Former NY Islanders VP proposes fresh approach to future Hall of Fame nights

The New York Islanders will induct their former captain, Brent Sutter, into the team Hall of Fame ahead of tonight's game against the San Jose Sharks at UBS Arena. The ceremony will be the first of its kind at UBS Arena and the first HOF induction ceremony since former captains Patrick Flatley and Kenny Jonsson in 2012 (Butch Goring and John Tonelli were added when their numbers were retired in February 2020). Tonelli notably turned down being in the Hall-of-Fame previously because he thought his career on Long Island warranted a jersey retirement.

Earlier this week on the IslesFix Podcast Network, former VP of Communications Chris Botta debated the candidacies of additional Islanders alumni to be added, including Glenn "Chico" Resch, Pat LaFontaine, Pierre Turgeon, Zigmund Palffy, and Josh Bailey, among others.

Based on that discussion, Botta offered an idea of how the organization could approach future HOF nights and potential Ring of Honor ceremonies. Rather than celebrate one player at a time, the organization could host a Hall-of-Fame night that brings together multiple players from across generations of Islanders hockey.

"Three different categories so that generations of fans, the father or mother with their son their daughter. They can talk about those players and enjoy that night together with their families," Botta said. It would be like two or three people; by the way, they don't always have to be players. They could be a broadcaster, they could be somebody who's in the office, or a behind-the-scenes person, like scout Jim Devellano."

The concept isn't new and has been deployed by other teams in the metro area. For example, in 2022, the New York Jets inducted LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson, C Nick Mangold, and CB Darrelle Revis in their Ring of Honor simultaneously. In 2023, the Mets inducted two lovable broadcasters, Howie Rose and Gary Cohen, along with 3B Howard Johnson and SP Al Leiter.

"It's not some original idea...other teams have done this. It's Chico from the 70s. It's handsome Pierre, the artist from the 90s. And maybe it's one other person. And that's like a great night, right?" Botta stated. "The honorees are going to be Chico Resch, Pierre Turgeon, and name somebody else, or even just those two. I'm buying tickets like the next day. Like, I'm not missing that. And I think that's something that's really exciting."

The Islanders have embraced their alumni in a special way in recent years under this ownership group. There are still worthy candidates and some obvious omissions from the Hall-of-Fame, but Botta's suggestion is one way the team can create some unique special nights in future seasons.