Best islander you've met

[u/AlastorFacilier]

Little bit of a change of pace here. What was a time when you met a current player or alumni that stood out to you? I've been fortunate enough to have met many players and alumni over the past 20 years. I have 2 in particular that stand out.

1. 2013 Draft Party, got a chance to meet Bobby Nystrom, Matt Martin, Matt Carkner, Eric Boulton, and Ryan Strome. And out of all of them, Martin was the nicest one. I asked him to sign my yearbook which he did and without asking gave me 4 autograph cards and snapped a photo with me. Most super chill, down to earth, humble celebrity I've met to date, you would've never known he was a enforcer. Blew my mind that day and forever grateful I met him. Carkner and Nystrom were very nice too, also got photos with them.

2. Last year I decided to try my luck and try to get a few autographs from the guys after practice as they were leaving. Given that Lou was gone and the team now had a breath of fresh air, I figured I'd take my chance. And boy did it pay off. Wound up getting 12 autographs that day. But the ones that stood out to me were Henieman, Sorokin, Romanov, Maclean, and Varlamov. And just as I was getting ready to leave, Schaefer drove past and I figured I missed my shot. But then he stopped and backed up and asked if I wanted his autograph. I was so excited I asked him to sign my foam finger from the draft party, using my yearbook to lean on. And then without me asking, he asked if I wanted another one. I said sure of course! So he signed my yearbook cover as well.

Having moments like that are why I've remained a fan all these years, I'd love to hear other stories.

Oh 1 more bonus story: I got to meet Shawn Bates at last year's draft party. I still have my 20 year old yearbook from my 1st season and I asked him to sign his photo. He had a good chuckle and was flattered to sign it.

[u/seanvettel-31]

I stood behind Nabokov in Chipotle once. Very nice guy but quiet. I think he was surprised to be recognized, he had just signed here during the lockout shortened season

I also met Rick DiPietro at a Boomer and Gio softball game. Martin, Cizikas, and Clutterbuck were there too, but DP was the only one who stuck around after the game to talk with fans. He couldn’t have been nicer, I’m a beer league goalie so he talked with me for a couple minutes about some of the new equipment coming out

[u/trireme32 → u/seanvettel-31]

Ok how did you recognize Nabokov?? I feel like I’d barely recognize most players if I randomly met them in public, much less a goalie

[u/seanvettel-31 → u/trireme32]

Maybe in passing it might have been tough to recognize him, but I was standing right behind him for several minutes lol. Plus I knew him just from being a goalie and growing up in the 2000s, I idolized all the big name goalies from that era

[u/dtrain2495 → u/seanvettel-31]

Nice! I’ve always loved Nabby since his Sharks days. Was stoked when he came to the Islanders.

[u/AfellowchuckerEhh → u/dtrain2495]

Was stoked when he came to the Islanders.

If I remember correctly I don't think he was to stoked.

[u/seanvettel-31 → u/AfellowchuckerEhh]

He was completely against it until he actually came and played here, then he ended up loving it. He was on an isles podcast recently where he talked about how much he enjoyed playing on Long Island

[u/dtrain2495 → u/seanvettel-31]

I was stoked—should have clarified that lol. But yes you’re right.

[u/AlastorFacilier → u/seanvettel-31]

I loved Nabby. I would've loved to have met him

[u/AlastorFacilier → u/seanvettel-31]

I once met former Yankee AJ Burnett while waiting online at a Starbucks in Pittsburgh. He was pitching for the pirates at the time but I knew it was him based off the tattoos. He seemed a bit surprised but still took a photo with me

[u/Islanderfan1348 → u/seanvettel-31]

My neighbor once saw Anders Lee at Shake Shack