Tuesday; The Okposo Era Begins

It is a fairly happy day in Islander Country today, as it was announced that Kyle Okposo has been called up from the Sound Tigers and will make his NHL debut on Tuesday against the Maple Leafs.

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."

In an interview with Ted Nolan, he said that Kyle would play on a line with Richard Park, and another youngster such as Blake Comeau or Jeff Tambellini.


The Future Is Here.


Let's Go Isles!!!