While many consider Labor Day weekend the end of the summer, the official final weekend of summer kicked off this Saturday at Nassau Coliseum as tickets to individual Islanders games went on sale to the general public.

With more of a festival feel than a sales event, the Islanders welcomed some of their most dedicated fans by bringing some special guests and providing extra entertainment.

Freddy Meyer, Chris Campoli and Frans Nielsen were on hand to greet fans, many of whom gobbled up some of the hottest tickets on the schedule, including Opening Night against the St. Louis Blues and the three Rangers contests.

"We are going to buy tickets to the home opener today," said seven-year-old Melissa from Massapequa. "Me and my dad are excited to go. My favorite player is Mike Comrie."

Comrie may not have been at the event on Saturday, but the trio of Meyer, Campoli and Nielsen enjoyed themselves as they spoke to fans, some of whom waited for hours in order to buy the best seats available.

"We can't say enough about our fans, who are some of the most enthusiastic in the NHL," said Campoli. "The whole team is getting excited for Training Camp and the start of the season."

Adding to the fun were Sparky and the Ice Girls, who provided free coffee and donuts for the devoted early risers. The Islanders RV also rolled in with video games for the youngsters in the crowd.

"We got the tickets we wanted and got to meet some of the players and ice girls," said 11-year-old Bobby from Floral Park. "I’m very excited for the season. Let's go Islanders!"

Individual tickets are on sale now at the Nassau Coliseum box office, the Islanders Team Store at the Broadway Mall in Hicksville, Ticketmaster, or charge-by-phone by calling 631-888-9000.


Click here to watch IslandersTV video of Steve Mears' analysis of the 2008-09 schedule.