Edwin Vernon Westfall is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Boston Bruins and New York Islanders from 1961 until 1979. Notable as a defensive specialist often tasked with defending against the star scorers of opposing teams, Westfall played most of his career as a right wing, although he played stints on defence in his earlier years and at centre in his later years. After his playing career ended, he became a color commentator on Islanders' broadcasts until 1998 when he retired from that position.
Westfall with the Boston Bruins in 1963
Westfall at TD Garden in 2010
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference, and play their home games at UBS Arena. The Islanders are one of three NHL franchises in the New York metropolitan area, along with the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers, and their fanbase resides primarily on Long Island.
William Shea played a major role in bringing a hockey team to Long Island.
Denis Potvin led the Islanders to playoff success in the 1970s and 1980s.
Mike Bossy was selected with the 15th overall pick in 1977 and became the third Islander to win the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Before the 1980 playoffs, the Islanders acquired Butch Goring from the Los Angeles Kings. Goring's arrival was often called the "final piece of the puzzle."