It was mostly familiar faces on hand for the Islanders as they opened training camp Thursday at Northwell Ice Center in East Meadow.

General manager Lou Lamoriello made it a priority in the offseason to bring back the band that made a late charge into the Stanley Cup Playoffs before falling to the Hurricanes in the first round last season.

Day 1 notes:

The only regular missing from the ice was Smithtown native Kyle Palmieri, who was out with what the team called a maintenance day.

Star goaltender Ilya Sorokin, fresh off signing an eight-year contract extension, told News 12 Long Island he's ready for the responsibility that comes with a big contract.

Center Brock Nelson said he has a different mindset to ensure the team will have a winning season.

"You put emphasis on the start. Last year, we had a month where it kind of got behind the eight ball and it snowballed a bit... building the foundation from the start, knowing that's what sets you up for long-term success," he said.

The Islanders open up preseason play Tuesday against the Rangers. Opening night is Saturday, Oct. 14 against Buffalo.