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OKPOSO JOINING ISLANDERS
Mar 16, 2008
The Islanders' top prospect, forward Kyle Okposo, will make his National Hockey League debut on Tuesday when the Islanders host the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum at 7:05 pm.
Okposo, selected seventh overall by the Islanders in the 2006 NHL Draft, is considered one of the top prospects in hockey. After playing for Team USA at this year's World Junior Championships, the 6-foot, 200-pound wing left the University of Minnesota and signed a three-year contract with the Islanders on January 11. He started his pro career in the Islanders organization by playing for their American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. In 29 games with the Sound Tigers, Okposo had 8 goals and 16 assists for 24 points. He had an assist in Bridgeport's 4-2 over the Philadelphia Phantoms on Saturday night.
"It's the right time to give Kyle the chance to show what he can do at the NHL level," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "From the beginning we said that when it came to Kyle we would do what was best long-term for both him and our franchise. He has played well in Bridgeport and deserves a look. Our organization is very excited to see Kyle in an Islanders unifom, and I'm sure so are our fans."
Okposo, who turns 20 years old on April 16, will join the Islanders on Monday in time for practice, which is scheduled for noon at Islanders Iceworks in Syosset.
"My focus had been on playing well in the AHL and helping the Sound Tigers, so I didn't know when the call would come," said Okposo. "But now that it has, the excitement is off the charts. I just want to have a good practice on Monday and then I'll start thinking about playing a big game against the Maple Leafs in front of our fans on Tuesday. It's up to me to make the most of the opportunity."
50% OFF TICKETS FOR KYLE'S DEBUT!
In celebration of Kyle Okposo's NHL debut, the Islanders are extending an offer of 50% off tickets for Tuesday, March 18 when the Islanders host the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Tickets are available now at the Coliseum box office.
To watch a Sound Tigers TV feature on a mic'ed-up Kyle Okposo's first practice with Bridgeport, click here





