Just posted on NewYorkIslanders.com. More on Simon later tonight when I get home.
This afternoon, the New York Islanders released the following pair of statements from owner Charles Wang and veteran forward Chris Simon. As the statements indicate, Simon has been granted some time away from the team.
From Charles Wang:
“The actions of Chris Simon on Saturday do not reflect what the New York Islanders stand for. They were reckless, potentially dangerous and against our team concept of grit, character and heart.
“We know Chris as a respected teammate and as a gracious man away from the playing surface and believe strongly that he has earned our continued support. The Islanders are going to provide some time for Chris away from the team and give him the counseling he needs and the compassion he deserves. When Chris is completely ready, he will be a member of our team again.”
From Chris Simon:
“I want to start off by making clear that there is no excuse for my actions on Saturday night and I apologize to everyone involved.
“The Islanders and I agree that the right thing to do is for me to take some time away from the team. I have enjoyed a long career achieving my dream of being a player in the National Hockey League and I’m proud of my accomplishments. But I acknowledge that time and assistance is needed before I return to the game.
“I want to thank the Islanders for providing the environment for me to become a better player and person, and our fans for their support along the way.”
OK this week off thing was kind of cool at first, I was able to do all the blog updates I had planned to do in September before the season started, but now I needs me some Islanders hockey…soon! We do get to watch the Devils and Rags beat each other up tonight, but it’s still not the same. Here’s the latest links out there, and be sure to check out our new “Recommended Links” section which will be updated frequently each day even if I don’t have time for an actual post here on the blog.
- One of the big reasons behind the Islanders’ early season success is special teams play. Last year - too many penalties taken, too many PP goals given up, while at the same time our PP (when we had one) was very ineffective. Coach Nolan set out to change that this season, assigning Assistant Coach Gerard Gallant to the PP and Assistant Coach John Chabot to the PK unit. What a difference a year makes, as the Isles PP is #1 in the NHL at 27% and the PK is 2nd in the NHL allowing only 4 goals so far (90%).
- As reported here last May, Mike Bossy was elected to the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. Tonight is the Induction Dinner in Toronto, Canada. Thanks to New York Islanders Fan Central Blog for the pointer.
During his ten years in the league, Bossy scored at least 50 goals every year except the last which was cut short by a back injury which ended his career. In 1980-81, Bossy became the first player since Maurice Richard in 1944-45 to score 50 goals in the first 50 games of the season. He also led the New York Islanders to four straight Stanley Cup victories (1980-83). By the time he retired, he had scored 573 goals in just 752 regular-season games. Bossy was also an advocate of clean hockey and was one of the most gentlemanly players in the game.
- Sports Illustrated’s Michael Farber has an article about Chris Simon’s return to the team after his 25 game stick swinging suspension. Islanders’ VP of Media Relations Chris Botta feels that Simon didn’t quite get a fair shake and the article took too many “cheap shots” at Simon. It’s a tough call - Simon is undoubtedly a hard working and loyal teammate but he does have quite a history of suspensions in the NHL (7) and throughout junior hockey too. Simon may have matured since his younger days, but had it not been for those previous incidents in the NHL this suspension wouldn’t have been as long as it was and we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. Botta just wants to stand up for a friend, like so many current and ex-teammates did for Simon in the article.
