Islanders opening training camp practices, morning skates to select season-ticket subscribers

The Islanders continue to unveil much more of an open-door policy than they’ve had in the past.

Registration opened this week to select season-ticket subscribers for access to training camp practices and morning skates at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow.

It continues an organizational initiative of increased fan access that has been a significant change in the transition from former president/general manager Lou Lamoriello to new GM and executive vice president Mathieu Darche.

Lamoriello, a Hall of Fame executive, preferred more secretive ways to prevent any leaks of information. He also limited in-season outside access to current players in terms of fan access or community visits because Lamoriello wanted to eliminate any distractions.

But the Islanders want to create a new business model of attracting the fanbase by giving it more in-person opportunities with the current team, not just alumni events.

It started with a well-attended draft party at UBS Arena on June 27 as an estimated crowd of 10,000 gathered to watch the Islanders take defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the first overall pick.

It continued throughout the following week’s summer prospect development camp as the stands were packed at the Islanders’ practice facility for three training sessions and one intrasquad scrimmage.

There have already also been events at Top Golf and Dave & Buster’s.

Also planned, in addition to the upcoming training camp and morning skate access, are question-and-answer sessions with Darche.

Fans must sign up for the new Isles 365 season-ticket subscriber program to gain the insider access.

By Andrew Gross

andrew.gross@newsday.comAGrossNewsday

Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.