New York Sports Fan Blog

The Islanders were in the middle of another mundane forechecking drill in the middle of another mundane preseason practice when John Tavares, waiting his turn, peered at the tussling at the other end of the ice and began smiling brightly.

He was still smiling as he gathered in a puck and charged down the ice. No matter how much is expected of him this season from Islanders fans, and the hockey world in general, Tavares plans to enjoy himself in his rookie season.

Much to the delight of 10,000 Islanders fans gathered at Nassau Coliseum on June 26 to watch a broadcast of the N.H.L. draft, the Islanders made Tavares, a 19-year-old Canadian center, the No. 1 overall choice. They want him to hoist a young, thin team on his shoulders.

“I don’t know if I can tone that down,” Tavares said after practice. “I can control what I can control. There’s always been that pressure. I know what I can do.”

Click here to read the full article – By Dave Caldwell of New York Times

Juniors/College Sports Memorabilia
and other Juniors/College Autographs
Below are links to memorabilia available for John Tavares.

John Tavares signed a three-year entry level contract with the New York Islanders, who took the 19-year-old standout first overall in last month’s NHL draft. The Islanders announced the signing in a statement on Wednesday.

The high-scoring center had 215 goals and 218 assists over four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League, his goal total breaking the 33-year-old record held by Peter Lee. Tavares led the OHL in goals (58) and points (104) last season, splitting time between Oshawa and London.

Click here to read the full article – By Associated Press of ESPN.com

Juniors/College Sports Memorabilia
and other Juniors/College Autographs
Below are links to memorabilia available for John Tavares.

New York Islanders Sports Memorabilia
and other New York Islanders Autographs
Below are links to memorabilia available for John Tavares.