Josh Bailey

2007-08 OHL Highlights

* Named second star with a goal (PP) in 5-3 win at London Knights September 27, 2007
* Named second star with 2 assists in 4-1 win vs. London Knights October 8, 2007
* Named first star with a goal (PP) & an assist in 5-2 win vs. Guelph Storm October 11, 2007
* Named first star with a goal (PP) & 2 assists in 6-0 win vs. Niagra IceDogs October 25, 2007
* Named first star with a goal (PP & GW) & 2 assists in 3-1 win vs. Peterborough Petes Nov. 23, 2007
* Named third star with 2 assists in 4-2 win at Sudbury Wolves December 2, 2007
* Named first star with a goal & 2 assists in 6-5 OT loss vs. Kitchener Rangers December 13, 2007
* Named second star with a goal (GW) & an assist in 6-2 win at London Knights December 28, 2007
* Named second star with a goal in 3-1 loss at Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds December 29, 2007
* Named first star with a goal, an assist & SO goal in 4-3 SO loss vs. Guelph Storm January 17, 2008
* Named first star with 3 goals & 2 assists in 10-2 win vs. Plymouth Whalers January 20, 2008
* Named third star with 3 assists in 5-1 win vs. Sarnia Sting February 7, 2008
* Named first star with 3 goals & an assist in 7-2 win at Oshawa Generals February 10, 2008
* Named second star with a goal & 2 assists in 6-5 OT loss at Sarnia Sting March 7, 2008
* Named third star with 2 goals (EN) & an assist in 5-3 win vs. Plymouth Whalers March 11, 2008

Playoffs
* Named first star with 3 assists in 4-2 win vs. Sarnia Sting March 23, 2008, Game 3

2006-07 OHL Highlights

Owen Sound
* Named first star with a goal & 3 assists in 5-2 win at London Knights October 20, 2006
* Named first star with 5 goals (SH, GW, 4 straight) in 8-4 win at Erie Otters October 28, 2006
* Named third star with 3 goals (PP, SH, GW) & an assist in 9-5 win at Oshawa Generals Nov. 3, 2006

Windsor
* Named first star with 2 goals in 4-3 win vs. Saginaw Spirit December 29, 2006
* Named third star with 2 assists in 4-3 win at Peterborough Petes January 20, 2007
* Named third star with 2 goals (PP) in 5-3 win at Erie Otters March 2, 2007

2005-06 OHL Highlights

* First OHL goal in 8-1 win vs. London Knights September 24, 2005
* Named third star with a goal (PP) & 2 assists in 5-4 win vs. Sarnia Sting November 12, 2005

Bailey's return not in cards
by Jim Parker, Windsor Star, February 28, 2009

Windsor Spitfires fans can put to rest any hope that centre Josh Bailey will be returned to the team by the New York Islanders.

The Islanders have until Wednesday's NHL trade deadline to assign the 19-year-old Bailey to Windsor and rumours were burning Thursday that that was about to happen.

Sportsnet reported on its Toronto Maple Leafs broadcast that Islanders general manager Garth Snow had been talking to Windsor general manager Warren Rychel about Bailey's return.

"There's zero chance," Spitfires head coach Bob Boughner said Friday.

Rychel has not been in contact with Snow and said he's not expecting a call.

"We've been down this path," Rychel said. "There was a time when we thought there was a small chance, but we've come to the realization that he won't be back."

Sitting last in the NHL, the Islanders will see their season end April 12 and, because Bailey is an underage player, he can't be sent to the American Hockey League.

Logic would say a trip back to Windsor would extend Bailey's season where the club is expected to make a long playoff run.

However, the Spitfires have just seven regular-season games left and even a long playoff run would not extend Bailey's season much beyond the 21 games the Islanders have left.

As well, the Islanders want the 191-pound Bailey to rest up and bulk up before the start of next season.

"He won't be here, but it's not from a lack of us not trying," Rychel said.

Bailey donates time to good cause
Windsor Star, February 27, 2009

Former Windsor Spitfire Josh Bailey of the New York Islanders is among 28 players from 25 different National Hockey League teams who will be participating in the Donation For Minutes Weekend to raise funds for the international humanitarian organization Right To Play, which provides facilities, equipment and training for coaches in 23 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America.

Each participant is donating funds based on minutes played and honouring a coach or role model that impacted their life as part of the weekend celebration.

Bailey, who will donate based on the minutes he plays in Saturday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, has designated former Spitfires captain Mickey Renaud, who died last year, as his role model.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Dominic Moore, who will donate money based on the minutes he plays in Saturday’s game against the Ottawa Senators, has designated former Leafs defenceman Brad Selwood of Leamington as his role model.

Bailey to drop puck tonight
by Jim Parker, Windsor Star, January 22, 2009

Centre Josh Bailey is returning to Windsor tonight.

No, the New York Islanders aren't returning their first-round pick to the Spitfires.

With the NHL on its All-Star break, the 19-year-old Bailey will be at tonight's game against the Sudbury Wolves to catch up with his former team-mates and see the team's new rink.

"I'm really looking forward to it," Bailey said after the Islanders' 2-1 win over Anaheim Wednesday. "I'm really pumped."

Bailey says he'll get into town today and plans to stay through Sunday's game against the Plymouth Whalers.

"He's coming back to see the guys," Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel said.

Bailey is expected to handle the ceremonial puck drop.

"We're very proud of him," Rychel said. "It's great to see Josh back, but we would have liked to have had him back in a Spits uniform."

Bailey back in the picture
Struggling Islanders may send centre back to Spitfires
by Jim Parker, Windsor Star, December 13, 2008

The Windsor Spitfires have not completely closed the Josh Bailey file.

When the New York Islanders informed the Spitfires Nov. 28 that Bailey would be staying in the NHL for the season, the Spitfires quickly moved on.

The 19-year-old Bailey's name came off the lineup sheet in Windsor and Harry Young took over as captain.

But since the announcement, Bailey's ice time has been slipping with the Islanders, who are struggling in the standings.

They've lost five straight and seven of the last eight games.

The night he was told he would stay, Bailey played a season-high 19 minutes and 50 seconds. He hasn't come close to that time since and Thursday he saw a season-low 12 minutes and four seconds of actions in a 9-2 pounding by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Those are numbers that aren't lost on Spitfires GM Warren Rychel.

"We haven't talked since we were told he would be there," Rychel said.

There is still a window for the Islanders to send Bailey back to the Spitfires, but it must be before Jan. 10 according to Rychel.

If Bailey plays more than 40 games this season with the Islanders, he's a year closer to unrestricted free agency.

If Bailey is returned to Windsor before playing 40 NHL games, the Islanders would lose one year on his entry-level contract.

However, Bailey would not be a year closer to unrestricted free agency.

With the Islanders going nowhere in the standings and Bailey not a major factor in the team making or not making the playoffs, a trip back to Windsor might be a benefit to his development.

He would easily see more than 30 minutes of action a game and play both special teams while being a key factor in the club's bid for a league title and berth in the Memorial Cup.

"Maybe there's a situation down the road where we could get him, but we'll just have to wait and see," Rychel said.

Bailey wishes Spitfires success
Islanders forward plans Windsor visit
by Jim Parker, Windsor Star, December 1, 2008

Josh Bailey will be back in town even if it isn't as a member of the Windsor Spitfires.

The New York Islanders made it official Saturday that the 19-year-old Bailey will be remaining with NHL club for the season.

"I'm going to miss Windsor, but I'll be back often," Bailey said Sunday. "It was such a great place to play and I have so many great memories."

The Spitfires had hoped Bailey would be back this season to try and help the team to a championship.

By playing in his 10th NHL game in a 3-1 win over the Ottawa Senators Saturday, the first year of Bailey's contract kicked in and the Islanders informed the Spitfires he would not be back.

"(Islanders GM Garth) Snow called and thanked us for developing him," Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel said. "Obviously, the coaches did a great job and hats off to him for going in and earning a spot."

Bailey played nearly 18 minutes Saturday and almost seven of that was on the power play. He has five assists in 10 games.

"I'm pretty excited and to make the NHL at 19 is an accomplishment I'm proud of," Bailey said. "I just hope (the Spitfires) can go on and win a championship."

Bailey is hoping to catch up with his old teammates when the Islanders play in Detroit against the Red Wings March 27.

Bailey leaves Spits
by Jim Parker, Windsor Star, November 29, 2008

The Windsor Spitfires suffered a loss before they hit the ice for Friday's home game against the Saginaw Spirit.

Spitfires head coach Bob Boughner took a phone call prior to the game from Josh Bailey, who informed him he would not be returning to the club.

"It's not the phone call you want to get," Boughner said.

Bailey played his ninth game with the Islanders Friday in a 7-2 loss in Boston against the Bruins.

He has five assists overall and is a minus one.

The 19-year-old Bailey had a season-high 25 shifts Friday and played a season-high 19 minutes and 50 seconds, which was more than any other forward with the Islanders.

"We've had a great start, but we always felt he would be coming back and that would be icing on the cake," Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel said.

A message on Bailey's cell phone Friday was not returned.

In an e-mail to The Star earlier this week, Islanders general manager Garth Snow said, "We are taking it game by game and will make a decision at the appropriate time."

The Islanders had not announced after the Boston game and vice-president of communications Josh Bernstein said there wasn't one expected Friday.

Bailey is set to play his 10th game today against the Ottawa Senators. With it, the first year of his three-year contract kicks in.

"We're happy for Josh because we're trying to send guys to the next level, but that's a big hole for us," Boughner said.

The Islanders could still opt to send Bailey back to junior before OHL rosters are frozen Jan. 9.

"I guess there is a slim chance, but it doesn't look good," Rychel said.

With Bailey now out of the picture, team management plans to sit down and review its game plan for the season.

"We'll definitely sit down and look at a plan of attack," Rychel said.

Josh Bailey to remain with New York Islanders for whole season
Canadian Press, November 29, 2008

UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Josh Bailey, the No. 9 pick in this year's NHL draft, will remain with the New York Islanders for the entire season instead of returning to his junior team.

A decision had to be made before the Islanders faced the Ottawa Senators at home on Saturday night.

Once a junior eligible player appears in nine games, he must go back to that club until the conclusion of his team's season, or he can remain in the NHL. By staying, the first year of Bailey's entry level contract will kick in.

Bailey, who missed the first 14 games of the season with an injury, made his debut on Nov. 11. The 19-year-old centre had no goals and five assists in his first nine games.

"In a short time, Josh has met and exceeded all of our expectations of him both on and off the ice," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said in a statement. "We look forward to watching him continue his development this season as an Islander."

Bailey, who notched 183 points in his junior career with Windsor and Owen Sound of the Ontario Hockey League, was relieved to be staying in the NHL.

"My goal ever since I was drafted was to make the team out of training camp and to stay with the Islanders for the entire season," said Bailey. "I would like to thank (Islanders General Manager) Garth Snow and (Islanders Head Coach) Scott Gordon for the opportunity to play for the Islanders. I would also like to thank the entire Windsor Spitfires organization because I would not be where I am today without their help. I look forward to making Long Island my home."

Bailey at crossroad
Spit could know Saturday if he's staying with Isles
by Jim Parker, Windsor Star, November 25, 2008

Josh Bailey of the Windsor Spitfires continues to live a dream and, by the weekend, he could know if it will be a reality for the rest of the season.

Monday in Montreal, the 19-year-old Bailey played in his seventh game for the New York Islanders, who took him with the ninth pick overall in this year's NHL Draft.

By Saturday, Bailey will be looking at playing his 10th game of the season with the Islanders and that's when a decision on his future might come.

WAITING GAME

"I'm living in a hotel and still waiting to see if I'm going to be here," said Bailey, who entered Monday's game with the Canadiens with two assists in six games.

"The guys here have been really cool and they've given me a real nice opportunity.

"We'll see what happens in the next few games."

Bailey's 10th game won't prevent him from returning to the Spitfires later but it will mean the first year of his three-year contract will kick in.

NHL teams have to think carefully about keeping a player past the nine-game trial period.

If he is returned to junior before the 10th game, his contract is effectively put on hold.

So, when he goes to training camp the following season, he will be in the first year of his contract.

"We have not heard anything really new as of late," Spits GM Warren Rychel said.

The Islanders are still waiting for Mike Sillinger and Mike Comrie to return to health.

Centre Frans Nielson is out with a leg injury that could keep him sidelined three months.

Bailey moved up to Nielson's second-line centre spot prompting some to think his spot in with the Islanders is cemented, but general manager Garth Snow would not commit.

"One game at a time and one game at a time," Snow told Newsday.

"We'll evaluate at the appropriate time."

Even Bailey said the topic of him staying in the NHL or returning to junior isn't brought up, but he knows a decision will come soon.

"It's nine games by Friday (in Boston) and I'll get some closure," Bailey said.

UNKNOWN FUTURE

"It's like I've said from the start, it's a win-win situation and I'm sticking to my guns.

"Both situations are so good and whatever happens is meant to be (but) I don't know what to expect."

Neither do the Spitfires, who know the return of their captain-in-waiting would enhance a team that's already rated No. 1 in the Canadian Hockey League and boasts a 22-2 record.

"Josh Bailey is one of the best players in the league," Spitfires head coach Bob Boughner said. "We're just in a holding pattern."

For now, Bailey continues to enjoy the ride. He spent Sunday at the Grey Cup in Montreal as a guest of teammate Mitch Fritz, whose brother Luke Fritz plays for the Alouettes.

"We were down near field level," Bailey said. "It's pretty cool. It (being a pro athlete) is something you dream about as a kid and wonder. You get to live the life."

Averaging nearly 15 minutes a game, many in the Islanders' organization have noted how Bailey doesn't look out of place.

"I feel great and as the games have gone on, I feel more confident," Bailey said.

"I can't say if I really (deserve to stay), but I feel confident in how I'm playing and I think (the Islanders) have my best interests at heart."

Bailey looks ahead after NHL debut
by John Kreiser, NHL.com, November 16, 2008

Josh Bailey was happy, relieved, hopeful and disappointed, all at the same time.

A month after many of his fellow first-rounders played their first NHL games, Bailey, the New York Islanders' first pick in the 2008 Entry Draft, finally got on the ice for their Veterans Day game against the Philadelphia Flyers last Tuesday.

The 19-year-old center didn't look out of place — he got 12:30 of ice time, including 3:01 on the power play, won seven of his 11 faceoffs, took two penalties and made a couple nice passes that weren't finished by teammates. That was the theme of the afternoon for the Isles, who dominated play for most of the game, but continued to struggle offensively and wound up losing 3-1.

The verdict: not bad for a first game, but definitely a work in progress.

"Josh looked like he belonged out there," coach Scott Gordon said. "He started to look more comfortable as the game progressed."

Bailey, who missed a month recovering from a lower-body injury, agreed that it took a while to get over the nerves that go with an NHL debut.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't," he told the postgame media scrum when asked if he was nervous before his NHL debut. "As the game went on, I got more comfortable out there. Once you get the first couple of shifts out of the way, you just go out there and play hockey."

Gordon broke him in gradually. He got just over two minutes of ice time in the first period, but a little more than five in each of the last two — despite taking a high-sticking penalty with 2:40 left in regulation and the Isles trailing by a goal.

Bailey got even more time (13:10) in his second game, a 3-1 victory at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa on Thursday night — the same place he was drafted by the Islanders five months earlier. With his father, brother and some cousins on hand, Bailey earned his first NHL point — a primary assist on Kyle Okposo's first-period power-play goal.

"It was pretty cool being back near my home town and getting a win," said Bailey, who was born about three hours away in Bowmanville, Ontario. "I have some good memories playing here when I was younger and being at the Draft. It worked out nicely to get a point."

Gordon has been very pleased with what he's seen in the first week of Bailey's NHL career.

"In a short amount of time Josh has done a great job, especially being out a month," he said after the game in Ottawa. "The biggest thing Josh has going for him is his puck poise and ability to protect the puck."

As with most youngsters, Bailey said the difference at the NHL level is the speed at which the game is played.

"It was fast, obviously," he said. "I think in the first period, I needed to make a couple of adjustments on a couple of plays I was a little slow on. As the game went on, I started figuring it out, having to think quicker and move my feet a little more."

Bailey's arrival in the NHL had been much-anticipated on Long Island. Isles GM Garth Snow traded down from fifth to seventh to ninth in the opening round on draft night before taking Bailey — eschewing a chance to pick defenseman Luke Schenn, now with Toronto, and Russian forward Nikita Filatov, who's on the Columbus Blue Jackets' injured list after scoring his first NHL goal. Afterward, he insisted Bailey was the player the Isles had had their eyes on all along.

To the surprise of many, Bailey made the Isles' roster in training camp, only to be sidelined by a lower-body injury before the regular season began. In the meantime, Snow has taken heat from fans and some media for opting to trade down while Schenn has gotten lots of attention for playing his way into a regular slot on Toronto's blue line.

But Gordon, for one, has been by what he's seen.

"He certainly made some good plays. Outside of the penalties, I can’t be too critical of anything he did," the first-year coach said after Bailey's debut. "If Josh is going to play well, we want him to play. He didn’t do anything to make us think he couldn’t play at this level."

That may be true, but the question for the Islanders is whether Bailey would be better off spending the season on Long Island or back with his junior team. They can take a look-see for nine games before they have to decide whether to keep him for the full season or return him to Windsor of the Ontario Hockey League, where he was named captain before the season.

Bailey said he's not worried about the possibility of trading life in the NHL for a return to juniors.

"It's going to be decided by my play," he said when asked if he thought he'd be sent back to Windsor. "The good thing is they have my best interests at heart, and they're going to do what they think is best. So if I prove that I deserve to stay and play, I'll probably get that opportunity. That decision could be made in a couple of days — it could be made tonight or tomorrow.

"They told me I have to come in and compete hard each day, whether it's practice or a game, and prove that I deserve to be here. It's really a win-win situation, regardless of what happens. It's not going to be a bad thing. Obviously I want to play in the NHL, but if I have to put if off for a while, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that."

Bailey, Renaud Win Awards at the 2008 WESPY's
windsorspitfires.com, October 8, 2008

(Windsor) Yesterday evening, the Windsor Spitfires attended the 2008 Windsor and Essex County Sports Persons of the Year (WESPY) Awards at the Caboto Club in Windsor as two Spitfires were nominated for awards. Spitfire forward and team captain Joshua Bailey was selected as the winner of the Male Hockey Player of the Year Award and he was also nominated in the Male Athlete of the Year category. Bailey led the Windsor Spitfires in scoring last season with 96 points and is currently playing with the National Hockey League's (NHL) New York Islanders. Spitfire forward Taylor Hall was also nominated for the Male Hockey of the Year Award.

Additionally, former Spitfires captain Mickey Renaud was selected as the inaugural winner of the Mickey Renaud Leadership Award. Windsor Spitfires President and Head Coach Bob Boughner presented the award to Mickey's parents Mark and Jane Renaud. The Mickey Renaud Leadership Award was added to the WESPY's this past summer and will be offered on a yearly basis, as it was introduced to honour a team captain based in the Windsor and/or Essex County area who demonstrated outstanding community involvement as well as strong leadership qualities on and off the field.

 

Josh Bailey signs three-year, entry-level deal with Islanders AP, October 2, 2008

UNIONDALE, N.Y. - The New York Islanders signed first-round draft pick Josh Bailey to a three-year, entry-level contract Thursday. Bailey, chosen with the ninth overall pick this year, has been attending training camp with the Islanders but has played in only one of New York's four pre-season games due to an undisclosed injury. He turned 19 on Thursday and celebrated by signing his first NHL contract.

"It's certainly a day I'll never forget," Bailey said in a statement. "I still have a lot of work to do and I'm willing to do it."

It is not yet clear if Bailey is ready to make the team out of training camp. New coach Scott Gordon said earlier this week that if the young forward can't play more than one pre-season game, he might not stay on the roster for the nine games he is allowed to be in the NHL and still maintain his junior eligibility.

"This is an exciting day for the organization as we continue to build our team with young players like Josh who have very bright futures," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said in a statement.

Bailey spent the previous three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Owen Sound and his current team Windsor.

He had 29 goals and 67 assists in 69 games last season for Windsor, leading the team and ranking 10th in the league in points. In 191 career OHL games, Bailey has 58 goals and 125 assists.

	Isles Select C Josh Bailey 9th Overall
	June 20, 2008:  Profile: C Josh Bailey Born: October 2, 1989, Bowmanville, Ont. 2007-08: Windsor (OHL) Shoots: Left ISS:  11th overall

- The New York Islanders traded their first round number five pick to the Toronto Maple Leafs in return for the Leafs' pick at the number seven spot, after the top four defensemen were selected. The Islanders traded their seventh spot to the Nashville Predators for their ninth pick. General Manager Garth Snow and Assistant General Manager and Chief of Scouting, Ryan Jankowski walked to the podium and selected Josh Bailey as their first round selection.

- Bailey began his career with the AAA Clarington Toros in Ontario, Canada, in 2004.

- Finished the 2007-08 regular season with a nine-game point streak, registering 23 points (5-18-23) and helping the Spitfires finish third in the Western Conference.

- Led the Windsor Spitfires in scoring while ranking 10th overall in the league in points with 96 (29-67-96). His 67 assists ranked third overall in the OHL.

- An assistant captain with Windsor, he was selected to the 2008 OHL All-Star Classic and had two goals in the 2008 CHL Top Prospects Game, leading his team to an 8-4 victory.

- Played for Team Ontario at the Under-17 World Championships.

- He played for Oshawa until he was nine, playing on his first hockey team with the Oshawa Minor Generals at age four before joining the Clarington Minor Hockey Association.

- He wears number 89 because of his birth year and his nickname is "Bails".

- If he could be in any movie he would be in Superbad and if he wasn't playing hockey he would become a police officer.

From THN:

Bailey exploded for 96 points in Windsor after posting just 26 and 61 points in his first two years, but the consensus is he won't be a big offensive producer as an NHL player. 

However, in a draft that is overflowing with safe draft picks, Bailey is viewed as one of the most reliable in the group. 

"He's just a smart and responsible two-way player," one scout said. "I'd think in the NHL he'd probably max out as a 60-point guy."

Bailey had to deal with the death of teammate and friend Mickey Renaud, but even though they were close, it didn't affect his performance. He's regarded as a low-maintenance player who could be future captain material and will be a mainstay on the checking line and penalty-killing unit. 

Think Matt Stajan.

"He's a smooth skater," another scout said, "but I don't see the skill set of a high-end offensive player."

islesinfo.com comment:  

CSB: 

Red Line Report's Kyle Woodlief: “And rounding out Red Line's top 10 is Josh Bailey. He's cut from the traditional playmaking center's mold with a knack for getting his wingers the puck in good scoring position, and can saucer touch passes through traffic off either side of the blade. Never flashy, Bailey plays a sound defensive game and is a strong two-way presence."

Red Line Report: Ranked 10th.

ISS: 

"Used in all situations, Bailey has an excellent work ethic and can play in both ends of the ice. He is a very good playmaker and can feed his teammates the puck and take face-offs very well. Often used as a quarterback on the power play, Bailey's hockey sense and leadership skills are excellent. He possesses solid playmaking and skating skills. Bailey will be a welcome addition to a club looking for a solid, dependable forward with an ability to make his teammates better."

More CSS Stuff:

On his experience playing in the OHL: It's been great. I started out in Owen Sound for my first year and a half and enjoyed my time there. I got traded to Windsor in my second year and have played the last year and a half there. It's been great – I love the city and the players and the coaches have just been phenomenal. 

On playing alongside two good centers Bobby Ryan (selected 2nd by Anaheim in 2005) and Trevor Lewis (selected 17th overall by Los Angeles in 2006): It was good. I sat beside Bobby in the room over my time there and he taught me a lot. I always listened to what he had to say. And I roomed with Trevor my second year. I always had my ears wide open, listening to whatever I could get from them. I think I learned a lot from them over the time I was there – just their work habits and how they practice every day as well as how they are as people, too. They're both really good guys, so they helped me a lot. 

On playing for Team Ontario at the Under-17 Championships: The under-17s was a fun experience. We were in Regina and got to meet a lot of new guys that you play against. And a lot of them are just names on paper that you've seen. It's nice to really meet them all and get to play with them. It's been like that at the Top Prospects, too. You read a lot about guys and see the names on paper. You actually get to put a face to the name and get to meet them and see what kind of people they are, it's pretty cool. 

On getting his start in hockey: I think I started skating when I was about two and a half – my dad would take me out all the time. I always said I wanted to go skating and what not. And there is a funny story. I always used to complain, I'd cry when I fell down and hurt myself. So then I'd say I never wanted to skate again.  (My dad) just kept putting more padding on me and more padding on me over the years so whenever I fell I'd hop back up. Then after that I took right off.  I started playing when I was four.  

On the possibility of being drafted: I think you always want to be (drafted) growing up. I don't think it became a reality until probably more last year than anything. I had a decent year with Owen Sound and Windsor. And you see a lot of guys with a late birthday, a lot of guys my age getting drafted and you see yourself and compare yourself amongst them. And you see some guys and think I got a good shot. I just worked really hard over the summer, and came into this year with high hopes. Just trying to do everything I could to have a good year and help my team. 

On the one movie he would like to be in: If I could be in one movie I'd be in "Super Bad."   

On his favorite shootout move: My favorite shootout move is fake the shot and go backhand five. I like that one.

Snow's Just Joshing
Trades down twice, passes up Filatov and takes center Bailey
by Greg Logan, Newsday, June 21, 2008

Sitting in the No. 5 spot of what was regarded as one of the most top-heavy drafts in NHL history, Islanders general manager Garth Snow stunned the hockey world Friday night by trading down not once, but twice to take Windsor Spitfires center Josh Bailey with the ninth pick of the draft. In the process, Snow added two more picks this year and one next year, but at the cost of passing up Nikita Filatov, one of the prospects widely regarded as a cornerstone player.

Snow's trades with No. 7 Toronto and No. 9 Nashville were greeted with boos by fans attending the Isles' draft party at Nassau Coliseum, and when Bailey's name was announced, there was an air of befuddlement followed by a quick exodus even though the first round had a long ways to go. In a statement, Snow said the strategy was possible because he had targeted Bailey all along and was confident he still would be there. He was right, but that might speak to how the rest of the league valued Bailey, who was flown in to visit only two teams, the Islanders and No. 16 Boston.

Toronto and Nashville were only too eager to facilitate the process. The Maple Leafs grabbed tough stay-at-home defenseman Luke Schenn after giving Snow his choice of their second-round pick this year (No. 60) and a third-rounder in 2009 or their third-round pick this year (No. 68) and a second-round pick next year. The Predators jumped on Boston University center Colin Wilson with the seventh pick in exchange for the ninth pick and their second-rounder (No. 40).

"Josh was the player we targeted from the beginning," Snow said in a statement. "He's a center who makes other people around him better, the type of center we need in our system. He has great offensive instincts, and he can make things happen with his superior vision, character and leadership."

Bailey, who scored 29 goals and had 67 assists for 96 points last season, spoke of trying to win an NHL job at training camp, but that would seem to be a long shot compared with some of the players at the top of the draft. He admitted he was surprised when the team with the No. 5 pick called him in for a personal visit a week ago.

"I asked them straight up," Bailey said. "I said, 'You're picking fifth. What's your incentive for bringing me in?' They said they didn't know what they were going to do and said they might trade down. That gave me a bit of hope. When I got home, I told my family I thought it would be a great place to play."

When the Islanders began trading down, Bailey said, he had an inkling he might wind up with them. Told about the rude reception Snow's moves received from Islanders fans, Bailey said: "I don't know how to think about that. I hope I can impress them. I'd love to be a fan favorite."

Under the circumstances, that might take awhile.

Spits Bailey goes high in draft
Islanders target Spitfire with ninth overall pick
by Jim Parker, Windor Star, June 21, 2008

OTTAWA - The memory of Mickey Renaud was invoked at Scotiabank Place Friday as the selection of two Windsor Spitfires teammates in the first round of the NHL Draft was dedicated to the former captain.

Spitfires centre Josh Bailey honoured Renaud by dedicating his selection at No. 9 by the New York Islanders to Renaud.

With former Spitfire coach Tom Webster on the podium, Flames director of scouting Tod Buton dedicated the selection of Windsor winger Greg Nemisz to the memory of Renaud.

Renaud, who was a Calgary draft pick last year, collapsed and died at his home Feb. 17.

"There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about him," Bailey said. "I want to dedicate this to Mickey and his family. I know he would have been here and I know he's looking down."

Bailey barely got a chance to catch his breath Friday.

The centre was swarmed by New York media with interview requests that never seemed to end.

"It's crazy, but it shows they have a great fan base," a beaming Bailey said.

From the media scrum below Scotiabank Place, Bailey's comments were broadcast live back to fans at the Nassau Colliseum, then on to the Madison Square Garden network, the NHL Network, New York Islander TV and several papers.

"Josh was the player we targeted from the beginning," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said.

"He's a centre who makes everyone around him better and we need that type of player in our system."

The Islanders flew Bailey in last week, but with the club picking fifth overall he wasn't sure about his chances.

"I didn't expect to go that high," Bailey said.

But then the Islanders dealt with Toronto to move down two spots and then another deal with Nashville sent them to nine.

"When they moved to seven I started to get excited and then when they went to nine I got really excited," Bailey said.

More than 80 friends and family rose to applaud the pick, but Bailey didn't stop to hug two rows of well wishers like top pick Steven Stamkos.

"Most of those are friends of my grandparents," Bailey said.

It was in part the way Bailey helped fill the leadership void left by the loss of Renaud that impressed scouts.

"He's got great character and leadership," Snow said.

Bailey has been in Ottawa since Wednesday with his parents Chris and Donna and younger brother Jordan.

"I was just getting so jittery," said Bailey, who waited more than an hour and a half to hear his name Friday. "Time's been ticking by pretty slow and today even slower."

Bailey had already met Islanders head coach Ted Nolan, who is the father of former teammate Jordan Nolan.

"I met him a couple of times, but don't really know him," Bailey said.

He's still hoping to make a quick impression.

"I'm going to go to camp with the full intention of making the hockey team," Bailey said.

Bailey to go early in draft; Spit expected to be picked in top 15
by Jim Parker, Windsor Star, June 17, 2008

It was worth the wait for Windsor Spitfires centre Josh Bailey.

A first-round pick in the OHL in 2005, Bailey watched much of that season's class jump into the NHL Draft a year ago.

But because his birthday falls in October, Bailey had to play a third season in the OHL before he was ruled NHL Draft eligible.

"I think it was great for me," the 18-year-old Bailey said. "It's funny seeing the positives and how much has changed.

"I was a little big of a late bloomer and the extra year has given me more time to mature."

Bailey is expected to be the first Spitfire since 2005 to be selected in the first round of the NHL Draft. Spitfires head coach Bob Boughner expects him to go a lot higher than the 29th spot Steve Downie went that season.

"From all indications, he'll definitely be top 15," Boughner said. "It's obvious the skill and vision he's got.

"He'll be a safe pick and I don't mean that in a bad way. He'll top out as a solid pro."

NHL Central Scouting has the six-foot-one, 190-pound Bailey rated No. 14 among North American skaters while International Scouting Service has him at No. 10.

"Hopefully, it all falls into place," said Bailey, who led the Spitfires in scoring last season and was 10th in the OHL with 29 goals and 96 points in 67 games.

While he was a first-round pick in the OHL in 2005, that selection was over the internet. Friday's first round will be seen live on television.

"Being drafted in the OHL was a huge thrill, but this is a lot more glamour," Bailey said.

He admits he's got a fresh haircut and a new suit ready that he hopes he can unveil under the lights of Friday's first round in Ottawa .

Clarington trio prepare for NHL draft
by Shawn Cayley, Durham Region News, June 17, 2008

A trio of highly-regarded local hockey players will soon have a lot more in common than their love for playing the video game Guitar Hero.

Friday night will be a big night for Josh Bailey and Tyler Cuma of Bowmanville and Greg Nemisz of Courtice as all three could hear their names called during the first round of the 2008 National Hockey League Entry Draft at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa .

With the Ontario Hockey League season long in the rearview mirror and the NHL draft combine history, the nerves have given way to a new tune: eagerness and anticipation.

"I think it's more just excitement," Bailey, a centre with the Windsor Spitfires, said earlier this week. "Come Friday when the arena is packed and you're sitting there waiting, I think I'll be a little more nervous then but right now I am just excited."

The Central Scouting Bureau of North American Skaters has Bailey ranked 14th, giving him the highest ranking of the local contingent. This past season he led the Spitfires in scoring with 29-67-96 totals, good enough for 10th in the league.

The former Clarington Toros product says he is heading to Ottawa with an open mind.

"I don't think it is something you can prepare for," he said of the uncertainty of the draft. "It's out of your control and I think you kind of have to look at it that way. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be and whatever team takes me I am going to be excited. That's how you have to look at it."

WINDSOR ON A MISSION
by Brad Kelly, Durham Region News, March 18, 2008

Josh Bailey is quite content with the season he has had, and is in no hurry to see it come to an end just yet.   

The flashy centre from Bowmanville had his best season in the OHL with the Windsor Spitfires, registering 96 points and finishing among the top rated prospects in North America , which is likely to translate into a first round selection at the NHL draft this spring.

On the team front, his Spitfires are the third seed in Western Conference, having drawn the Sarnia Sting in an opening round matchup. The prospects for advancement deep into the playoffs look good for his club.

"At the start of the year, we set a lot of goals, but a lot of them were about the team," said Bailey in looking back over the past season. "I set some personal goals and wanted to get 90 points, so I exceeded that by six points.

"The closer I got to 100 I started to think that hey, this might happen. But I'm not too disappointed with the way my season went. We have a lot of good players that banged in a lot of goals so I picked up a lot of assists. They deserve all the credit."

Bailey finished with 29 goals and 67 assists, by far his career best totals since joining the league three seasons ago. The 19th overall pick of Owen Sound in 2005, the former Clarington Toro had 7-29-26 totals in his rookie season, and then posted 22-39-61 numbers in year two, splitting his time with Owen Sound and Windsor , following a trade from the Attack to the Spitfires.

Bailey is part of a solid one-two Clarington punch for the Spitfires. Courtice's Greg Nemisz comprises the other local connection, putting up 34-33-67 totals in his second season. His play this season has also attracted the eyes of NHL scouts, and is projected to be a first or second round pick this spring.

When the series between the Spitfires and Sting gets underway tomorrow in Windsor , the focus for Bailey and the rest of his teammates is simple.

"We want to win," said the Bowmanville resident emphatically. "There is a lot of buzz in Windsor about the playoffs. It should be a very close series and I am really looking forward to it."

The prohibitive favourite in the West are the Memorial Cup hosting Kitchener Rangers, who secured the top seed with a 110 point season, and will draw Plymouth in the opening round. The other two series feature Sault Ste. Marie (#2) against Saginaw (#7), while London (#4) draws Guelph (#5).

But just because Kitchener has a free ride to the Memorial Cup, Bailey isn't ready to concede the title in the West just yet. Despite having to deal with the tragic death of their captain Mickey Renaud last month, the Spitfires are on a mission, finishing the final 10 games of the regular season on an 8-0-1-1 clip. The talk among the players isn't about Kitchener .

"Not in our room," says Bailey. "We think we can take a good run at any team. We won eight of our last 10 games and that is what you want to do heading into the playoffs.

Joshua Bailey scores five goals as Owen Sound defeats Erie 8-4
Canadian Press, Oct 29, 2006, 12:02 AM EDT

ERIE, Pa. (CP) - Joshua Bailey was nearly speechless on Saturday, unable to comprehend his career-high five goals on five shots in Owen Sound's 8-4 win over the Erie Otters in front of 3,638 at Tullio Arena.

"I don't know what to say," Bailey said. "I guess that's pretty good."

Bailey, who turned 17 on Oct. 2, recorded a natural hat trick in the Attack's four-goal second period, which snapped a 2-2 tie. He scored his fourth and fifth goals in the final period, tying the club record for goals in a game. Wes Goldie scored five against Toronto St. Michael's on Jan. 6, 1999.

Bailey also posted the first five-goal game ever against the Otters. Bailey nearly matched his career total of eight in 70 previous games. "I just got some good bounces," Bailey said. "It worked out pretty nicely."

He had one goal in 15 games entering Saturday.