Isles Fix Podcast Network

1d ago

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). In this episode, Chris and Joe dig into the most revealing comments yet from Islanders president of business operations Kelly Cheeseman, following his recent interview with Newsday . Just weeks into the job, Cheeseman, who categorized himself as “a builder,” has already identified the core challenge facing the franchise off the ice: how to grow a fanbase that is aging, overly concentrated on Long Island, and increasingly sensitive to the full game-day cost of attending games at UBS Arena. The conversation goes beyond the usual “just win more” debate. Chris and Joe explore whether success on the ice is enough on its own, or if the Islanders are finally taking calculated risks to expand their visibility across Queens, Brooklyn, and younger demographics. From parking headaches and transportation access to ticket pricing and perceived value, they break down the real barriers preventing casual fans from becoming regulars—and what Cheeseman can realistically change in the short- and long-term. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 12

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). We’re back with our first episode during the 2025-26 season, which was our first opportunity to verbally marvel at what Matthew Schaefer has done on and off the ice for the team and the franchise. Chris and Joe discuss what’s impressed them the most about his media persona. Later, the importance of Ilya Soroki n, the Islanders’ balanced scoring attack led by Bo Horvat’s hot stick, and the initial impact of Mathieu Darche’s summer acquisitions. Later, Chris shares his perspective on Mathew Barzal being disciplined for missing the team bus (and yes, it has happened to other Islanders before, but maybe not so publicly) and what Kelly Cheeseman means for the business of the Islanders as their President of Business Operations. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 7

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). Chris and Joe are back to set the stage for the upcoming 2025-26 season following a successful Islanders’ summer that saw the team undergo a rapid culture reboot with Mathieu Darche as GM. There’s a new behind-the-scenes docuseries, alternate game broadcasts, player access to new media, and more to come. They discuss how wins and losses may not define this season, but rather player development and building towards something better and more sustainable under Darche’s hybrid approach, which strategically retools the team while keeping all options on the table moving forward. Plus, we talk about Pat LaFontaine finally getting the nod to be inducted into the Islanders Hall of Fame, the broadcast about-face that has Alan Fuehring behind the mic, and a whole lot more. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

Jun 27

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). Chris and Joe are back to set the stage for what is set to be a seminal moment in the history of the New York Islanders . The consensus is that the Isles will select defenseman Matthew Schaefer , the consensus pick, with the top pick. That should and will be enough to make it a night of celebration for the franchise, but the weeks-long buzz about what else the Islanders may do to trade back into the 1st round or make a roster-shaking move looms as well. There will be nothing to be disappointed about if the Islanders “only” take Schaefer and then enjoy the Draft Party at UBS Arena, but the fans have been primed for something else. Whether that happens tomorrow or in the days that follow will quickly fill the void of no longer having the anticipation of pick No.1. Plus, we talk about the evaluation phase of Mathieu Darche’s first few weeks on the job and the tricky contract negotiation he faces with Noah Dobson that may lead to a homegrown defenseman being on the move. Also, lessons from past drafts, and Chris shares memories of the days that led up to Mike Milbury’s big gamble 25 years ago in drafting Rick DiPietro . Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

May 29

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Mathieu Darche made a good one on fans Thursday morning as John Collins formally introduced him as the team’s new GM and Executive VP in a rare pomp and circumstance event for the organization. Chris and Joe discuss Darche's definitive answers in his media debut, including the biggest one: Patrick Roy will return, but this time, he will be able to choose his own staff. There are also big changes coming to Bridgeport, with a renewed emphasis on a winning environment for the team’s AHL affiliate. We discuss Chris Lamoriello’s still undecided future, Darche’s view on having the 1st pick in the draft, and the extent of the changes we should see this summer. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

May 23

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). Our national (Long Island) wait is over. On Friday afternoon, the Islanders named Mathieu Darche their General Manager and Executive Vice President after a one-month search for Lou Lamoriello’s replacement. “Mathieu is the perfect choice to lead our hockey operations,” Operating Partner John Collins said. “He will be given every resource available to put the Islanders first-in-class on the ice, with our business initiatives, and in the community.” The Islanders notably stated, “will manage all aspects of the team’s hockey operations” after being granted permission to speak to Brendan Shanahan earlier this week. Newsday beat reporter Andrew Gross later posted that the Islanders will not hire anyone above Darche. The former Tampa Bay assistant GM brings an eclectic background in hockey and business that fits the moment for the Islanders and the ownership group. It’s a new era on Long Island. We’ll see where and how far this one takes us. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

May 22

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). The Islanders’ search for Lou Lamoriello’s replacement(s) has reached the one-month mark and continues to evolve. On Thursday, the team got permission from the Maple Leafs to speak to team president Brendan Shanahan . The Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) is holding a board meeting on Thursday, and Shanahan’s future is expected to be on the agenda. Meanwhile, Marc Bergevin and Mathieu Darche reportedly had their second interviews, but they are holding a pattern as John Collins and the rest of the Isles’ brass gauge Shanahan’s interest in coming to Long Island. The search has been anything but boring, and it continues to unfold. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe

May 15

It's a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix), joined by senior prospects writer for The Athletic , Corey Pronman (@coreypronman), to break down the top prospects in the 2025 NHL Draft Class and what the Islanders should do with the No. 1 overall pick. Corey explains why James Hagens dropped from being his top prospect last year after his freshman year at Boston College. Is there any argument for the Islanders to take him with the first pick? Plus, how did Mathew Schaefer rise to the consensus top overall pick after only 17 OHL games this season, and did Michael Misa’s massive goal-scoring season make him the top forward in the class? We also spend time on Cole Eiserman , Cal Ritchie , and other Islanders prospects that have the Islanders prospect rankings rising for the first time in years. Get full access to Isles Fix at islesfix.substack.com/subscribe