During their Tuesday off-day, the New York Islanders visited and delivered presents to Children at Northwell Health’s Cohen Children’s Medical Center and other local hospitals to celebrate the holiday season.

The New York Islanders had the day off on Tuesday, and it was for a good cause.

Islanders players headed over to hospitals across Long Island for their annual holiday visits, providing toys and cheer to kids in need.

Team captain Anders Lee is no stranger to the tradition, as he’s been with the Islanders for 12 seasons. 

“It’s just a special day, being able to meet some kids and see some families, hand out some gifts and enjoy each other’s company and get the holiday spirit going," Lee said. 

The tradition has long been a favorite for Islanders’ players, with in-person visits taking years off in 2020 and ‘21 due to the pandemic. With the holidays in full swing, the team is excited to have the opportunity to put smiles on kids’ faces.

“I think it’s one of our favorite events as players,” forward Matt Martin said. “Hand out some gifts, talk to some kids, obviously try to put a smile on their face in trying times.”

Longtime linemate Casey Cizikas agreed with his claim adding, “It’s special. It’s definitely not easy what these kids and these families are going through, especially at this time of year. You want to be with your family, you want to be with your friends. 

"Some of those situations doesn’t allow it to happen, so to be here to celebrate and maybe take it off their minds, even if it’s just a couple of minutes, it’s worth it.”

With the Islanders continuing the commitment, community volunteers are grateful for their contributions. 

When the Islanders visit, Faye Hochheiser, a Child Life Specialist at Northwell, said, “Their faces light up. I heard a couple of comments from some of the staff upstairs that this was the first time the patients smiled in over a week. 

"This is a beautiful gift to our patients and families during this holiday season.”

Judy Burns, a volunteer at the Stony Brook Ronald McDonald House, commended the team for their generosity. 

“I thanked them multiple times for giving up their time to visit these kids,” Burns said. “They said they enjoy doing this.”

The Islanders always try to make the fans at UBS Arena and the one's watching at home smile and cheer with their play on the ice. 

On Tuesday, they provided that away from the rink, sharing positivity with children and their families during a time when they really needed it.