Barry Trotz wants people to listen. That’s what the Islanders coach was doing as NHL players organized a boycott for two days of playoff games as a protest of social injustice.
“I think, probably, listening,” Trotz said on Friday when asked how he defined his and management’s role. “Trying to understand and be supportive. Almost like a parent’s role. Listening is a skill. And this is a good time for everybody to listen. There’s stuff in this world, everybody pretends they understand. But we don’t understand. It’s important to listen.”
Trotz said there were powerful scenes inside the Toronto bubble watching 30-40 players from opposing teams get together, “trying to come up with solutions and understanding and being very supportive.