ELMONT, NY — The New York Islanders are back on home ice tonight, and with that comes a different kind of energy.
After opening the season on the road in Toronto, the Islanders will play in front of their fans at UBS Arena for the first time this season, with several moments expected to add to the atmosphere.
Bo Horvat will be introduced at home for the first time as captain, Semyon Varlamov is set to make his long-awaited return, rookie Victor Eklund will take part in his first home opener, and Matthew Schaefer will once again get to experience an Islanders crowd he has quickly grown to appreciate.
Ahead of the home opener, Schaefer spoke with The Elmonters about what makes playing at UBS Arena special, the support of the fan base, and what he expects when Varlamov is introduced, plus what Horvat and Eklund had to say.