Ahead of the New York Islanders’ pursuit of the Stanley Cup, some Long Island faithful got the surprise of a lifetime Friday.
The Isles are back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the third straight year and sixth time in seven years.
But it wasn’t an easy journey. They fired head coach Lane Lambert and brought in Patrick Roy in a surprising move that worked out pretty well, going 20-12-5 after Roy took over.
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New York Islanders co-owner and acting governor John Ledecky speaks to the media during a press conference at the Turf & Field Club in South Ozone Park, New York, December 20, 2017. (Mike Stove/NHLI via Getty Images)
There’s no fan base like hockey’s, and that’s especially true for the Islanders.
So owner John Ledecky (uncle of Olympic swimmer Katie) decided to give back to the fans who have been going through a tough time lately with a visit from a team called “Surprise Delight.”
Ledecky, who became majority owner of the organization in 2016, visited several Long Island fans’ homes and delivered playoff tickets and swag packs to fans.
Brenden Rout, 26, one of the fans Ledecky visited at his Holmbrook home, said he was inspired by the Isles’ roller coaster season as he overcame a battle with leukemia.
New York Islanders co-owner and acting governor John Ledecky speaks to the media during a press conference at the Turf & Field Club in South Ozone Park, New York, December 20, 2017. (Mike Stove/NHLI via Getty Images)
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“It’s really funny. I’ve been thinking about the season lately and the team and all the adversity they’ve been through and it’s helped me get through it,” Raut said. “The team struggled at some points in the season, but it was great to see how they overcame a lot of that, a lot of adversity in the end, and now the way they got here. I need to be in the playoffs to find out.” A lot of that was a driving force that really helped me get through a lot of things.
“I used to watch games with my dad. Since we couldn’t go out much, my dad and I would watch the games together and spend time together and have fun while watching the games.”
“They’re scoring the ultimate goal,” Ledecky said. “When they recover from digestive surgery or colon cancer or any other illness or other events that are going on in their life, the loss of a loved one, losing a parent at a young age, it’s their responsibility. Net, and that they’re still here and they’re going to fight every day until they get a win.
“What’s great is the spirit and the lack of self-pity and the fact that they’re so happy when Sparky shows up and rings the doorbell. They’re so happy and they can’t believe it. Surprise on TV Look at their faces, whether they’re 12 years old today or 26 years old today, the look of surprise and joy on their faces really touches my heart, and that’s what all of our fans do. I know it will touch the hearts of people as well.”
New York Islanders co-owner John Ledecky (left) watches a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena on November 21, 2021 in Elmont, New York. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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Since owning the team, Ledecky has gotten an early start preparing for the 2021 opening of Belmont Park’s UBS Arena and has been working on developing the surrounding area. Earlier this season, the team opened The Park, a state-of-the-art hangout spot featuring a two-pond hockey rink, carnival games, food trucks, fire pits, heated igloos and other backyard games behind the arena that fans can bring in. did. Your own 6-pack of beer.
Game 1 of the Isles vs. Canes series begins Saturday at 5 p.m. ET.
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