An early group worked with the goalies for about 20 minutes before the Islanders began Thursday’s practice. That’s the typical routine. What wasn’t usual, though, was having the rest of the players line the team’s bench to watch, or having injured defenseman Ryan Pulock, on crutches, remain there to watch the full session.
The Islanders have waited a long time to open a new home rink — arguably since the 1990s — and that excitement showed as the team stepped onto the ice to conduct a high-energy, lively first practice at UBS Arena. The gala home opener following a 13-game road trip will be Saturday night against the Flames.