Welcome to my Blog

Hi, I am Matt Rothman and currently a junior studying journalism at Florida Gulf Coast University. I write about all things hockey related including being a New York Islander fan in Southwest Florida.

First let me just tell you a little about me. I grew up in Long Island, New York just about 20 minutes from where the Islanders used to play. I moved to Florida right after I graduated high school and have lived in multiple apartments until I found a home in Parkland, Florida.

I may not have the ability to go to as many hockey games as I once did, but I don't miss a single game. Whether watching the Islanders playing in Anaheim well into the next morning or watching Wednesday Night Rivalry, I make it my duty to not miss games. http://www.nbcsports.com

Being just 20 years old, I am not used to seeing Stanley Cups coming back to Long Island. Actually,I was born 13 years after the Islanders won their last of their 4 consecutive Stanley Cups so my best moment of being and Islander fan was the John Tavares OT goal vs the Panthers in game 6 of last years first round playoffs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-TyP-lgdbU

My blog will not just be about the New York Islanders, but it will be about being a hockey fan living in a different state. I will talk about the culture of fans that live in different states and how they can stay connected to their favorite teams as I have to do.

That is me at my last hockey game back in December.

It was my worst nightmare having to leave Long Island because I miss standing up against the glass during warmups and waiting for the players after games, but the new way I have to adjust to being not just a Islander fan, but a hockey fan is similar to what others might go through during their life.