On Friday evening, the New York Islanders held a heartfelt tribute at UBS Arena in honor of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller, who was tragically killed earlier this year. This poignant ceremony came just two days after the shocking acquittal of Diller’s accused murderer on a first-degree murder charge.
The accused, 36-year-old Guy Rivera, faced conviction on other serious counts, including aggravated manslaughter, attempted murder of Detective Diller’s partner, and various weapons offenses.
During the first period’s under-10 TV timeout, public address announcer Alex Anthony commemorated Diller’s life and service. “Today, the Islanders family remembers the life and legacy of NYPD Detective Jonathan Diller,” Anthony announced. “We stand in solidarity with his wife, Stephanie, their son Ryan, and the entire Diller family. Detective Diller will forever remain in our thoughts and hearts.”
Detective Diller, who tragically lost his life in March 2024 during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens, was a devoted fan of the Islanders. His passion for the team was so profound that the priest at his funeral included the Islanders in his prayers.
“I must mention, I believe John would be disappointed if I didn’t say, we also pray for his Islanders today,” Father Michael Duffy remarked during the service.
In April 2024, shortly after Diller’s untimely death, the Islanders held a moment of silence at one of their games and generously donated the proceeds from their 50/50 raffle to support Diller’s family.
Police commissioner Jessica Tisch’s statement following the verdict this week said she was “deeply disappointed” at Reyes’ acquittal for murder.
“I am grateful that he has been convicted on all other counts,” Tisch said. “My hope is that the ultimate sentence in this case will reflect the gravity of his actions, and the profound loss he caused for Stephanie, Ryan, the Diller family, the NYPD, and the entire city of New York.”
Simon Holmstrom returned from the upper-body injury that kept him out of Tuesday’s match in Buffalo, with Anthony Duclair coming out of the lineup as a healthy scratch.
The Islanders returned to the same lines they’d been using prior to that game, with Holmstrom, JG Pageau and Ondrej Palat on the third line and Cal Ritchie, Brayden Schenn and Mat Barzal as the second line.
Tony DeAngelo skated on his own Friday morning before the Islanders held an optional skate. Roy said it was not his first time on the ice since suffering a lower-body injury.
It was yet to be decided whether DeAngelo would go to Carolina on Saturday when Roy spoke to reporters Friday morning.
