Lost in the shuffle of Ted Nolan’s departure yesterday was the start of the Islanders’ Summer Prospect Camp. Ted or no Ted, this team is in rebuild mode so it’s important for the entire coaching staff to work with and see our prospects before they head off to their respective 2008-09 assignments (college, AHL, NHL, etc.). Open to the public and held at Islanders Iceworks in Syossett, NY, this year’s camp features 10 of the 13 Islanders’ 2008 Draft Picks, including our first round pick Josh Bailey.
On Monday afternoon, 45 Islanders prospects and camp invitees flocked to Islanders Iceworks for the annual Islanders Prospects Camp. Fans from across Long Island visited Syosset to see some of the Islanders’
brightest young stars, including Blake Comeau, Kyle Okposo and 2008 first round draft pick Josh Bailey.
In the morning, the players took part in some grueling testing to measure their level of fitness and sat in on a number of lectures, including one by mental conditioning coach Gary Parks. Later in the day, the players took to the ice for the first time. Director of Player Development Bryan Trottier, Islanders assistant coaches John Chabot, Gerard Gallant and Dan Lacroix, as well as Bridgeport Sound Tigers head coach Jack Capuano led this afternoon’s skate.
I was in VT again this past weekend, and now I’m sick as a dog. Did make it home in time for the Isles/Sens tilt. Wow. The Orange and Blue really it took it to them that night.
Here are a couple of links about Kyle Okposo’s AHL debut last Friday, and his first home game for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Saturday. Wearing #12, Kyle had 2 assists in his debut Friday night in Binghamton, then gave the hometown Bridgeport fans plenty to cheer about with 1G and 2A on Saturday night. On Sunday, Bridgeport’s third game in three days, Okposo was held scoreless.
Okposo Net: Okposolypse Now
In what can only be described as the media event of year in southern Connecticut, Kyle Okposo made his home debut for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Saturday night.
As promised, Okposo Net was at the Arena at Harbor Yard along with 4,523 paying customers to see if Kyle was and is the real deal. The verdict: a definitive yes.
On the Islanders Beat: Okposo’s Debut
The only time nerves seemed to affect Islanders prospect Kyle Okposo in his pro debut Friday night was when he first took the ice.
The 2006 first-round draft pick was the last Bridgeport Sound Tiger onto the rink in Binghamton and his first practice shot went about 10 feet wide to the left.
“I got a little nerves, but that’s to be expected,” Okposo said.
The Tiger Track: Okposo’s Debut a Success
Ever hear of this kid, Kyle Okposo?? If you haven’t, you did now. Last year’s first round draft pick made his home debut tonight and did not disappoint.
Kyle notched his first professional goal tonight and added two assists to his total. Two games…five points. How’s that for a start?
The media attention and presence in the Sound Tigers locker room was MUCH different tonight than it was any normal night. Mike Fornabaio, who usually runs the show, got to take it easy for a bit, as Newsday’s Mark Herrmann led the media blitz.
And some new Kyle videos on IslandersTV
Sound Tigers - Falcons Highlights
Watch Kyle Okposo’s first professional goal as the Sound Tigers defeat the Falcons 4 - 2.
Exclusive: One on One with Okposo
Sound Tigers radio play by play man Phil Giubileo talks one on one with Kyle Okposo after his first home game as a Sound Tiger.
Exclusive: Ryan Jankowski on Kyle Okposo
Islanders Assistant GM and Director of Amateur Scouting Ryan Jankoski discusses Kyle’s first home game as a Sound Tiger.
With Team USA’s disappointing 4th place finish at the World Junior Championships over, what’s the plan for the newest Islander? Greg Logan on his On the Islanders Beat blog gives us the scoop on Kyle Okposo.
Just got the word from Islanders general manager Garth Snow. After helping Team USA to a fourth-place finish at the World Junior championships in Czech Republic, top Islanders prospect Kyle Okposo will join their Bridgeport farm club next week.
Okposo returns with Team USA on Sunday and will get four days off to recover from the tournament. He’s expected to practice with the Sound Tigers on Thursday, and he might play his first game Friday night in Binghamton. Fans living on Long Island might want to wait until the weekend when they can hop the Port Jeffferson-Bridgeport Ferry to see Okposo and the Sound Tigers against Springfield on Saturday night or against Binghamton on Sunday.
Okposo had 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points in the tournament.
Kyle Okposo and three other Islanders’ prospects will get a chance to shine at the World Junior Championships this year, beginning the day after Christmas. Joining Kyle on Team USA is Rhett Rakhshani, while Robin Figren and Stefan Ridderwall will represent Team Sweden.
Okposo will be looking to improve on last year’s WJC performance where he only had 1 assist in 7 games as Team USA took home the bronze medal.
For the second year in a row, Islanders 2006 first-round draft pick, Kyle Okposo will help lead a talented American squad at the 2008 World Junior Championship, taking place this year in Liberec and Pardubice, Czech Republic from December 26-January 5. Joining Okposo is Islanders 2006 fourth-round draft pick Rhett Rakhshani, who will be making his first appearance at the World Juniors.
“As expected by their good showing at the Islanders Prospects Camp this summer, Kyle and Rhett will be joining the US team at the World Juniors,” said assistant GM/Director of Amateur Scouting Ryan Jankowski. “Kyle is going to provide good leadership on this team having played last year, while Rhett also has plenty of international experience having skated with the Under-18 Junior National Team. They’re going to provide a spark for the US offense at this year’s tournament.”
Also appearing in their first World Junior Championship are Swedish prospects forward Robin Figren – drafted by the Islanders in the third round in 2006 – and goaltender Stefan Ridderwall – selected in the seventh round.
