Islanders treat Oceanside family to playoff game

tionship with the Graham family through their visits to Cohen’s Children Hospital, where they’ve visited Cooper and similar patients to cheer them up.

“It’s very inspiring for families, when sport organizations and organizations in general do things like this for families, because when you’re going through such a tough time that like we are right now, being able to go to a game with your family and get out and have a change of pace really helps, you know, helps a situation,” said Michael, “it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.”

Ledecky expressed his admiration for the families’ strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

“My initial reaction is wow, these families are so strong, and the kids are even stronger. And their love for the Islanders in the playoffs is propelling them and distracting them and getting them stronger and better. And the fact that some of them can come to the games and be with their families tomorrow is so meaningful, and those that can’t make it are going to be there in spirit,” he said.

The Islanders have a strong tradition of giving back to the community, with players like Anders Lee leading the way. Lee, who was drafted by the Islanders in 2009, has emerged as one of the most prolific goal scorers in the National Hockey League.

He founded the Anders Lee Kancer

Jam in 2017 to help children with cancer, after being inspired by the speech of Fenov Pierre-Louis, a 15-year-old cancer patient, the year prior at the Third Annual Scotch Plains Kancer Jam.

“I think the work that Anders Lee does with his cancer charity for children really rings true how important it is in the community to have someone like Anders do that work and to tell us that we should come visit these folks and give them tickets to the playoffs because he wants them there. He wants to inspire them as he is inspired by them,” said Ledecky.

Ledecky added that bringing joy to the community is among the ways the Islanders give back to their fans.

“To bring this joy of tickets and signed autographs of their favorite play- ers and Sparky, playing with all the young kids, what a great thing to be able to do for our fellow residents of Long Island,” he said. “I could do this all day because it makes my heart sing with joy. When they score a goal, we all score a goal, and when these folks get better, when these kids get better, we scored the ultimate goal of all, which is health and happiness for our community friends.”