parades of champions

The song "I Love A Parade" -- words and music by Ted Koehler and Harold Arlen -- never sounded better than in the days following each of the four Islanders Stanley Cup victories.

As the open cars carrying the champions rolled along Hempstead Turnpike thousands upon thousands of fans flanked the procession of automobiles carrying the players and The Stanley Cup.

It was vintage Homespun Long Island in every way, including mounted police and a fire engine with its siren sounding a salute.

The first trip in 1980 took the team in a circle around Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum where a rally was held. "The Islanders really showed who Long Island is," said Kevin Bilski, a delicatessen owner from East Patchogue.

Someone mentioned to goalie Bill Smith that this was the first time a New York City area team had captured the Cup in 40 years. Smitty shot back, "The Stanley Cup is not in New York, it's on Long Island."

The fans never tired of the cavalcade of heroes, but many observers believed that the fourth parade was the best and biggest of them all.

This time motorcycle police rolled along as "wingmen" for the open player convertibles. One of the biggest cheers erupted when Bill Torrey, Al Arbour and Claire Arbour -- Al's wife -- waved to the columns of cheering faithful.

Music was supplied by marching bands including a Scottish troupe proudly drumming and piping in their kilts. It was as stirring as any of the musical tributes.

The festivities included radio broadcasters Barry Landers and his sidekick, former Islander Jean Potvin doing a play by play of the event with another reporter on the run interviewing players.

"I never get tired of these parades," said Smith when his car came to a temporary halt. "This fourth one is as good as the first; maybe even better."

Smitty then lifted a cup, sipped a drink and said, "I'm toasting Islanders fans; the best there is!"

Judging by the outpouring of affection during each of the four Hempstead Turnpike fetes, there was no doubt about that!"