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It’s already been a busy offseason for the New York Islanders.
First, Lou Lamoriello stepped down as president and general manager. Then came the surprise draft lottery win, giving the team the first overall pick in the June 27 NHL Draft.
And on May 23, the Islanders named Mathieu Darche their new GM and executive vice president.
The buzz was evident Friday night, when Islanders fans of all ages packed into the outdoor rink at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow for a youth street hockey clinic featuring former Islanders defenseman and current MSG analyst Thomas Hickey.
Hickey was all smiles as he hit the rink in an Islanders polo, hockey stick in hand.
“This is different,” Hickey told Greater Long Island. “Something different than I’ve ever done. It’s great. Obviously you want to be playing at this time but if not, you want to be engaging in the community with people who love hockey.”
Every clinic participant received a swag bag, hockey stick, signed Hickey photo and two tickets to a preseason Islanders game. But what really made the night special was learning the game from a former NHL player.
“A lot of my childhood growing up wasn’t playing summer hockey all the time when there was no ice,” said Hickey. “It was off-season and you would be out on the street on the asphalt playing my buddies. It didn’t matter what position it was. It’s still hockey.”
Hickey stressed more than just shooting and passing.
“It’s the fundamentals of being a teammate and being a friend,” he said. “That’s the most important thing about hockey. Maybe they learn something about how to shoot a puck or handle a ball but more than anything, you’re part of a group out here and that’s what’s it all about.”
A new era for the Isles
With Darche now leading hockey operations, Hickey said he’s optimistic.
“I was hoping it would be someone not with the pedigree of experience but pedigree of learning from the very best and being new and having fresh ideas and he fills all those roles,” he said.
Darche’s early moves included keeping head coach Patrick Roy, replacing assistant coaches John Maclean and Tommy Albelin, and bringing in Ray Bennett and Bob Boughner. He also re-signed Kyle Palmieri and Adam Boqvist.
Next up? The first overall pick. Top prospects include defenseman Matthew Schaeffer, center Michael Misa and Long Island native James Hagens.
“These guys, from what I’ve seen, are all talented, special and unique hockey players,” Hickey said. “I think having the first overall pick allows you to get the person who you believe is the best prospect in the world.”
From the ice to the mic
Hickey’s smooth move from Islanders blueliner to broadcast booth has made him a fan favorite with both longtime supporters and younger viewers.
“Some of the heartwarming special things when people say hey I loved you as a player and I appreciate what you did for the organization… that means a lot,” he said. “A lot of these kids don’t know because they’re just coming up now and they know me as someone who is on TV. I love my job.”
He’s even earned comparisons to Islanders legend Butch Goring — though Hickey is quick to laugh that off.
“I’ve got a ways to go in both regards because I don’t have the Stanley Cups, Conn Smythe or a lot of those accolades,” he said. “But thankfully I have someone I can soak things up from.”
Whether it’s calling games or coaching kids, Hickey continues to make his mark on Islanders hockey.
— all photos come courtesy of the New York Islanders
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