There are plenty of great events on the hockey calendar every year, but I’m not sure anything quite compares to the Matt Martin Foundation’s annual Poker Night at Opus Steakhouse.
Thursday night was another reminder of why.
The place was packed, with around 60 tables and over 30 Islanders players, past and present, sitting and playing, giving fans an opportunity you really don’t get anywhere else.
You’re not walking into a ballroom, sitting through dinner and watching hockey players from across the room.
You’re sitting with them. You’re talking hockey. You’re talking life. You’re laughing.
You’re meeting people you might only know from social media or from seeing them around UBS Arena.
If you knocked out one of the Islanders players at your table, you got a signed jersey, which is pretty cool.
I’ve been fortunate to attend many events over the years, and this one remains one of my favorites —maybe the coolest one of the year.
It was great catching up with so many friends, including my dear pal Jonny Lazarus, a closeted Islanders fan who walks around pretending to be a Rangers guy.
It was also awesome to see so many familiar faces and meet a ton of Islanders fans throughout the night.
But as much fun as everyone has, the most important part is why everyone is there in the first place.
The Matt Martin Foundation has used this event to help fund service animals for those in need, including members of local law enforcement and the FDNY.
Over the years, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, with those funds making a real difference in people’s lives.
With the event taking place on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, there was added significance to a night centered on giving back to the Long Island community and supporting those who serve it.
Twenty-five years later, we remember the lives lost, the families forever impacted, and the first responders who ran toward danger when others were running away.
That’s what makes a night like Thursday about much more than getting a chance to sit at a table with your favorite hockey player.
Martin has always understood the connection between Islanders players and the Long Island community, and Thursday night was another example of just how strong that connection is.
Hundreds of people packed Opus. Players were everywhere. Fans got to spend the night alongside some of the people they watch and root for all season.
And it was all for a great cause.
PRE-ROOKIE CAMP TWITTER SPACE
I hosted a Twitter Space to answer your questions, comments, and concerns ahead of rookie camp.
Click the image below to listen!
