5 Islanders Experiments That Didn't Work Out
By Daniel Friedman
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On Monday, it was reported that the Islanders are getting rid of the Ice Girls, a decision that seems to be getting a favorable reaction. It is one of several experiments the team has tried -- and failed -- to pull off.
Here are the five most notable ones:
1. Sparky
Originally the mascot for the AFL Dragons that played at Nassau Coliseum, a team also owned by Charles Wang, he was later adopted by the Islanders. What does a dragon have to do with the Islanders? Absolutely nothing, and that might be why it's unclear whether or not Sparky is coming to Brooklyn. He is in EA's NHL 16, though.
2. Ice Girls
Speaking of not coming to Brooklyn, the Islanders have decided to shelve their skating cheerleaders, years after becoming the first NHL team to try skating cheerleaders. It's a concept that has grown stale and has become increasingly more controversial as society changes. It was time.
3. Long, Long-Term Contracts
Let's face it: this never should've been a thing. Ever. When the Islanders signed Rick DiPietro to his four-century contract (slight exaggeration; it was a 15-year pact, but, honestly, what's the difference at that point?), the last thing I expected was for other teams to follow suit. But they did, and player contracts soon got out of hand. The most recent CBA prevents teams from making these mistakes anymore.
4. Virtually Every Jersey They've Ever Conceived
There was the fish sticks debacle, the black thirds that were despised by the fans (and the Isles always played poorly while wearing) and that Reebok Edge redesign that was just an utter disaster. They've gone back to their originals, which are beautiful. That said, though, a new third sweater is on the way. Brace yourselves.
5. Mike Milbury
Of all the experiments the Islanders have attempted over the years, hiring Milbury has to be the worst. It backfired tremendously, resulting in the inexplicable loss of many future stars and hockey games. Though the Isles did return to respectability in 2001-02, the damage had already been done.
