It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

In this episode, Chris and Joe dig into the most revealing comments yet from Islanders president of business operations Kelly Cheeseman, following his recent interview with Newsday.

Just weeks into the job, Cheeseman, who categorized himself as “a builder,” has already identified the core challenge facing the franchise off the ice: how to grow a fanbase that is aging, overly concentrated on Long Island, and increasingly sensitive to the full game-day cost of attending games at UBS Arena.

The conversation goes beyond the usual “just win more” debate. Chris and Joe explore whether success on the ice is enough on its own, or if the Islanders are finally taking calculated risks to expand their visibility across Queens, Brooklyn, and younger demographics. From parking headaches and transportation access to ticket pricing and perceived value, they break down the real barriers preventing casual fans from becoming regulars — and what Cheeseman can realistically change in the short and long term.

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL).

We’re back with our first episode during the 2025-26 season, which was our first opportunity to verbally marvel at what Matthew Schaefer has done on and off the ice for the team and the franchise. Chris and Joe discuss what’s impressed them the most about his media persona. Later, the importance of Ilya Sorokin, the Islanders’ balanced scoring attack led by Bo Horvat’s hot stick, and the initial impact of Mathieu Darche’s summer acquisitions.

Later, Chris shares his perspective on Mathew Barzal being disciplined for missing the team bus (and yes, it has happened to other Islanders before, but maybe not so publicly) and what Kelly Cheeseman means for the business of the Islanders as their President of Business Operations.

It’s a Quick Fix featuring Joe Buono (@IslesFix) and former VP of Communications for the Islanders, Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL). Chris and Joe are back to set the stage for the upcoming 2025-26 season following a successful Islanders’ summer that saw the team undergo a rapid culture reboot with Mathieu Darche as GM. There’s a new behind-the-scenes docuseries, alternate game broadcasts, player access to new media, and more to come.

They discuss how wins and losses may not define this season, but rather player development and building towards something better and more sustainable under Darche’s hybrid approach, which strategically retools the team while keeping all options on the table moving forward.

Plus, we talk about Pat LaFontaine finally getting the nod to be inducted into the Islanders Hall of Fame, the broadcast about-face that has Alan Fuehring behind the mic, and a whole lot more.