The least Weird Islander ever appreciated the efforts of everyone he played with.
Along with author Allan Kreda, Mike and Dan celebrate Ken Morrow and some of the Weird Islanders he played with in his incredible career.
Morrow was the exact opposite of a Weird Islander – he was a reliable, steady presence for a decade as the Islanders dominated the NHL. Even off the ice, the lanky defenseman is far more normal and humble than a gold medalist and a four-time Stanley Cup champion should be. But as we trace Morrow’s career throughout his memoir – Miracle Gold, Four Stanley Cups, and a Lifetime of Islanders Hockey – we learn about some of the other characters that played roles, including former Olympic teammates, fellow Bowling Green alums, various Hall of Famers and a couple of short time Islanders that he mentions in the book.
Kreda reveals how the book came about, what Morrow is like as a person and a player and his importance in Islanders history. But as a journalist that’s followed the Islanders and covered them for a number of outlets, Kreda also tells us about players like Alex McKendry and Hector Marini, who managed to score massive goals during the dynasty run and get their names on the Cup despite not being around long.
It’s not often that we get to talk about Islanders greats on this show, and it was equally satisfying to get a couple of perfect Weird Islanders in there as well. This episode is very special and we can’t thank Allan enough for coming on. You should buy Miracle Gold today from wherever you can.
WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL!
We talk a lot about Ken Morrow (naturally), so let’s focus on our two Weird Islanders:
- The story of Alex McKendry is one of a man making the most of his opportunity, in this case, an injury to Mike Bossy. McKendry scored twice against the LA Kings in Game 4 of the Islanders’ first round playoff series of the 1980 playoffs en route to their first Stanley Cup.
- Before that, McKendry was an All Star for the Islanders’ minor league team in Indianapolis.
- Fun fact: in parts of three seasons with the Islanders, McKendry wore three different numbers (20, 17, 18) https://youtu.be/3AskXRGiw-Q?si=vHNvL7mkQCMGfEFi&t=1222
- He was enshrined in the Barrie, ONT Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.
- Hector Marini was brought up from the CHL in 1981 to add some enthusiasm to the defending champions roster. He also immediately brought points and chants of “Hec-tor!” from the Coliseum crowd.
- Like McKendry the season before, Marini made the most of his opportunity to run with the big dogs:
- There are lots of Hector Marini fight videos out there. Here’s one against Hartford’s Jack McIlhargy and one in a series of bouts versus Philly’s Glen Cochrane.
- Marini was the Devils’ first All Star Game representative, ironically, at Nassau Coliseum.
- He got a nice ovation from the Islanders fans at the 1983 All Star Game while repping New Jersey.
- In 1985, Marini suffered a terrible eye injury in a minor league game and had to have the eye removed. He later regretted not wearing a visor.
What makes a “Weird Islander?”
We’re always open to suggestions about other Weird Islanders to discuss. Remember the criteria. Candidates must fulfill one of the two of the following:
- Played one (1) season or less for the Islanders or very short stints over multiple seasons.
- Be a veteran NHLer who is not generally associated with his time on Islanders.
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