Hapless Islanders

The Story Behind the New York Islanders' Infamous 1972-73 Season

By: Greg Prato

Narrated by: Greg Prato

There have been few seasons by a professional sports team as bad as the New York Islanders' inaugural 1972-73 season. However, the lessons learned on and off the ice served as a crucial building block for the team's quick turnaround. And eventual, dynasty. 'Hapless Islanders' is the first-ever book to thoroughly study this era of the team, mixing brand new interviews with those directly involved, along with archival material. And also, serving as a study of the rough n' tough playing style of the NHL at the time, Long Island history, plus, the early '70s in general.

©2024 Greg Prato Writer, Corp. (P)2024 Greg Prato Writer, Corp.

Critic reviews

"Having covered hockey for more than a half-century, I've become accustomed to reading high-quality books about the ice game. Greg Prato's original work, 'Dynasty,' proved to be one of the very best, most comprehensive histories of the Islanders ever written. I doubted that he could follow that work with another winner. But 'Hapless Islanders' proves that Prato is a hockey historian blessed with a deluxe style when it comes to telling a good story. Bravo – again!" –STAN FISCHLER, 2024

What a charming mess!

Everything starts somewhere, and the most ridiculously successful American hockey team in the modern era has an auspicious beginning, to say the least. The 19 straight playoff series winning New York Islanders didn't win their 19th game as a franchise until well into their second season, and the building blocks for success may have still been in grade school at this hysterically early point in their history. The under documented beginning of the Islander franchise is told through the people who were a part of both the problems and eventually, the solutions. The author tells the story in a bright, breezy fashion with no stone unturned. Whether it's fights on the ice, in the front office or on the front lawn, they all play a role in one of the great runs in sports that really hasn't been talked about. If you're a fan of the team, the sport, or just are fascinated by how difficult it was to start a franchise in the rollicking 1970's, this story is for you.
I've had the pleasure of reading and listening to several of the author's works, and this one has taken the top spot now. At under six hours, it's not a cumbersomen listen at all, and the oral history concept allows you to envision the talking head-style while just relaxing, driving or doing stuff around the house. I can promise you; you won't be bored!