Kyle Okposo reporting for duty on the Long Island

New York Islanders photo
The much anticipated NHL debut of Kyle Okposo is upon us. Kyle's debut is going to take place tomorrow night when the Islanders and the Leafs play on long island. I wonder if there will be a lot of Gopher fans tuning in to see him play? I am going to try and tune in because it will be interesting to see how he will do. Since leaving the Minnesota Gophers in mid-Season Kyle has been developing his game in Bridge Port of the AHL.

Okposo scored eight goals and added 16 assists in 29 games in the AHL. After earning an assist in Bridgeport's victory on Saturday night, Sound Tigers coach Jack Capuano gave him the news that he was headed to the NHL.

KYLE'S FIRST SKATE--read the whole story here

Islanders 2006 first-round draft pick Kyle Okposo practices on a line with Park and Comeau at Islanders Iceworks. Donning jersey No. 21, Kyle Okposo took to the ice at Islanders Iceworks in Syosset, Monday afternoon, signifying his first step onto the NHL scene.

Today, Okposo joined his fourth team of the season after playing for the University of Minnesota to begin the 2007-08 campaign and representing the United States at the World Junior Championship. While in the Czech Republic, Okposo signed with the Islanders, and next suited up for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, where he recorded 24 points in 29 games. His final destination…Long Island.

"It feels pretty good being out there in my first NHL practice," said Okposo, following today's practice. "Knowing a few guys (from Bridgeport) I felt a little more comfortable today. The guys have been awesome and have taken me under their wing. The guys have been great."

Wearing an orange jersey, Okposo skated on a line with Richard Park and Blake Comeau, fitting in seamlessly with his older counterparts. Comeau, at 22, is the closest in age to 19-year old Okposo. But the age discrepancy was hardly noticeable as the talented Okposo impressed the coaching staff with his skill and maturity.

"He's an exceptional player that we're looking forward to see play at the NHL level," said head coach Ted Nolan. "There are certain players who have that instinct. He doesn't just skate and shoot the puck well, he also has that great hockey sense. Kyle has all of the ingredients good players have. We wanted to start him on a line with one of our most reliable guys in Richard Park. And considering Blake Comeau has good hockey sense, the three of them should form a pretty good line out there."

Another links to this story

Not all is well between Snow and Islander coach Ted Nolan. I am personally not surprised after watching how Snow acted during the whole Okposo mess. I have never been a fan of Garth Snow always thought the "Snowman" was a cry baby and a loose canon when he played in the NHL.

The coming of Kyle Okposo was the worst kept secret on the Isles in the last week or so. We all knew it was going to happen. Back when I, with my fellow blog boxers, questioned Garth Snow, who kindly allowed us a special session after we had already been in on the press questions, the question was broached. "Will be see Okposo before the season was out?"

Very possible, was the answer, and it showed Garth's general interest and excitement with a youth movement.

And in lieu of the Isles tailspin into the NHL season ether, with more rumors of a fracture within the team between Nolan and Snow. Albeit these are just rumors, but they seem to be coming at a steady stream now. Was Nolan's touch so golden? Did Garth Snow make more decisions, if not all, back over the summer? Are sides suddenly being taken?

Of course, the fact that they are wrought with injuries and a shell of themselves these days, does not help. The freefall in the standings now has many fans now more excited about what draft pick we'll get this offseason. So, is pressure is mounting within the Isles? There have been no clear words otherwise to stem a rumormill tide that is turning towards some sort of action. Whether to staunchly discount those rumors, or to make definitive changes.

So, while all this is happening, perhaps, is it any wonder why OkposoMania is running wild? I half expect Kyle to come out, rip off his t-shirt and then cup his ears to each side of the rink for cheers from eager OkposoManiacs.