Those of you who have followed the Canes Country blog for awhile know that I have been somewhat infatuated with the concept behind the New York Islanders' Blog Box since it’s inception. I still keep tabs on it from time to time.
After the season-ending resignation of its creator, ex-Director of Media Relations Chris Botta, there was a question in my mind whether or not the “Box” would be open again next season.
My question has been answered.
Apparently, the Blog Box was such a rousing success that not only will it be continued next season, it will be expanding. The Islanders recently put out a notification with the good news, which also requested that more folk apply for additional blogging opportunities.
It’s kind of funny. Some of the current bloggers have not updated their blogs in months, while others, like B.D. Gallof and the 7th Woman, are very active and are usually a very good read. Good luck to the New Yorkers and keep up the good work!
While the team bloggers have been renewed for another season, Head Coach Ted Nolan was not so lucky. Apparently, he and Garth Snow had “philosophical differences,” and Nolan was sent packing with a year still left on his contract.
So what’s going on in New York? Was Nolan quoting Plato while Snow preferred Socrates?
The word on the street seems to be that the GM wanted to stock the team with youth, while the coach preferred some more veteran presence. How about a mixture of both, boys?
Now the search is on for a new coach, with ex-Leafs and Hurricanes coach Paul Maurice in the mix. Perhaps Snow can find a coach who sees everything the exact same way that he does? Heaven forbid a coach and GM disagree about anything.
Canes Country has always liked Ted Nolan and we respect him as a coach. He seems to have a bit of an attitude, so it might be tough for him to land another gig right away. But we wish him the best.
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In other brief news around the league, the NHL officially announced that the Winter Classic, Part Two will be held at Wrigley Field on January 1. The game between the Red Wings and Blackhawks will be televised by NBC, just like the contest in Buffalo was last year.
If this was Bettman’s idea, it’s the best one that he’s come up with since he’s been commissioner. Now if the bigwigs can just keep it at one outdoor game per year, everyone should be happy.
But how long before they start calling it the Gary Bettman Winter Classic?
Now there is a happy thought to end the article with.
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2 months ago
Hey, Robert. Another Blog Boxer here. I think you'll find that the vast majority of the blogs are updated fairly often. Some of us have taken off more days than usual between posts during the slow summer days. But the Islanders have made enough news to spark a steady stream of commentary.
Anyway, nice recap of current Islander news! I'm glad the Blog Box has caught your attention and I hope you continue reading. And thanks for the encouragement!
2 months ago
Like Ken said: a lot in the Blog Box are pretty prolific as well. From Tom Liodice and Michael Schuerlein who went to Ottawa to cover the draft, to Ken above, and others. There are a few who might have taken the summer to focus on other things...a baby, heading the Jason Blake fan club (no, not Dee), bashing Newsday, work, etc.
But appreciate the mention here and also about when I covered the draft party.
And you are dead right on the attitude. Evidently, the more I hear, the more Nolan's past was, over time, faded...but evidently there was quite a bit of merit to it. His aversion to authority and penchant for running a vet ship...which he actually did in Moncton...moving younger kids who didn't make his quick cut for older kids who would play his type of game.
The Blog Box was never in danger. Despite Botta's resignation, we were quickly told that we'd be operating without a hitch and that the Isles top brass are behind it. Of course, we'll see how that goes, but all good so far.
Basically, Nolan spent the summer not only remaining aloof and isolated, deadset in his "my way only", but was actually denigrating the movement for youth by not being onboard and with words that alluded that he wasn't a part of it. Right or wrong, when the GM and owner want something, that's it. A coach coaches the vision, doesn't make it himself. Basically, he tried to make it come to a head...many believing trying to get himself fired. Now he gets paid for a year, and don't be surprised to see him go back to Moncton where he had GM-duties.
Even if the struggle with him and Snow left fans wishing the opposite guy won...don't buy the hype. Something was wrong where the legend didn't match the man. Despite the strides he made with a motley crew of castoffs.
2 months ago
Thanks for the comments guys, I will definitely be keeping more of an eye out on the box.
from 2 months ago
and sorry I missed your blog Ken, next time I won't! You're doing a great job as well.
2 months ago
Outstanding work Robert, not only on your article here but a great blog.
2 months ago
Thanks, Robert, and no worries. I think we've all been so impressed with each other's efforts that I just wanted to make sure no one had the impression that half the Blog Box was fading into obscurity. And, by the way, you'd fit right in. Canes Country is terrific.
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