Peconic Ice Rinks Reflects on Special Final Day of New York Islanders Training Camp
- Jim Tamburino
- Dec 3, 2025
- 2 min read
Calverton, NY - December 2025 - As the New York Islanders continue their 2025–26 season, Peconic Ice Rinks is taking a moment to look back on one of the most memorable days in the facility’s history: the Islanders’ final practice of Training Camp, held on October 5, 2025. Although now more than two months removed, the impact of that day continues to resonate with the Peconic community, our youth players, and everyone who had the opportunity to be at the dome that morning.
Fresh off a team weekend at Sebonack Golf Club, the Islanders arrived in Calverton for an energetic, high-tempo skate, one that happened to fall on Head Coach Patrick Roy’s 60th birthday. The day carried added significance for the franchise: after practice, General Manager Mathieu Darche and Roy met privately with Matthew Schaefer, the NHL’s 2025 first overall draft pick. Sitting on a bench inside one of the Peconic Ice Rinks locker rooms, they informed the 18-year-old defenseman that he had officially earned a spot on the team’s Opening Night roster.
The moment quickly became one of the defining storylines of Training Camp and was recently featured in a new episode of “On The Island,” the New York Islanders’ behind-the-scenes docuseries chronicling the 2025–26 season. The episode showcased footage filmed at Peconic Ice Rinks, highlighting the significance of the day for both the organization and the young star defenseman.
Despite not having all the NHL-ready amenities of their daily routines, the Islanders players and coaches repeatedly shared how practicing in Peconic’s dome reminded them of where their hockey journeys began. The intimacy of the rink stirred a sense of nostalgia.
As Captain Anders Lee stepped inside, he flashed a huge smile to the Peconic staff and offered a thumbs up: “This is awesome.”
The day was equally special for the local community. Peconic Wildcats travel team players had the rare chance to welcome the Islanders as they arrived, watch an NHL practice from rinkside, interact with the players, collect photos and autographs, and surprise Roy with a birthday cake celebration. Even months later, our youth athletes still talk about that morning and the inspiration it sparked.
As the Islanders move forward with their season, Peconic Ice Rinks holds tightly to the spirit of that day - a reminder that every great hockey story begins in community rinks just like ours. What unfolded here felt like the first chapter of a relationship that can only grow from this point on, offering our young athletes the chance to feel connected to something bigger, and to believe that moments like this can happen again.
