EAST MEADOW, NY — The New York Islanders are down three of their six starting defensemen.
Veterans Grant Hutton and Dennis Cholowski are filling two of the holes.
But after Samuel Bolduc failed to do so on Sunday in their 5-2 loss to the New York Rangers, the Islanders are trying someone else Tuesday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
That player is 20-year-old Isaiah George, who only has four games of professional experience with the Bridgeport Islanders after a three-year junior career with the London Knights.
George, who the Islanders selected 98th overall in 2022, has a goal and an assist this season.
“The reports [from Bridgeport] were really good,” Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. “They were very happy with him, and he’s been playing really well for them. What I like about his game is he skates very well and moves the puck well. So, I think it’d be a good opportunity for him.”
The decision to call up a youngster and throw him into the fire wasn’t easy; one reason the move wasn’t made on Monday was to allow George a practice day.
“Sometimes you’re afraid to throw someone in,” Roy said. “But like I said to Lou in our conversation, I was also 20, and I’m sure, probably, my teammates were sh—ing their pants [about] how nervous they were when I played my first game. But sometimes, that’s the way it is. You got to give a chance to someone, and I think he’s ready for it.”
Roy made his NHL debut on Feb. 23, 1985, stopping two shots he faced in relief, earning the win when Montreal defeated the Winnipeg Jets 6-4.
In his first career start, which came on Oct. 10, 1985, Roy made 24 saves on 27 shots in a 5-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
And that’s the team George will be facing on Tuesday when he skates in his first NHL game.
“It’s really exciting,” George said. “I found out last night. It’s a dream come true. So I’m just looking forward to it … I think it feels good that you’re the guy that they call on. So, I’m just trying to take advantage of the opportunity and have some fun out there.”
George said his parents will be at UBS Arena for the big day.
“I got my mom and my dad coming in, so that’d be cool, fun for them to see,” George said. “I was on the phone, so I couldn’t really get a great grasp of [their emotions], but I think they were just a little bit in shock.”
Here’s what Roy wants to see from him:
“I think the big message is, go out there, and at the end of the day, it’s just hockey. I’ve been around to know all the systems and the expectations. It’s just about going out there playing and enjoying it.”
George will skate with Grant Hutton, with puck drop against the Penguins coming up at 7:30 PM ET.
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