Joined again by their friend Sab, Mike and Dan remember Josef Vašíček, the big, versatile, likeable center who left us far too early in the Lokomotiv airplane disaster.
Vašíček only spent one season on Long Island, but he made a lot of fans in that short time, bringing goals and a big smile to a patchwork team about to enter a full rebuild. In Al Arbour’s historic return game, it was Vašíček who led the Islanders to a victory in front of a packed house and the legendary coach. In a season that isn’t
fondly remembered or marked by consistency, Big Joe was one of the team’s most reliable players.
Years before that, he made his reputation playing for the Hurricanes at both their bizarre beginnings and in their best seasons. He was part of their Stanley Cup finals team in 2002 and, after a quick jaunt to Nashville, was on their championship team in 2006. As usual, Vašíček contributed positively on the ice, even if it wasn’t with a goal or an assist.
Following his time with the Islanders, he signed on with the nascent KHL so that he could play closer to his home in Slovakia. Even there, he helped lead Lokomotiv to the first Gagarin Cup finals and proved he could win anywhere. Tragically, in September of 2011, Vašíček died as the team’s plane crashed soon after take-off, killing 44 passengers. The shocking loss of life still reverberates to this day, especially for those of us who were fans of the many players on board, including and especially Josef Vašíček.
Sab tells us about his memories of and connection to Vašíček through the years, including some rare personal stories that might be forgotten. As always, we thank him for coming on and for his invaluable YouTube channel, which is packed to the gills with Islanders history.
To hear more of our conversation with Sab about Lou, Kashawn Aitcheson and other topics, head over to our Patreon and sign up for the Country Club tier to access our latest Weird Islanders Extra! bonus podcast.
WEIRD BONUS MATERIAL
- Vašíček was an important player in the early history of the Carolina Hurricanes, helping the franchise break out of the shadow of the Hartford Whalers. In both their Stanley Cup runs of the early 2000’s, he played a vital role as a checker and occasional scorer, and is well remembered among fans and writers.
- The versatile (and large) Vašíček was just what GM Garth Snow and coach Ted Nolan wanted for the 07-08 Islanders.
- Vašíček had a great game on November 3, 2007 against the Penguins, which was Al Arbour’s 1500th game behind the Islanders bench:
- Here’s the post game ceremony for the coach and his new banner
- Vašíček also had two points, including an assist on Trent Hunter’s overtime winner, in an eventful (aka bonkers) game in Atlanta against the Thrashers in February of 2008.
- “Big Joe” was well-liked everywhere he played and left an impression. Here’s the Kraft Hockeyville video Sab mentioned, where Vašíček met up with some friends from an old stomping ground.
- He brought all of those skills to Yaroslavl Lokomotiv of the KHL and became a leader on the ice as well as they went to the first Gagarin Cup finals.
- On Sept. 7, 2011, a plane carrying the Yaroslavl Lokomotiv KHL team crashed soon after takeoff. Among the 44 people aboard who died were NHLers Vašíček, Pavol Demitra, Karel Rachunek, Karlis Skrastins, Ruslan Salei, Igor Korolev and former Islanders Alexander Karpovsev and assistant coach Brad McCrimmon. It was an unspeakable tragedy then and now. What started out as confusing became a time of great sadness and reflection for those left in its wake.
- Here’s a video of various Vašíček highlights from his one season as an Islander. The big center often made it look too easy.
What makes a “Weird Islander?”
We’re always open to suggestions about other Weird Islanders to discuss. Remember the criteria. Candidates must fulfill one of the two of the following:
- Played one (1) season or less for the Islanders or very short stints over multiple seasons.
- Be a veteran NHLer who is not generally associated with his time on Islanders.
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