Schwartz: Islanders Fans To Get Chance To Meet 4 Of Their Heroes

By Peter Schwartz
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This is a pretty important week for the Islanders as they continue their playoff push.

As they continue to battle for a postseason berth, fans will get a chance to take a deep breath from sitting on the edge of their chairs on Wednsday night and enjoy a very special meet and greet event with four players signing autographs at the Dave & Buster's in Westbury, Long Island.

Defensman Travis Hamonic, goalie Thomas Greiss, left wing Brock Nelson and the newest Islander, center Shane Prince, will be on hand for the latest event presented by Lifestyle Authentics, a division of Lifestyle Sports Group and an official partner of the Islanders.

Last month, an event with the Islanders' "fourth line" of Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck drew a huge crowd, and there could be a repeat of that Sunday.

"I certainly would expect it based on the lineup we have," said Lifestyle founder and CEO Jared Gladstone.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m. with a VIP pre-party that includes a lunch buffet, a $10 Dave & Busters game card, a professional photo opportunity with the players with the photo printed out and signed by all of them, as well as another autograph from all four players. The general signing is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with fans having the opportunity to get one autograph from all four players.

At these events, Lifestyle likes to give the fans a little something extra than what you see at many other autograph signings. Over the years, the Islanders have had player appearances at their team store and other locations, but this event is a little different.

Lifestyle receives feedback from the fans as to what players they would like to meet and then they put on a meet and greet that is more than just an autograph.

"My team and I are always thinking of ways to connect the players and the fans and get the most value for it," said Gladstone. "Our motto is Fans First. We listen to the fans. We want to create an opportunity for the fans to interact with the players they want the most."

These events are all about the fans and having a chance to enjoy some food and fun while also meeting some of their favorite players. But while the fans are the ones benefiting from these special opportunities, the players are also having some fun meeting the people who cheer them on at Barclays Center.

"These players understand that it's the fans that make the game what it is and that they come and support them every time they can," said Gladstone. "It is certainly humbling for them to see the fans come out and leave with smiles after meeting them."

It's always special for a fan to meet a player from one of their favorite teams. It's a chance to enjoy a few moments with someone they cheer for, ask a question or two and take that memory home with them. In this case, Islanders fans will get that chance to meet four players as the race for the playoffs heats up.

Lifestyle Authentics has been able to put together some incredible Islanders events dating back to last season's "Coliseum Conversation." Sunday's event figures to be much of the same with four players along with some food and fun for the fans.

For ticket information, visit LifestyleAuthentic.com or call 888-944-9554.

Don't forget to follow Peter on Twitter @pschwartzcbsfan. You can also follow @LifestyleAuthen, @lifestyleseg and @NYIslanders.