Skip to main content

Featured Post

Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park FAQ, timeline, and infographics (pinned post)

The Barclays Center ice, called "awful" by Islander, gets temporary dehumidification system

On top of the issues challenging New York Islanders hockey at the Barclays Center, including obscured views and flip-flops on the goal horn and pre-game shootout viewing, comes this:



The Times's Allan Kreda wrote 4/1/16, Islanders Play for Home Ice, Be It Ever So Slushy
EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — The Islanders gathered Friday for their annual team photo at their new practice center, which is close to Nassau Coliseum, their former rink. They were all smiles, though their mood was surely tempered by the knowledge that they would be without their top defenseman, Travis Hamonic, who was injured during Thursday’s win over Columbus. The Islanders are also concerned about a key element where they now play — namely, poor ice conditions at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Players complained about the ice after the 4-3 victory, saying it was sluggish, especially late in the game. Unseasonably warm temperatures that day might have contributed to the problem, though similar complaints were heard early in the season at Barclays, which was not originally designed to accommodate a hockey rink.
“The ice was horrendous,” defenseman Thomas Hickey said after the game. “It was pathetic, worse than it was last game. It must be tougher with weather getting better outside.”
Others vocalizing that complaint including captain John Tavares, coach Jack Capuano, and defenseman Johnny Boychuk, who said the previous venue, Nassau Coliseum, was far better: "The [Barclays Center] ice is soft, the puck jumps everywhere and there are ruts, You have to change the way you play because the puck can bounce anywhere."

Barry Baum, Barclays Center’s chief communications officer, stated, "“In preparation for upcoming home games, we are working closely with the National Hockey League and have installed a temporary dehumidification system, commonly used at arenas during warmer months, in order to provide the best possible ice for Islanders players."

Providing "the best possible ice" sounds like a bit of a euphemism.

Comments