Former New York Islanders forward Josh Bailey provided some closure on a transitional offseason, penning a final thank you to the organization and its fans on Wednesday via the Players’ Tribune.
Former New York Islanders forward Josh Bailey provided some closure on a transitional offseason, penning a final thank you to the organization and its fans on Wednesday via the Players’ Tribune.
“From playing my first game in the Isles sweater at 19 to my last at 33, it has been quite a ride,” Bailey wrote. “Not always the smoothest of rides, but I wouldn’t change a thing. The tough times make you stronger and allow you to enjoy the good ones that much more, and we had plenty of good ones.”
“Over the past couple of months, there have been quite a few moments that have brought me to a pause,” Bailey wrote. “I think what has hit the hardest is realizing that this chapter has come to an end. All of the things that I love about putting on the Blue and Orange are now just a memory. Although it has made me emotional at times, I will always cherish those memories.”
“I do recall some rather funny moments at the Coliseum,” Bailey wrote. “Some nights, if I was starting, the national anthem could be a vulnerable 90 seconds standing there at the blueline. (I heard it all — the encouragement and the ‘encouragement.’)”
“It has been an honor to live on Long Island, wear the Islander jersey, and help represent this great organization and our fans from all over,” Bailey wrote. “There are so many moments that stand out to me, but none compares to hearing the roar of the crowd after scoring in overtime in the playoffs.
“And of course … hearing you all sing. It still gives me chills to this day. Thank You! Until next time…. Oooh ahhh.”
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“From playing my first game in the Isles sweater at 19 to my last at 33, it has been quite a ride,” Bailey wrote. “Not always the smoothest of rides, but I wouldn’t change a thing. The tough times make you stronger and allow you to enjoy the good ones that much more, and we had plenty of good ones.”
“Over the past couple of months, there have been quite a few moments that have brought me to a pause,” Bailey wrote. “I think what has hit the hardest is realizing that this chapter has come to an end. All of the things that I love about putting on the Blue and Orange are now just a memory. Although it has made me emotional at times, I will always cherish those memories.”
“I do recall some rather funny moments at the Coliseum,” Bailey wrote. “Some nights, if I was starting, the national anthem could be a vulnerable 90 seconds standing there at the blueline. (I heard it all — the encouragement and the ‘encouragement.’)”
“It has been an honor to live on Long Island, wear the Islander jersey, and help represent this great organization and our fans from all over,” Bailey wrote. “There are so many moments that stand out to me, but none compares to hearing the roar of the crowd after scoring in overtime in the playoffs.
“And of course … hearing you all sing. It still gives me chills to this day. Thank You! Until next time…. Oooh ahhh.”