With sounds of ongoing construction still resonating throughout the building, the Islanders practiced at UBS Arena on Thursday, taking the ice at their new home for the first time. From figuring out where everything is to getting a feel for the ice, boards, and penalty box, the Islanders seemed rejuvenated as they got ready for Saturday’s home opener against the Calgary Flames.
The way the Islanders sounded on the ice and during the media session, you would never know this was a team that was mired in a four-game losing streak.
“We’ve been looking forward to this for a long time,” said Islanders Captain Anders Lee. “To get in here (Thursday) to have a practice, walk around the place for the first time and see what everything is about. I’m excited for everyone to get in here and see a game.”
As the construction workers put the finishing touches on the arena, the Islanders had their first opportunity to check out everything about their home. After a season-opening 13-game road trip, the Isles needed something to give them a spark, and perhaps getting back home and having the juices flowing for the inaugural game at UBS Arena is just what they need.
“It was cool,” said Head Coach Barry Trotz. “There was a little pep in the step.”
A lot of the Islanders players, coaches, and staff have been keeping their eye on the arena construction webcam, as well as the team’s social media outlets, to see updates on the progress. However, Thursday’s practice was not only a chance to get some work in on the brand-new ice, but also to get the lay of the land in terms of getting to the building, where to go once you’re inside, and seeing the amenities that will certainly be a big part of recruiting free agents.
Listen to New York sports talk now on Audacy and shop the latest Islanders team gear
But at least one Islanders player wanted to be surprised and stayed away from photos and videos as much as possible.
“I had no expectation because I hadn’t seen it,” said Mat Barzal. “It absolutely blew me away. I walked right in, saw the gym and saw our eating area, and I couldn’t wait to see more. The entire facility, the rink and how it’s set up is so high end. I can’t even tell you how nice it is down here.
We’re a pretty lucky group.”
UBS Arena is a whole new world compared to the original Nassau Coliseum, the Barclays Center, and the renovated Nassau Coliseum. The Islanders will have to get used to where to park, how to get to the team’s locker room and other facilities on the event level, and the areas that will be available to their families. The hope is that UBS Arena will blossom into a huge home-ice advantage, but they have yet to play a game there so that is going to be a work in progress.
After Saturday, the Islanders will have played the same number of games at UBS Arena as the Calgary Flames: one.
Related
“Getting familiar with everything and getting your bearings,” said Lee after Thursday’s practice. “It’s pretty straightforward but just once you know where to go it gets pretty easy.”
“We have to come here a few times,” said Trotz. “I think just walking into the building and at least knowing where our office is and where the dressing room is. I know I’m going to get lost a few times.”
The practice also gave the Islanders a chance to test out the new boards and see how lively they might be. They were also chomping at the bit to step onto the ice and imagine what it’s going to be like on Saturday with a full house on hand at the new home office for Islanders Country.
“The ice felt good,” said Barzal. “Anytime you hop into a new rink and you’ve never played there before, it’s just a little bit different. I’m sure we’ll get comfortable pretty quick. We’re so excited as a group to get out there in front of our fans.”
On Friday afternoon, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open UBS Arena, and then on Friday night, there’s a private charity concert with the band Chicago performing in front of about 5,000 people. But with some members of the media and staff occupying just a few of the more than 17,000 seats on Thursday, the Islanders clicked their skates as they practiced at UBS Arena for the very first time.
For a franchise that has been waiting for this moment for three decades, the feeling was spectacular, because there’s no place like home.
Follow Peter Schwartz on Twitter: @SchwartzSports
Follow WFAN on Social Media
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch