Islanders Host Big-Time Fun at Mite Jamboree

Small skaters and small nets added up to some big-time fun on Sunday afternoon.
The New York Islanders hosted the team's 12th annual Mite Jamboree at Northwell Health Ice Center, a fun-filled day of hockey for mite teams from Westchester, Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island.
"The kids are having a great time," said Marty Reasoner, the former Islander who was attending the Jamboree as a hockey dad. "It's just a great chance to be together and play in these little games, play against different levels of players. Anytime they get to play in these environments it's always a fun time."

Eighteen teams participated in this year's jamboree, marking the Islanders biggest jamboree to date. The teams played in six cross-ice games on the ice at the Islanders official practice facility, with appropriate-sized nets in line with USA Hockey's philosophy to mite hockey.
"Great sportsmanship, really learning about the game and having fun are the most important parts [about today]," Islanders Director of Amateur Hockey Development, Jocelyne Cummings, said.

The kids were also treated to a guest appearance by Sparky the Dragon, the highlight of the day for Christopher of the PAL Silver Knights.
Matthew and Carter, teammates on the Buckley Blue Devils, were just happy to be out skating with their teammates, spending the day playing their favorite sport.
Participating teams:
- Brewster - Browning - Buckley Blue Devils - LI Gulls - Northwell - NY Skyliners 1 - NY Skyliners 2 - PAL Silver Knights - Pawling Gold - Pawling Black - Port Washington - Richmond Thunder Gray - Richmond Thunder Red - Rinx 1 - Rinx 2 - Rinx 3 - Town of Oyster Bay Mites - Town of Oyster Bay Mini Mites

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