New road jerseys, Islanders Masterton nominee and Calvin de Haan update

If you haven't heard yet, the Islanders will be officially unveiling their away jerseys for next season June 25th at the Islanders Draft Party.

However, if the suspense is killing you and you simply cannot wait to see the new look modeled by 2009 No. 1 draft pick John Tavares, here's a hint.

Picture this season's third jerseys in white. Or scope out the Sound Tigers white jerseys and imagine the Isles logo on the crest instead.

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Yesterday's release of three very deserving Masterton finalists-- Kurtis Foster, Jed Ortmeyer and Jose Theodore--begs the question, who was nominated for the Isles?

Jack Hillen won the nod among the LI chapter of the Professional Hockey Writer's Association. Here's why:

After suffering a frightening injury when struck in the face by Alexander Ovechkin's slapshot during the Isles' 7-2 loss to the Capitals January 26, Hillen was forced to undergo surgery to repair a broken jaw and damaged teeth. Hillen returned a mere four weeks later to the Islanders lineup and quickly picked up where he left off before he was injured--serving as a vital component of the Islanders defense. Not only did Hillen display perseverance in his return, but also throughout his entire career. Despite being signed as an undrafted free agent and serving as the team's healthy scratch during the beginning of the season, Hillen quickly ascended to one of the team's top defensemen.

Congrats to Jack

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Top Isles prospect Calvin de Haan, who had to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery back in January, is currently in New York working with team strength and conditioning coach Jesse Demers to continue his rehab and get a head start on his off-season training regimen.