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Weird Islanders: The Podcast! – Episode 92 – Dennis Seidenberg (with guest Harold Griffin of Koyo)

Punk musician Harold Griffin of Long Island band Koyo joined *Weird Islanders* to discuss the unlikely but impactful tenure of veteran defenseman Dennis Seidenberg with the New York Islanders. After a seven-year run with the Boston Bruins—culminating in a Stanley Cup win—Seidenberg was bought out at age 34, only to resurface with the Isles in 2017.

His one-year deal followed a standout performance for Team Europe at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, where his experience proved pivotal for a young Islanders squad. Though injuries cut short his second season, Seidenberg’s first year with the team was marked by steady play, including a long-range goal against the Ottawa Senators during his Bruins days and a clutch tally in a late-season loss to the Montreal Canadiens at Barclays Center.

Beyond his on-ice contributions, Seidenberg’s off-ice role as a landlord to a rising Islander star added a quirky chapter to his legacy in Long Island sports culture. Griffin also shared stories of Koyo’s connection to the Islanders, including playful clashes with Canadian fans over team merchandise during tours.

The band’s December 2023 Brooklyn show at Warsaw marks their latest stop in a career intertwined with the team’s offbeat charm.

Seidenberg’s career path—from a first NHL goal against the Phoenix Coyotes (the team that later traded for him) to his retirement in 2019—reflects a blend of resilience and serendipity. His brief but memorable stint with the Isles, paired with his unexpected post-playing role, cements his place as one of the franchise’s most unconventional figures.

Meanwhile, Koyo’s music and Griffin’s anecdotes offer a fresh perspective on how sports and local culture shape Long Island’s identity, even beyond the rink.

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