In the 2005-06 season, the New York Islanders recorded their lowest fight total since the 2001-02 season, with 31. With the likes of Eric Cairns now in Pittsburgh, the load fell on the shoulders of Eric Godard. While Godard was taking on the Orr's and McGrattan's of the world, it was expected of Arron Asham to take on the smaller guys. Halfway through the season a rookie named Kevin Colley was brought up and brought a certain fire to the team that kept him in the lineup until he was forced to retire due to a horrible injury. With Colley retired, and both Godard and Asham hurt, the team turned to mid-season acquisition; John Erskine to carry the load. But as a result of something now known as the "New NHL." the need for an enforcer has diminished greatly.

Both Godard and Erskine are playing for new teams in the American Hockey League and Kevin Colley is retired. Only Asham remains. When the Islanders scoured the free agent market in the offseason they targeted players that would not only provide a sense of toughness, but also some veteran leadership for the younger guys on the team. They were looking for some players who could set an example for the rest of the squad and make a mark if need be in the tough Eastern Conference.

Enter Brenden Witt. Witt had been on the Isalnders radar for a few years now. He was sought in trades for the past few years. He signed on as a free agent to bolster the defense and provide the type of play that was once held by the likes of Eric Cairns and John Erskine. His main role is to keep the larger players out from in front of the net and prevent scoring chances in amongst large scrums in front of his goaltender.

Witt has been given the "A" as assistant captain. His veteran leadership as well as his reputaition for playing hard in front of his net will hopefully keep players from crashing the net. His aggressive style of play may lead to a few penalties but should draw a few as well. Witt is not afraid to drop the gloves as he did seven times last season; including a fight with Arron Asham in the first week of the season last year. Witt made an impact last season with teh Capitals but was traded at the deadline last season over to Nashville to provide toughness ofr the Predators. He won over the crowd with his style of play and made news when he got into a fight with Scott Parker of the San Jose Sharks in which the fight took place on the bench..

With Witt on board, it was evident that Erskine would be not re-signed. Erskine ended up signing with the Capitals and sent to Hershey of the AHL. Eric Godard was also not brought back and signed with the Flames. With Godard gone, the fans wondered if the role of enforcer was going by the wayside. There was no one in the system who could fill that role. The team reached out to a player that they knew all too well; Chris SImon.

Simon was hated by the Islander fans when he played for the Rangers a few years ago. He returned to the Colesium last season and got into two scraps with both Eric Godard and John Erskine. Although he did not fair well, Simon made his mark playing for the Flames as in a poll by the fans, he was named as the #! and #2 best fights in their top five. Simon has been around for years and really has nothing to prove. Simon brings more to the table than his fists. Simon can score goals. He scored 20 + goals while playing for Washington one year and has played on the power play on most of the teams he has played for in the past. He is a big fan of current Islanders coach, Teddy Nolan and Nolan feels the same about him. Look for Nolan to park Simon in front of the net on the power play. Although Simon is a known tough guy, I believe in this "New NHL" that Simon's fight totals will be way down this season. But I expect him to mix things up when Philly and the rangers come to town.

Arron Asham came off an undefeated campaign in the 03-04 season. Coming into 05-06 it was expected of him to not only raise his fight total from 7 but to totally dominate his opponents as well. Ash showed that fire when he manhandled Flyers rookie Mike Richards early in the season but with the emergance of Colley and a injured hand that nagged him most of the season, Asham's fight totals dropped, thus making his season a disappointment. When Asham cant play his game, he can't be effective.

This Islanders team has grit, but isn;t as tough as it has been the last few years. With Joel Bouchard adding two scraps last season and the aggressive play of Trent Hunter, it's possible that this team could reach the 30 fight plateau this year. Of course this all depends on health, but if all goes well 30 fights should be a no brainer.

The Soundtigers had probably one of the worst season in terms of fighting in all of the AHL last season. Their 18 fights was only better than 2 teams and with Godard and Colley playing with the big club, the fighting numbers dropped. Coming into this season, both the Islanders and the Soundtigers had question marks in the enforcing department. The Islanders went out and signed Brenden Witt and Chris Simon. The Tigers decided to look in he ECHL for some help.

When training camp opened up the team brought in a bunch of guys who could mix it up with anyone in the Eastern Conference. One of those guys ws Brent Henley. Henley was signed from the Phoenix Roadrunners where he recorded 10 fights last season. Henley fought regularly in training camp and picked up a few FM's in the preseason before being sent to the Soundtigers minor league affiliate in Pensacola.

Another guy they brought in was Jason Goulet. Goulet played for teh Oklahoma City Blazers in the CHL last season. There he held down his defense spot while sporting 22 fighting majors. Goulet was invited to Bridgeport's training camp and took on all of the opposing teams hevyweights. Had a few pre season tilts as well, before being sent to Pensacola.

Brandon Cullen was signed from the New York Rangers ECHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. Cullen had 10 fights last season in Charlotte. Cullen showed grit and was one of the last cuts from the Islanders training camp roster. Had a huge fight against Francis Lessard in pre season. Was sent down to Bridgeport but was injured early and has been out for a few weeks. If Cullen comes back to form, he'll be calling the shots down there in Bridgeport.