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news

 

Scott Gordon comments on his decision to dress Haley against the Flyers on Sound TigersTV

When young players come to NHL Training Camps, their main goal is to make an impression on the coaching staff so that if the opportunity arises, they are looked upon as a possible addition. When Training Camp began last Friday for the Islanders, Micheal Haley was put into the rookie group, which contains several players who received time with the Sound Tigers last season and others who were drafted at this summers’ NHL entry draft.

“When the teams were posted for camp I was excited because this is my first NHL camp,” Haley said. “Every player wants to be in the top group skating alongside the returning guys who played for the Islanders last season but I understand that I have to work my way up to get there.”

Last season Haley began the year with the organization’s ECHL affiliate, the Utah Grizzlies, but after displaying his work ethic towards doing all of the little things, he was called up to the Sound Tigers where he played nearly half the season. His play earned him an invitation to the Islanders’ Mini Camp in July and also to Training Camp this week. In the rookies’ first game on Monday against the University of Moncton, Haley stood out. Under Scott Gordon’s “over-speed” system, Haley was able to score a nice goal on a feed from line-mate Tyler Haskins, while also using his physical presence throughout the game to his advantage.

“I really like the new systems because they rely on speed. It is more of a moving game under his style and not as much stops and starts which allows me to have more speed when I’m hitting,” Haley said. “We’re always in the face of our opponent which keeps the game at a fast pace.”

Over the summer Haley dropped some excess weight making him faster on the ice and allowing him to always pressure his opponents whether they have the puck or not. Often times when they don’t he is still right in their face and several opponents last season in the AHL, despite his size (5’10), felt his intensity in a couple of fights.

“I try to play the same way whether it is a pick up hockey or pro game,” Haley said. “Many times the players who have the role of the physical presence are a liability when it comes to the offensive and defensive zones. I take pride in having the ability to chip in with points every now and then and also helping out defensively.”

His play over the course of last season, this past Monday’s rookie game and his desire to work hard in the morning practice sessions has earned him the opportunity to skate along-side several of those returning Islander players from last season, tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers.

“I’m very exciting because not only will I be playing in my first ever NHL exhibition game but it is in London (Ontario), which is very close to where I’m from so I should have lots of friends and family there cheering me on,” Haley said. “Obviously I have nerves coming into tonight’s game but that’s normal because I get them before any game. Once we step out onto the ice tonight though, it’s a game of hockey which will turn the nerves into excitement so I’m really looking forward to playing.”

Double Time: Jesse Joensuu is the only player who dressed for the Islanders’ first preseason game against the Bruins on Tuesday that will also skate tonight against the Flyers.

Blue vs. White: While 23 guys will make the trip to London, ON tonight to face-off against the Flyers, the other players on hand will board a bus to Summerside, PEI. Players like Mark Streit, Brendan Witt and Kyle Okposo will play in the second annual Blue and White game hosted by the city of Summerside.

Grey is no longer dull: The color grey is usually associated with boring or lousy days but on the ice at the Islanders’ Practice Facility, the grey line is causing a stir. Mike Comrie centers Blake Comeau and Josh Bailey and the three have combined for some pretty goals the first week of camp. With Bailey’s vision and hands accompanied by Comeau physicality and Comrie playmaking abilities, opponents will need to be wary. All three will play in their first game tonight against the Flyers.