When I was significantly younger and had more time to invest in hockey and the outcomes of games I loathed the success of the New York Islanders. It was painful to see the team I cheered on go down to defeat after dismal defeat.
But as we age and step back from the emotional investment and begin to appreciate the sport (whatever the endeavor really) we can take the opportunity to value the success.
Friday saw the loss of Al Arbour, the New York Islanders legend.
“Al will always be remembered as one of, if not the greatest coaches ever to stand behind a bench in the history of the National Hockey League,” Islanders President and general manager Garth Snow said. “From his innovative coaching methods, to his humble way of life away from the game, Al is one of the reasons the New York Islanders are a historic franchise.”
From 1980 to 1983, there was no one better than Arbour and no team better than the Islanders.
“The National Hockey League deeply mourns the passing of Al Arbour, revered head coach of the dynastic New York Islanders,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said on Friday.
“A four-time Stanley Cup champion as a player and a brilliant motivator and tactician as a coach, Al Arbour directed the Islanders’ rapid transformation from expansion team to NHL powerhouse — guiding them to four straight Stanley Cup championships, five consecutive appearances in the Stanley Cup Final and an astounding 19 consecutive playoff series victories. As it grieves the loss of a profound influence on coaching and on the game itself, the NHL sends its heartfelt condolences to Al’s family and friends, to his former teammates and to all the players he mentored.”
I have no regrets in hating the Islanders but wish I had matured sooner to appreciate more the significance of their run and the level of effort and dedication the players and Al Arbour for the game.
On behalf of Pro Hockey News, we send our sympathies and condolences to the Arbour family and the Islanders family.
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