The New York Islanders, also commonly referred to as the Isles, are one of two National Hockey League teams located within the Big Apple. Founded in 1972 the NY Islanders are currently based in Unionville and play all of their home games at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Since their inception into the NHL, the New York Islanders have forged a bitter rivalry with the Big Apples other hockey team, the New York Rangers, creating an endless line of die-hard fans and true team loyalists! If youre planning on visiting Long Island during your upcoming NYC vacation, AAMCAR Discount Car Rentals encourages you to check out one of the Islanders games, especially one versus the Rangers! The Islanders are currently revving up for a new season at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum after a year of off ice turmoil (thanks to last seasons league strike). Fans of all ages are bound to enjoy an afternoon at the rink so dont miss your chance to see the Isles back in action reserve your seats today!
The Islanders Inception
Turmoil marked the beginning of the Islanders career causing league problems, money woes and territorial disputes between the team and the National Hockey League. Instead of playing in the newly created World Hockey Association like they were suppose to, the NHL, which feared the idea of competition in the nations largest metropolis, hastily awarded the Islanders with an expansion team franchise. The Islanders were then faced with even more trouble this time in the form of hostile neighbors. If the Islanders wished to call New York home they would be forced to pay a territorially fee to the long established Rangers worth close to $4 million! Pay-cuts ensued, causing many of the newly acquired players to jump ship and head to the WHA. This mix of uncertainty and hostility caused the Islanders to post the worst record in NHL history winning just 12 games, tying 6 and losing a staggering 60.
The Turn Around
Although the future looked dim for the Islanders, the team refused to give up. In 1973 the Islanders hired Al Arbour as their new head coach, while also acquiring future superstar forward Bob Nystrom and defenseman Denis Potvin. It wasnt long before the team made a complete turn around, making the playoffs in 1975 and winning the coveted Stanley Cup Championship in 1980. Over time the Islanders have become one of the NHLs most successful expansion teams winning six Division Championships, ten Conference Finals, and four Stanley Cups. With over 20 playoff appearances under their belt, the New York Islanders are proud to provide spectators with edge-of-your seat action each and every game, so dont miss your chance to see the boys of winter back in action! Remember to reserve your game day tickets today!
Current Superstars and Retired Idols
This years New York Islanders roster is looking pretty solid thanks to a handful of new recruits and the return of countless local heroes. Captain Alexei Yashin, who was out due to injury most of the 2003-2004 season, is back in tiptop condition, along with defensemen Alexei Zhitnik and Allan Rourke. Returning forwards Mike York and Aaron Ashman add to the bulk of the Islanders offensive line, while goalies Rick DiPietro and Garth Snow are looking as agile as ever. If youre planning on catching an Islanders game during your upcoming AAMCAR New York Discount Car Rental vacation, remember to be on the lookout for past players as you take your seat. Numerous members of the Islanders Alumni can often be seen in the stands at team home games so dont forget to pack an autograph book in the back of your New York discount car rental. Legendary team members include Hall of Famers Mike Bossy, Denis Potvin, Bryan Trottier, Billy Smith, Clark Gillies and Pat LaFontaine.
AAMCAR New York Discount Car Rentals encourages you to visit the New York Islanders official team website at www.newyorkislanders.com for more detailed information and team history. Stats, schedules and other exciting news is currently featured on this page, so be sure to surf on over and see whats new on hockeys favorite Island!