Just got to the arena. The metro is cheap, and fast!

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Here is a story I had written yesterday on the flight over to LA from NY. I had been asked a few times in the last few weeks why I go so crazy covering hockey. I had thought about some of the reasons as to why I love the draft as much as I do and here is the result. You can also read the story over on Bleacher Report as well. I hope you enjoy it!

Summer is here, the Stanley Cup has been raised high and teams have settled in for a much deserved summer break. That only means one thing, it’s Entry Draft time!

For the third year in a row, I have made the journey to cover the NHL draft live from the event. At the time of this writing, I am halfway across the great American Frontier on my way to Los Angeles, California. I imagine the scene here in the US will differ slightly from what I experienced in Ottawa and Montreal—being they reside in hockey’s hotbed, also known as Canada. However, I am sure the scene here in Los Angeles will be a party full of hardcore fans none-the-less.

People in my life, friends, and family—all think I am crazy for spending as much time and money covering the game of hockey. To me it’s not crazy, it’s a privilege as I get to experience the game I love on a level not many are fortunate enough to experience.

Attending the draft is a special experience, as someone who has played the game of hockey my entire life, I can appreciate the time and effort these young men, and more importantly—their parents, dedicate to the sport. It’s a wild perspective to sit in and bear witness on draft day.

What makes the planning, expense, vacation time, and especially the writing all worthwhile, is watching these young players realize their dreams of becoming professional hockey players has become reality. It’s a magical feeling watching lives change, in a positive way, right before your very eyes.

Another benefit of attending the draft and covering the New York Islanders, I get to watch the young players whom are selected by the team, grow and progress through their young careers witnessing maturation into both men and world class athletes.

Perhaps, in some small way I am living the dream through these players—vicariously if you will. Beyond the obvious difference in talent, players of any level share a common bond for the love of the game. Be it the pro level, or your average Men’s league player—we all willingly play a sport that takes a toll out on our bodies and continue to play for as long as we can.

This is why I go through the lengths that I do to cover the sport, I may only be a blogger who isn’t a writer by day—but I do it for the love of the game and nothing else.

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Good afternoon Islanders fans!

Just checking in here LIVE from Los Angeles, California – well from my hotel room at least. I’ve been doing some last minute research here and there to be prepared for the first round of the draft later on this afternoon. I wanted to put up a sticky post for you all following at home today with the draft selections. I will update it should any changes occur (and I am sure they will):

• Round 1 – 5th overall
• Round 2 – 35th overall and 58th overall (acquired via San Jose in trade with Ottawa for Andy Sutton)
• Round 3 – 65th overall and 82nd overall
• Round 4 – 95th overall
• Round 5 – 125th overall
• Round 6 – 155th overall and 160th overall (acquired via trade with NY Rangers for Jyri Niemi)
• Round 7 – 185th overall

Be sure to follow me on Twitter and over at Bleacher Report all weekend as I will be writing all over the place on the draft!

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Hey there Islanders fans!

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up if they have not already heard, but the New York Islanders are looking for a few more bloggers for the Blog Box this season! They will be hosting auditions during the Draft Party at the Coliseum tomorrow. If you have an established blog and want to enjoy the same access to the team as some of the other Islanders blogs, I suggest you get over there tomorrow and give this a shot.

Here are some details:

The New York Islanders, for the last three years, have granted unprecedented access to Islanders bloggers, allowing them to cover the team.

Talk about cool, right?

Well this season, the Islanders are looking to create an even better Blog Box and are looking to add three established bloggers. If you would like to be one of the newest Isles bloggers, auditions will be held at the 2010 Islanders Draft Party on Friday, June 25 at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The selected bloggers will then be interviewed by the Islanders communications staff and the winners will be notified.

We are looking for you, so come on out to the 2010 Draft Party and show us what you can do!

Contact Katrina Doell at Katrina.Doell@NewYorkIslanders.com for more information.

After submitting the following information, you will be contacted by Islanders Communications staff with further instructions on attending the Draft Party.

The Blog Box is sponsored by Farmingdale State College

For more information, head on over to the Islanders website to fill out the form in order to try out.

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Is it October yet?

No, unfortunately it’s not – but we are closer to September which also means we are that much closer to the start of pre-season hockey!!

The Islanders are set to play in five games in the 2010 preseason:

• Wednesday, September 29th – Split squad game at Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon, SASK against the Calgary Flames. The second game is to be played at the Wachovia Center against the Philadelphia Flyers. Each game starts at 7pm local times.
• Friday, October 1st – the Islanders take on the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center. Game starts at 7pm.
• Saturday October 2nd – another set of split squad games, one half of the team will play the New Jersey Devils at the Coliseum and the other half will take on the Montreal Canadiens at the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City. Each of those games also starts at 7pm

Not the greatest schedule in the world with the split squad games, especially a split squad game in their only home appearance – but what can you do?

The full schedule for the 2010-2011 Islanders season is set to be released tomorrow.

For more information, visit the Islanders Website

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Good morning Islanders fans!

I’ve been meaning to put up an announcement for quite some time now (as well as content) – but for the third year in a row I am headed to the NHL Entry Draft!

As you may already know, this years draft is located in Los Angeles, California – so it’s quite the haul compared to Ottawa and Montreal years prior.

Another difference, I am the lone Blog Boxer headed out, so it should be interesting.

In the coming days I have some exciting lead up content planned for both my site and over at Bleacher Report, where I am the Featured Islanders columnist.

I cannot wait to see who the Islanders pick up in the five slot in this years draft!

Stay tuned to my site, my Twitter feed, Bleacher Report and of course the Islanders website and Twitter feeds for constant NHL Draft updates throughout the draft!!

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