Islanders fans should remember Kevin Colley. His tenure in the NHL was short, playing only 16 games during the 2005-2006 season proudly wearing the blue and orange until one shift on the ice changed his life.

A pinball-type player, the New Haven, Connecticut native played the game with emotion. Not a finesse guy, he was a crash and banger who survived seven seasons in the AHL. He played much bigger than his 5’10” 175 pound frame, occasionally fighting guys bigger and stronger but always sticking his nose in, gaining the respect of his teammates. His tenacity led him to become a fan favorite and eventually the captain of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the Islanders minor league affiliate. One night facing the Washington Capitals, skating a shift like thousands of others, Colley chased the puck into the corner and was hit from behind by ex-Isle Jamie Heward in a clean but freakish play at the Coliseum.

He didn’t get up at first and, after a few minutes, those watching on TV and at the Coliseum knew something was wrong. Colley was eventually helped to his feet by his teammates but refused to be carried off the ice in a stretcher. He was brought to the far end door that leads to the Islanders dressing room. Not the one that was only a few feet away.

Colley sustained a broken neck and had to have two pins, two plates, and eight screws inserted, limiting him to half his range of motion. Doctors told him he was lucky, but his playing days were over.

Last week — two seasons later — Colley now 28, dropped the puck for the ceremonial face off at the October 12 Sound Tigers home opener. He participated in an autograph session after the game where he received praise and well wishes.

As with his play on the ice, he continues to move forward, now working as an assistant coach for the Utah Grizzlies, the Islanders ECHL affiliate. Colley will try to convey his never give up attitude to young players in the Islanders system. If his coaching style is anything like his game in his abbreviated career, we’ll be seeing Colley behind the NHL bench in the not too distant future.