The New York Islanders

Long Island's professional hockey team, the New York Islanders, got their start on October 7, 1972 when they played their first game at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. They unfortunately lost 3-2 to the Atlanta Flames. But five days later, the Islanders went on the ice against the Los Angeles Kings and emerged as victors, 3-2.

Their first coaches were Phil Goyette, Earl Ingarfield and Al Arbour, and they went through a long line of other coaches as well. Starting with the 2008/2009 season, Scott Gordon became the new Islanders coach.

The local hockey team has produced four Stanley Cup Champions [a link to some about.com site] in 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983. They were division champions six times: in 1976, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1984 and 1988. They had 21 playoff appearances.

The NY Islanders also have their fair share of Hockey Hall of Famers:

• Al Arbour, coach
• Mike Bossy
• Clark Gilles
• Pat LaFontaine
• Dennis Potvin
• Billy Smith
• Bill Torrey
• Bryan Trottier

To see their current game schedules or to purchase tickets, please go to the Nassau Coliseum website or the NY Islanders official website, or call the Islanders' sales executive, Dan Scatorchio at (516) 501-6716. Also check my longisland.about.com home page for updates.