Weird Islanders: The Podcast! - Weirdest Islander of the Year 2024 (with guest Jon Zella)

5 months ago  /  Lighthouse Hockey

If anybody listening works for the New York Times and wants to do an expose on us, please let us know. Along with Nassaumen Hockey’s Jon Zella, Mike and Dan crown the first ever Weirdest Islander of the Year per the results of a listener vote.
While several had the qualifications (less than 50 games played for the Islanders this season), only one man truly epitomized what makes a Weird Islander, with a long NHL tenure on other teams, a notable arrival on Long Island, and an eventful season that included a memorable ending.
His victory might have come in a runaway but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t intrigue! The race for second place was a surprising one, and the man who lost might be the more interesting (and fitting) of the two. We also have some honorable mentions, who we don’t expect to stay Weird Islanders for very long, and we name the trophy that will henceforth be awarded annually.
It’s a fine and festive way to celebrate the 50th episode of a show that’s a testament to the fans of this very weird team. Thank you all for listening to these and rest assured that we are nowhere near done.
And, of course, thanks again to Jon for joining us again. He’s one of our favorites to talk to all through the season. Follow him at @JonZella and look for the season finale of the Nassaumen Hockey podcast soon (I think).

WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL!
Without trying to give away too much too early...

A mainstay in the minors for years, Ken Appleby got into exactly one game for the Islanders this year, a “disinterested” 5-0 loss in Minnesota on Jan 15, replacing Ilya Sorokin. Thanks for coming, Ken.
We all remember where we were Robert Bortuzzo was acquired for 7th rd pick on Dec. 8 as Ryan Pulock was placed on IR.
But after just 11 games, Bortuzzo was placed on LTIR himself (as Appleby was recalled, ironically).
Bortuzzo was then activated on March 18, this time as a Scott Mayfield replacement.
Game 4 vs CAR, April 27, 2024. Bortuzzo writes his name into the Islanders’ books forever:



Although you probably forgot, Julien Gauthier signed on July 5, 2023 to one-way deal that, “implies that the Islanders plan to keep him on the roster.” Oh well.
He proved he, “belongs in the lineup” with 5 goals in 27 games, including a two goal effort against Washington on Dec. 29:


Alas, he was waived on Feb. 2 as “first casualty of the Patrick Roy era” and was never seen or heard from again.

What makes a “Weird Islander?”
We’re always open to suggestions about other Weird Islanders to discuss. Remember the criteria. Candidates must fulfill one of the two of the following:

Played one (1) season or less for the Islanders or very short stints over multiple seasons.
Be a veteran NHLer who is not generally associated with his time on Islanders.


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