NY Islanders bringing back bobbleheads for 2025-26 promotional schedule

When the New York Islanders set out to build their promotional schedule for the 2025-26 season, the focus was clear: listen to the fans. After years without current player bobbleheads, the Islanders are bringing them back - with Mathew Barzal Bobblehead Night on Nov. 26 against Boston and Bo Horvat Bobblehead Night on Jan. 31 against Nashville. The giveaways, presented by UBS and Hyundai, respectively, will go to the first 10,000 fans in attendance.

“The fan reaction has been great and for us it’s really about putting the fan first in everything we do,” said Simone Perrin, the Islanders’ Senior Vice-President of Marketing and Fan Engagement. “Being able to bring back two of the player bobbleheads with Barzal and Horvat was something that we were really excited about.”

Bobbleheads were last featured during the Islanders’ 50th anniversary season, when the team honored its retired legends. But with a new general manager in Mathieu Darche, the drafting of Matthew Schaefer first overall, and a fresh emphasis on fan engagement, the Islanders are signaling a new era on and off the ice.

The full schedule features more fan-focused promotions, including Opening Night scarves on Oct. 11, Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 7, Hockey Fights Cancer on Nov. 22, an Islanders “ugly sweater” replica jersey giveaway on Dec. 23, and themed nights like Star Wars Night (March 1), Women in Sports Night (March 24), Pride Night (March 26), and Fan Appreciation Night (April 14).

“We’ve done a lot of research, surveys, and had countless conversations with fans,” said Perrin. “The overwhelming feedback we heard was that fans missed bobbleheads of current players. It was really about listening and bringing it back for them.”

And the team may not be done yet. Perrin hinted at another special night still to be announced.

Islanders fans should stay tuned.