The Elmonters Launch Daily Islanders Newsletter To Include UBS Arena & The Community, Including "The Park"
Stefen Rosner and his never-ending coverage leads to "The Elmonters" Islanders Newsletter
From Stefen Rosner, Islanders Beat Reporter -- NHL.com, The Hockey News:
Good Morning Islanders Country!
Training camp opens this morning, and in conjunction with the veterans hopping back on the ice, I am excited to announce the launch of “The Elmonters” newsletter, which will co-exist with my current Islanders coverage at The Hockey News and NHL.com.
Having grown up on Long Island at Nassau Coliseum, I've had the unique opportunity to witness the special bond that the New York Islanders community shares.
Since joining the Islanders beat in the middle of the 2021-22 season, the support the fan base showed me from day one was overwhelming and still is to this day.
As I embark on my third season covering the Islanders, I'm determined to make it the best one yet for the fans. After all, it's your unwavering support that allows me to live my dream career, covering the team that first sparked my passion for this thrilling sport.
That said, we believe that having a daily newsletter, “The Elmonters” covering events on and off the ice, all things UBS Arena, while never forgetting the community, is the best way to ensure that fans don’t miss a single thing during the 2024-25 season and beyond.
With exclusive videos, stories, and pictures, along with my coverage at The Hockey News and NHL.com, The Elmonters will be the one-stop shop for all things Islanders -- and Bridgeport!
Because this newsletter is for you, THE FANS, we want your input, so please don’t hesitate to let us know what you like, what you don’t like, and what you want more of because this is all for you.
Whether it’s heading to The Elmonters for pre and post-game (video) chats, or sharing story and interview ideas, we want to build a community within the community.
For $5 a month or $50 for the year, subscribe to “The Elmonters,” and be prepared for every second of the Islanders season on, and off the ice!
We will be running a free trial for the first week of training camp, then most content will go behind a paywall.
If you received this newsletter inadvertently and would like to unsubscribe, please unsubscribe below.
Expect an Elmonters email every morning, Monday-Friday, and plenty more Rapid Rosner emails & alerts when there’s a story to break or a hot topic to discuss.
Of course, we will have many creative and cool contests with prizes along the way.
And it goes without saying, I cant wait to see you at the rink!
-Stefen Rosner
Three Under The Radar Storylines Entering Training Camp
The New York Islanders open training camp today. Here are three under-the-radar storylines to watch.
1. Who Will Win Fourth Line Job?
With Cal Clutterbuck not returning, the Islanders have a hole on their fourth line. There will be a ton of competition. The names fighting for this spot are Simon Holmstrom, Hudson Fasching, Matt Martin (PTO), Oliver Wahlstrom, Julien Gauthier, Liam Foudy, and prospects.
Holmstrom and Fasching both saw minutes in the playoffs. Wahlstrom got a nine-game sample size under Roy, struggled, and was an afterthought after that, but he remains on the roster. Gauthier was sent to Bridgeport to give Wahlstrom the opportunity and never got recalled.
2. What Will Bolduc's Role Be?
Bolduc served as the Islanders' seventh defenseman last season and got his chance to play in the first half when the blue line suffered injuries.
But in 34 games, Bolduc struggled to provide consistency. With Mike Reilly and Robert Bortuzzo coming aboard last season, that limited the youngster's minutes, eventually leading to him going to Bridgeport on a conditioning stint to get minutes. With Reilly back, Bolduc is likely not to crack a starting job, so does it make sense for him to sit in the press box? However, he's not waiver-exempt, so putting him on waivers is a risk.
This is a make-or-break camp and season for Bolduc to prove his worth because he has the skills.
3. Who Will Get PK Looks With Clutterbuck Gone?
The Islanders' penalty kill was the worst in the NHL last season, at 71.5 percent, so personnel and strategic changes are needed, hence the hiring of defense specialist Tommy Albelin.
Clutterbuck played 151:50 of PK time last season, the second most behind Pageau's 155:54.
Simon Holmstrom and Kyle Palmieri are expected to get more minutes, while Mathew Barzal and Anthony Duclair's speed makes them strong options for the penalty kill. Kyle MacLean played on the PK in Bridgeport and learned a lot while filling in on the shorthanded units during practice.
In Case You Missed It
Rachel Luscher, reporter for the Islanders, penned a fantastic piece about Isles prospect, forward Alex Jefferies.
Click: Jefferies Ready to Pick Up Where He Left Off
More Islanders News (Click Story to read)…
Islanders Community Calendar
Islanders School Assembly Program:
Taking place throughout the year, the Islanders School Assembly Program will teach kids about leadership and strong life choices. Topics include healthy eating, staying active and treating others with respect. Assemblies usually take place throughout the school year.
Islanders Floorball: Schools can sign up to participate in the Islanders Floorball program, allowing students to learn the basics hockey. Floorball is usually split across multiple sessions, with five multi-week dates set for 2024-25 (subject to change):
Session 1: Oct. 7 - Nov. 4
Session 2: Nov. 11 - Dec. 9
Session 3: Jan. 6 - Feb. 7
Session 4: Feb. 24 - Mar. 28
Session 5: Apr. 7 - May 12