Leave it to the NY Islanders to be “the first” at something once again.  They brought us NYITV, and the league went nuts over it.  Now they take another step into the future, and look who was asked to go along for the ride!  ME!!  Talk about mixed emotions.  I’m proud; I’m excited, I’m grateful… I’m nervous as hell!

How does a woman who spent four years inadvertently developing an internet persona for herself, by being a relentless nudge to anyone with an email address, get invited for such a ground breaking trial???  Not a clue.  But I’ll take it.   I’ll do my best to entertain and enlighten and let the world know that hockey may not be for everyone, but for those of us who embrace it, there’s nothing better.  NOTHING!

Perhaps I’m the NHL’s biggest cheerleader, but when Gary Bettman says “There are no more passionate fans in sports than hockey fans.” it’s not marketing, it’s a fact.  And without passion, you just sleep-walk though life.  Without passion you don’t live – you just exist.

So “Thank You” Eklund and Hockeybuzz.com for helping bring NYI Blog Box to the masses,  (EK: Please don’t forget that it was ME who introduced you to Uncle Stan a few years ago…)  And “Thank You” Chris Botta for your foresight, dedication to excellence, humor and most of all, your bravery.   I hope we do you proud.

This is a test, and the hockey media on both sides of the border are holding their breath waiting for the results.

Let’s give ‘em something to talk about… Shall we??

Welcome Home boys!  History starts NOW!