change before camp even starts.
Enjoy the holiday weekend, and be safe.
CAMP CAN'T START SOON ENOUGH!!!!