Lou Lamoriello's rules force Bo Horvat into a big change
New York Islander's General Manager Lou Lamoriello is from the old school. Lamoriello has his strict rules that he expects others to follow. He also has his own set of rules that he follows.
Hockey Insider Elliotte Friedman said this about Lou on an edition of his 32 Thoughts podcast
Some of Lou's Rules are:
-no facial hair (except the in playoffs)
-no long hair (past the collar)
-no jewelry (necklaces/earrings)
-jackets/ties must be worn to games and on the team bus/plane
-no broadcasters/media permitted on the team charter (including team broadcasters)
Players, unless they're veterans or young players just coming up for a few games, aren't typically allowed to wear high numbers. The idea there is that the numbers on the back of jerseys need to be close together for unity. A high number like No. 70 is just too much individuality. Two exceptions are Casey Cizikas (#53) pre-dates Lamoriello with the Islanders, Jean-Gabriel Pageau (#44) was allowed to keep his number from Ottawa.
Upon his arrival in New York, Horvat was forced take upon a new number to fit under Lou's rules.
Enforcing rules is a good way to find out where those who answer to you stand. If they follow the rules, they will stick with you through thick and thin, even when you're wrong. Unfortunately those same rules are why players also avoid playing in Lou's system, choosing that being treated like military men or children, isn't for them.
| POLL | ||
Do you think the Islanders make the playoffs? | ||
| Yes, huge second half to get in | 10 | 20 % |
| No, still not enough scoring even with Horvat | 40 | 80 % |
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