Islanders' travel party to include dads, mentors
Photo credit: AP | From left to right, New York Islanders' Freddy Meyer (44), Kyle Okposo (21), John Tavares (91) and Matt Moulson (26) celebrate Tavares' third-period goal over the Pittsburgh Penguins.' (November 27, 2009)
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Nov. 28: Devils 6, Islanders 1
Given the intense schedule the Islanders have endured in the past few weeks, it's hard to imagine any type of excitement heading into their latest jaunt, a four-game road trip that begins Thursday night in Atlanta.
But the Islanders will have some special passengers on board the team charter for the next two games to keep them company and add a silver lining to the weekend, as they kick off their annual Dads/Mentors trip.
Every year, the Islanders allow players to invite their fathers, relatives or mentors along to show them gratitude for their support throughout the years.
"Obviously our players have had a lot of support from their parents to get to this point, whether it be driving them to practice or putting them [financially] through hockey growing up," coach Scott Gordon said. "It's a great way for our team and organization to give thanks."
About 20 extra onlookers, including fathers, father-in-laws, uncles and friends - attended practice at IceWorks in Syosset Wednesday before embarking for Atlanta.
And the timing couldn't be better.
"For how long we've been on the road, it seems like forever," Jon Sim said. "It's just another way to bond as a team and keep everyone's spirits up. It's the perfect time right now."
The benefit is hardly limited to the team. The trip provides the opportunity for several fathers to spend some quality time with their sons in the midst of a hectic schedule that would normally prevent them from seeing each other often.
"The real fun is just being with your son," said Nate Thompson's father, Robert, who made the 9-hour flight from Alaska. "Just because they're grown, that doesn't change things. These are still the kids we raised. They're still just our boys to us."
"Unbelievably fun," Tim Jackman's father, Bob, said of last year's trip. "I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again this year."
Although the trip provides a good opportunity for father-son bonding, it also gives the group an idea of the rigors their sons go through in the course of an NHL season.
"What impresses me the most is watching these guys come to work every day," said John Hillen, Jack's father. "I think a lot of people assume these guys have it made, but it takes hard work and determination. There is a lot of courage in that locker room."
Given all the extra sets of eyes fixed intently on line rushes and drills at practice Wednesday you'd think Gordon would feel some increased pressure to tame his on-ice instruction, but he joked that he didn't hold back.
"They can't ground me," said the coach, "so I'm not worried about it."
