FerraroToVolek
Registered User
- Mar 3, 2008
- 4
- 0
First of all, hello to all. I've lurked on these boards for a while and enjoy reading the posts of fellow Islander fans. I am a longtime season-ticket holder.
Now, to the matter at hand:
I haven't posted anything on an internet message board in years, so this feels odd for me, but this topic has bothered me enough that I now feel compelled to post here in an effort to get answers from fellow Islander fans who might be able to help.
The purpose of this thread is twofold: (1) to draw attention to the disgraceful fact that John Tonelli's # is not retired, and (2) to get answers as to why.
The question is: why is John Tonelli's # not retired? This is embarrassing. This has troubled me more and more over the last few years as I watched other notable Isles greats being honored with their banners raised to the rafters.
Yesterday, my curiosity/outrage on this matter only came to a head, when Tonelli made a rare appearance at the Coliseum at the "Core of the Four" celebration. It was like a sighting of a very rare endangered species. It's just not something you see at the Coliseum.
People in my section, including my Dad (who is just as baffled by the Tonelli issue) were openly wondering what the deal is with Tonelli. Seeing him only increased the speculation. Then, a guy sitting behind us vocalized (very loudly) what we were all thinking - "RETIRE HIS NUMBER!!!" This guy screamed this at the top of his powerful lungs when Tonelli was introduced, and everyone in the arena could hear it.
It has now reached the point where it is painfully obvious that there is something wrong here. I'm not going to speculate as to what might have happened behind the scenes, or if someone on either side has a grudge they are not willing to let go of. I simply don't know. That is why I am making this post. It should also be noted that Tonelli was the last Islander to be introduced during the ceremony, and I was also told that he showed up at the last minute (which may very well be a rumor, but if true, would not be surprising).
Nystrom, Bossy, Trottier, Potvin, Arbour, Torrey, Goring - these guys are all celebrated, and are frequently trotted out to recall the glories of years past - in particular Nystrom and Bossy. Nothing against Nystrom, but Tonelli was clearly a better player than Nystrom. Let's not forget that the iconic Cup-winning goal in 1980 was not just "Nystrom," it was "Tonelli to Nystrom."
Another thing that is beyond debate is that the Islanders would not have won four straight cups without Tonelli. He was an excellent player. Perhaps his most important accomplishment/moment was on April 13, 1982, when he rescued the Islanders' third cup run from what would have been a disastrous and shocking loss to the Penguins in the 1st round of the playoffs that year. In the deciding game five, Tonelli assisted on Mike McEwen's goal to close within 3-2 with just over five minutes remaing, then Tonelli scored the tying goal with just over two minutes remaining. Finally, he capped it off with the overtime winner to win the series. That is as good as it gets. That is also undeniably one of the most important moments of the dynasty.
Specific moments aside, Tonelli's Islander career was consistently brilliant. He was not a good Islander, he was a great Islander. In his eight seasons as an Islander, his point totals were: 56, 44, 52, 93, 71, 67, 100, 61. Let's not forget his outstanding and clutch point contributions during the four Cup years: 16,13, 16, 18.
I don't need to go on because this post could get much longer than it already is and I've made my point.
I look forward to any comments, insight, or otherwise on this pressing issue.
Now, to the matter at hand:
I haven't posted anything on an internet message board in years, so this feels odd for me, but this topic has bothered me enough that I now feel compelled to post here in an effort to get answers from fellow Islander fans who might be able to help.
The purpose of this thread is twofold: (1) to draw attention to the disgraceful fact that John Tonelli's # is not retired, and (2) to get answers as to why.
The question is: why is John Tonelli's # not retired? This is embarrassing. This has troubled me more and more over the last few years as I watched other notable Isles greats being honored with their banners raised to the rafters.
Yesterday, my curiosity/outrage on this matter only came to a head, when Tonelli made a rare appearance at the Coliseum at the "Core of the Four" celebration. It was like a sighting of a very rare endangered species. It's just not something you see at the Coliseum.
People in my section, including my Dad (who is just as baffled by the Tonelli issue) were openly wondering what the deal is with Tonelli. Seeing him only increased the speculation. Then, a guy sitting behind us vocalized (very loudly) what we were all thinking - "RETIRE HIS NUMBER!!!" This guy screamed this at the top of his powerful lungs when Tonelli was introduced, and everyone in the arena could hear it.
It has now reached the point where it is painfully obvious that there is something wrong here. I'm not going to speculate as to what might have happened behind the scenes, or if someone on either side has a grudge they are not willing to let go of. I simply don't know. That is why I am making this post. It should also be noted that Tonelli was the last Islander to be introduced during the ceremony, and I was also told that he showed up at the last minute (which may very well be a rumor, but if true, would not be surprising).
Nystrom, Bossy, Trottier, Potvin, Arbour, Torrey, Goring - these guys are all celebrated, and are frequently trotted out to recall the glories of years past - in particular Nystrom and Bossy. Nothing against Nystrom, but Tonelli was clearly a better player than Nystrom. Let's not forget that the iconic Cup-winning goal in 1980 was not just "Nystrom," it was "Tonelli to Nystrom."
Another thing that is beyond debate is that the Islanders would not have won four straight cups without Tonelli. He was an excellent player. Perhaps his most important accomplishment/moment was on April 13, 1982, when he rescued the Islanders' third cup run from what would have been a disastrous and shocking loss to the Penguins in the 1st round of the playoffs that year. In the deciding game five, Tonelli assisted on Mike McEwen's goal to close within 3-2 with just over five minutes remaing, then Tonelli scored the tying goal with just over two minutes remaining. Finally, he capped it off with the overtime winner to win the series. That is as good as it gets. That is also undeniably one of the most important moments of the dynasty.
Specific moments aside, Tonelli's Islander career was consistently brilliant. He was not a good Islander, he was a great Islander. In his eight seasons as an Islander, his point totals were: 56, 44, 52, 93, 71, 67, 100, 61. Let's not forget his outstanding and clutch point contributions during the four Cup years: 16,13, 16, 18.
I don't need to go on because this post could get much longer than it already is and I've made my point.
I look forward to any comments, insight, or otherwise on this pressing issue.
). 
