For the first time since 1993, the New York Islanders are Stanley Cup contenders. Yet they rank 30th in the NHL in home attendance. How do you fix such a problem? Give the fans something special to come out for.
Retire some numbers.
The Islanders’ story began in 1972 when New York Mets owner William Shea persuaded New York Rangers president Bill Jennings to allow a team to open up shop on Long Island.
Quickly, under the tutelage of general manager Bill Torrey and head coach Al Arbour, the Islanders became a force to be reckoned with.