Yes! Islanders

My name is Michael Schuerlein and I grew up in Bethpage, NY. I have played hockey for a majority of my life - and continue to play in several roller and ice hockey leagues throughout the year. I am not entirely new to the blog scene; I am currently a Photographer and Contributing Writer for two automotive websites, www.truckblog.com and www.musclecarblog.com, and I have also been published in several automotive magazines. I am a current Isles Season ticket holder, and have been a fan of the Isles my entire life. I love to read about the latest Islanders news and rumors, part of the inspiration for creating this website. Despite my involvement with the automotive websites, I am not a professional journalist, or even pretend to be one - I am just an Air Conditioning Mechanic who happens to enjoy writing and photography. The automotive stuff was a hobby that grew into something I never thought it would - much as Islesblogger has become in it’s own respect. Within days of creating this site in Mid-August 2007, I was notified by the Islanders that my website had been selected as 1 of 12 to become a charter member of their Blog Box. It really was an exciting moment, but it was one of many! In February 2008, myself and several of the other bloggers brought you live updates from the Coliseum on trade deadline day. We were able to provide trade information as it happened and were able to interview the Coach and the General Manager along side the media and one on one. Our “story” was also covered by Newsday’s Jim Baumbach, who spent the day with us blogging himself. In June 2008, Tom Liodice and I made the trip up to Ottawa, Canada to cover the 2008 NHL Entry Draft with Media Credentials in hand. It was a huge step for the Blog Box, because we were essentially “on the road” covering the team. Our adventure was captured both on Newyorkislanders.com and on Islanders TV during that weekend. In July 2008, the Islanders asked Tom Liodice and I to attend one of the many open houses to interview 2008 1st round draft pick Josh Bailey and veteran Doug Weight in front of a packed audience. The experience was once again up front and center on Newyorkislanders.com and on Islanders TV. Moving into the 2008/2009 season, my second as a member of the Blog Box - I feel as if I have learned a great wealth of information about how things work in the media world. I am a more comfortable around the media, the players, and the organization - which is a big plus if you wish to maintain a successful relationship. I also have a few writing ideas that will keep Islesblogger unique and fresh!