To Whom it May Concern,

I understand that this email address is probably used more frequently by disgruntled fans complaining about ticket issues and customer service related topics, but I have nowhere else to send this email, so please pass this on to whomever is willing to read it.

I am sending this email on behalf of Islander fans all over Long Island.  To be honest, I grew up a Devils’ fan.  My father raised me as a NY Yankees and NY Jets fan, but because he was never into hockey, I found my own inspiration in Scottie Stevens and Marty Brodeur.  However, as the years went by, my Islander-fanatic friends had an effect on me, and even though they’ve been at the bottom of the standings for a while now, I jumped ship because I’m a Long Islander and I love the Islanders fans and community.
 
Bare with me.  I promise I have something relevant to say.  Because I’m a NY Jets fan, I’m no stranger to years of “re-building,” mid-season trades, and player acquisitions that are chalked up to be the spark that turns the organization around.  I’m used to witnessing the team I love play in a half empty stadium.  I’m accustomed to seeing my family and friends scream at the television.  However, the fans always stick around and keep that shred of hope that it’s going to get better in time.

The difference between my experience with the Jets and that with the Islanders is that as a Jets fan, I haven’t had to worry that my team may move to Kansas.  I haven’t had to fret over the constant looming threat that the Old Barn could be a pile of bricks in the near future.  Like I said, I’m not one of the season ticket holders who has been following since the days of Bossy and Nystrom.  I don’t claim to be that.  But, I think my opinion is worthy considering most would think I’m an idiot for jumping ship to climb aboard an apparently sinking vessel.

I doubt there’s any possibility of Mr. Snow reading this, but I’m really hoping he does, so I’ll address him.  Mr. Snow, I have a massive amount of respect for you and anyone else who has ever played the game on a professional level.  I have even more respect for the amount of stress you have on your plate with leading this organization.  However, I have lost some of that respect for you after pulling the plug on Chris Botta’s blog, the one thing that has kept these fans together and has continued to interest them throughout the low points.  

Botta is a damn good reporter and an even better writer.  Sure, I understand there’s history between you and the organization.  That is very obvious to the fans.  I don’t know if it’s personal or if you truly do feel that Botta is “making news and not reporting it,” but in an era of your organization where you have barely anything going for you, there’s no point in giving Islanders’ fans any more reasons to hang up their jerseys.  Maybe you feel as though Botta is dragging the Islanders’ reputation through the mud by not always focusing on the few positive attributes of the game highlights, but it gets to a point when one has to face the facts.  What do you expect a guy to say about 11 straight losses?  The fans can do the math without having someone spell it out for us.  The only thing that’s kept your fans interested throughout those losses is having intriguing reading material that accurately and intelligently critiques those losses.  

Mr. Snow, once again, I respect you.  I’m 23 years old and I don’t know a thing about managing a hockey team.  I’d imagine it isn’t easy.  I send this letter because I have too many friends who are life long fans that are now considering switching their allegiance to another organization, after years of sticking through the rough times.  While at points it may seem as though Botta is too honest, he’s done nothing but help to keep ticket buyers and despairing fans rooting for Long Island’s underdogs.  Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Ryan Hunter