Islanders' officials visit Summerside in preparation for NHL team's visits later this week

SUMMERSIDE -- New York Islanders' officials were in Summerside to visit Credit Union Place in preparation for the National Hockey League team's two visits over a three-day period later this week.
"The purpose is to map out the logistics of Thursday and Saturday's games and see if Bill (Schurman, director of community services) and the crew have any questions for us," said Kerry Gwydir, assistant to general manager Garth Snow. "It was to problem-solve anything, make sure both parties are happy going in and maybe come up with some ideas to make it fun for the local community. . . It's more a formality to check things out."
The Islanders will play a Blue and White game Thursday and then face the Florida Panthers in the first-ever NHL-sanctioned exhibition game on P.E.I. Saturday. Both contests begin at 7 p.m.
Advance tickets for both events are available at Credit Union Place's box office, by calling 432-1234 or online at www.city.summerside.pe.ca.
"This is a beautiful facility," emphasized Gwydir. "It has a lot and is better than a lot of the rinks back where we are. We just want to make sure the experience for our guys is great.
"I don't have a concern at all and again this is a first-class facility."
Credit Union Place, said Gwydir, was a big reason the Islanders wanted to return to Summerside after playing a Blue and White game before 4,000 fans in September 2007.
"It'll be like last year -- a real exciting environment," said Gwydir. "The players from last year know it's first-rate. I know Garth is looking forward to it and I know our players are, too."
The Islanders, who are expected to arrive in Summerside around 4:30 Thursday afternoon, are bringing 40 players to the Blue and White game.
"You'll have a pretty good cast of players (Thursday)," said Gwydir. "I think Dougie Weight is scheduled to play, I know there are a lot of Hab (Montreal Canadiens) fans around so let the folks know Mark Streit is going to be playing and Kyle Okposo, who's going to be a star in this league, is going to be playing."

jpsports@journalpioneer.com


Tomorrow

Be sure to check out Wednesday's edition of the Journal Pioneer as Kerry Gwydir, assistant to New York Islanders general manager Garth Snow, discusses Saturday night's exhibition game against the Florida Panthers. Game time at Credit Union Place in Summerside is 7 p.m.