Fans and Players Enjoy Alumni Classic

A sold-out crowd of 1,500 fans came together on Long Island on Saturday to watch New York Islanders and New York Rangers alumni face off in an afternoon scrimmage, presented by Northwell Health.
The outcome was a 9-8 shootout victory for the Islanders alumni, but the game meant more than its result. New York hockey legends had the chance to reconnect and meet passionate fans, while doing it all for a good cause, as a $25,000 check was presented to the Northwell Health Foundation Prior to puck drop.

"Northwell is doing a lot for children with the aid and resources they provide," said Steve Webb. "To be able to contribute to that with some entertainment to put on a show… it's well worth the time we put into it."

The former players were also briefly accompanied by buddies from the Islanders Learn to Play Program, along with the Junior Rangers Rookies, presented by Northwell Health. The children stood in line with the teams prior to puck drop, and were able to hit the ice during the intermission period.
Skaters on the Northwell Health Ice Hockey Team joined the Islanders alumni in the exhibition game, including Joe Moscola, who was between the pipes for the Islanders.
"It was nice to see the guys who actually aren't professional out there," said Darius Kasparaitis. "Our goalie made a save on [Alexei] Kovalev. He was so excited in the locker room, telling us that he stopped Kovalev's shootout attempt."
Kasparaitis began his career with the Islanders in the 1992-93 season, while retiring as a Ranger in 2007, so he saw familiar faces at both ends of the ice. "Always nice to see teammates that you played with, especially playing on both sides. I was very comfortable," he said with a laugh.
Many generations of Islanders fans gathered to watch their favorite players, seeing their childhood heroes up close and personal.
"I was very excited to see Pierre Turgeon out there, Adrian Aucoin and Darius Kasparaitis," said Christopher Werner, a life-long Islanders fan from Stonybrook. "And I never really got to see Eric Cairns up that close. I can't believe how big he is. I always remembered him getting into fights… and now I understand why."

"I grew up loving Pierre Turgeon. I'm ecstatic he's here today. Just to watch him play again and relive all those memories," said life-long Islanders fan Peter Miranda. "I had his jersey when I was a kid… I wore that thing until it wasn't blue anymore."
The Islanders family is still healing after losing Mike Bossy earlier this month, but the alumni reunion allowed for a chance for players to share memories and honor the late legend.
"It's tough. It's hard seeing those guys you idolize leaving too soon," said Mick Vukota. "It's definitely tough but it's nice to be around here and celebrate his life."
Fans flooded the stands in excitement to see legends hit the ice, but many also made an effort to show support for Bossy.
"I saw a lot of signs for Bossy and fans wearing his jersey today," said Jackie Shikora from East Meadow. "It was nice to see that."
Both sides of the aisle have said goodbye to legends in the past year, so an undertone of Saturday's event surrounded unifying the hockey community in New York.
"I think when we talk about our bigger family… it's people of such great character," said former Ranger Adam Graves. "Whether it's Clark, Rod [Gilbert], or Mike… [they're] some of the greatest who played the game and are leaders in the community. Even if you didn't play in their decades, you're friends… people you get to know and respect. You watch them and look up to them as a kid. Even if you didn't know them, you felt like you knew them."

As an organization, the Islanders have persevered through many challenges recently, including battling COVID-19 both on and off the ice. For the better part of the past two years, the pandemic prevented many in-person reunions and festivities.
"It's been a rough few years for everyone," Vukota said. "To have the opportunity to come down here today, see everyone again, and have fans in the stands, it's important for everyone… we're all excited to get back."
The Islanders are in the midst of hosting alumni weekend, inviting players to celebrate and reunite on Long Island.
"You miss those guys in the dressing room and being around them every day," Eric Cairns said. "And then you get to reconnect and go through your little routines with them and chirps or whatever it is. It just brings back memories."
"Reconnecting with the guys I haven't seen in 15 or 20 years… it's fun to see where they're at today,'' Turgeon said. "We have good memories from the 90s. I love playing here. It's great to come back to a Long Island crowd."
"It's not about us. It's about the fans, it's about the charity," he added. "Turned out to be a great show. Both sides were happy with the day, we both enjoyed it."