2008 NYIFORLIFE.com Islander of the Year: Richard Park

It wasn't the greatest season in the great history of the New York Islanders, but in what became a transition season by default, we think that one Islander went above and beyond this season while representing the team, organization, and fans.

That man is Richard Park, your 2008 NYIFORLIFE.com's Islander of the Year.

Not only did Richard play in all 82 games this past season, but his role arguably grew as the year went on. He started out on a high-energy checking line and ended up playing what was probably his most important role on the team--leader--when coach Nolan decided to play Richard with prized rookies Kyle Okposo and Blake Comeau. Park played out of position (center; he normally plays on the wing) and was asked to show not only Okposo and Comeau the ropes as a professional in the National Hockey League, but the rest of the Sound Tigers players who played for the Islanders as injuries ravaged the team as well.

What Richard Park brings each night to the team can not be quantified in just goals and points; although he set career highs for himself this season with 12 goals and 32 points. Park brings the grit, character, and heart that is not only the Islanders' marketing slogan. It's the way the man plays the game.

Park's season can be described and analyzed if you just think about the last game of the season. Once the Isles got to the shootout against the Rangers, who did Ted Nolan send out there? Well, Nolan sent the kids out to face Rangers' goalie Henrik Lundqvist. First was Okposo. He was followed by Comeau and Bergenheim; a tip of the cap to the Islanders fans and a showcase for the young guys. Then, who took the final shot? Richard Park. He beat Lunqvist and the Islanders finished off the Rangers in the shootout to close out the schedule.

I'm not in the minority when I say that I believe Ted Nolan sends the right message to his players with little moves that may not seem significant at the time they occur--but speak volumes to the guys in the room. When injuries ravaged the team and assistant captains Brendan Witt and Mike Sillinger were going to miss significant stretches, Nolan and the organization chose Park and Trent Hunter to wear the A on each man's sweater. Captain Billy Guerin, a guy who also distinguished himself in a leadership role this season, was not in the boat alone after the injuries. There were solid guys in the room that could step into the leadership breech and take charge. The fact that the team had two guys like Park and Hunter (as well as Mike Comrie, who also wore an A at times) to lean on during the last month of the season speaks volumes to the kind of players Charles Wang, Ted Nolan, and Garth Snow want out there leading the brigade. All are hard workers, professionals, and players who put team pride ahead of selfish goals.

The team is going to have a much different makeup next season and hopefully there will be players who can score some more goals added to the lineup. But going forward, the leadership core is secure with players like Brendan Witt, Mike Sillinger, Mike Comrie, Radek Martinek, Bill Guerin, and Rick DiPietro leading the way. The Isles also have made strides by giving solid character guys like Trent Hunter and Richard Park long-term contracts to underscore their commitment.

Congratulations to Richard Park, NYIFORLIFE.com's 2008 Islander of the Year.