Ken Moreau, a notable member of the Islanders’ historic ice hockey team, was enjoying a drive in Huntington Village when he was unexpectedly pulled over by two police officers.
“I wasn’t even sure why I was stopped. I didn’t think I was speeding,” Moreau reflected later. “Then they said, ‘I thought it was the Stanley Cup behind your car.’ They were looking through my window, reading the names on the Cup.”
This incident is just one of many memorable experiences for Moreau, a long-time resident of Northport. He has celebrated winning the Stanley Cup four times with the Islanders.
It’s interesting how quickly one can feel at home in a place. Moreau, now the director of pro scouting for the Islanders, shared, “You become part of the community; it’s not like you draw any undue attention.”
Though he admits that sometimes, local fans show up unexpectedly at his home. “I recall a time when my school bus driver came right into my driveway, and I was completely puzzled until he approached my door,” he said, laughing. “Conversations with fans have always been something I enjoyed.”
Looking back to May 24, 1980, Moreau can vividly remember the joy of celebrating the team’s first Stanley Cup victory against the Flyers after an overtime game—an event that feels like it was just yesterday.
“When Bobby Nystrom scored, it felt like this immense wave of reassurance and joy washed over us,” he stated.
At 68, this Olympic gold medalist returned to the island not too long ago to share his journey in a book titled “Kenmorrow: Miracle Gold, Four Stanley Cups, and the Life of Islander Hockey.”
From Gold to Silver
When he arrived in Nassau County just weeks after his standout performance on the ice, things felt a bit surreal at first.
Moreau and his family stayed at a Holiday Inn near Nassau Coliseum but didn’t get to experience the island he admired right away. Initially, it was the fans’ energy during the spring of 1980 that truly struck him.
“I had so many interactions with the fans; it was really wonderful,” he said, reminiscing about how players used to park outside the arena, allowing more direct access for everyone.
He fondly recalled the tailgating that was unique to Long Island. “People would really get into it, creating a lively atmosphere hours before the game,” he noted.
The chants of “Let’s Go Islanders!” still resonate in his memory. “It’s something I hold dear,” he added with a chuckle.
Shaking the Barn
However, the real excitement came from the energy within the old Uniondale arena, where thousands would gather in the early 1980s to support the Islanders.
Moreau still recalls receiving a standing ovation during games. “That memory stays with me; I could hear it echoing in the locker room,” he said.
Instead of solely reminiscing about those glory days, he remains engaged with what the team’s been up to, especially recalling the electrifying atmosphere during pivotal games.
He vividly remembers the excitement surrounding Sean Bates’ penalty shot in 2002 and the thrill of the Isles’ Conference final run nearly two decades later in 2021.
“There was something special about that old barn, especially during the playoffs,” Moreau concluded. “It doesn’t take long to reignite that passion in today’s fans.”
