NHL

Brooklyn or bust: Islanders fans excited for 2015 move

Bring on Brooklyn!

That was the overwhelming sentiment from Islanders fans at Wednesday night’s Blue & White scrimmage against minor-league affiliate Bridgeport, a tuneup for the opener of the lockout-shortened season Saturday night against the Devils at Nassau Coliseum.

“It’s a great move for the organization,” 52-year-old Bay Shore resident Patrick Doyd said of the move to Barclays Center for the 2015-16 season. “Brooklyn is a viable location with transportation, subways, railroad. It’s going to help the Islanders with exposure. It’s a better move for the Islanders. They’re going to be in a better place.”

Doyd said he thinks plenty of Long Island fans will make the trip to Brooklyn frequently.

“It’s just 23 miles down the road,” he said. “I’ll be one of the first people there.”

The Blue team, made up of current Islanders, defeated the White team, 5-3.

Doyd, who wore a blue Denis Potvin jersey, brought a self-made sign with him that read “Brooklyn, Here We Come Thank You Charles” on one side in large blue letters referring to owner Charles Wang and “113 Days of Hell Finally Hockey Heaven” on the other.

His view was echoed by several other Islanders fans, who said they were disappointed to see the team leave Long Island but thrilled they are remaining close.

“I’m very excited because they finally have a permanent home,” said original season-ticket holder Pam Bialkin of Wantagh. “But I’m very sad to see them leave. I’ve been coming here my entire life. It’s a relief that they’re not leaving New York.”

The scrimmage started the third-to-last season at the Long Island arena, which drew a solid crowd. The entire lower bowl was filled with fans, though the upper deck had pockets of open seats.

“It was great, a lot of people came out tonight,” Islanders center John Tavares said. “I think they are anxious for the season, it’s great to see them support us. Obviously it’s been a very tough road for them the last few months. We’re hoping to give them what they want, and that’s getting back to the playoffs.”

Tim Cantwell, a 48-year-old Islanders fan from Little Neck, wasn’t nearly as optimistic. He expects the crowds to get worse.

“They’ll have more people tonight than the regular-season opener because it’s free,” he said. “Outside of the opener and the games against the Rangers, they won’t draw.”

His son, Sam, 18, described the move to Brooklyn as “stupid.”

“They’re not going to get any crowds in Brooklyn,’’ he said. “It isn’t a hockey town.” “People are going to start realizing this is a good team,” said Burke, epitomizing the optimistic fan. “This team is so young and talented, and there’s nowhere to go but up.”

Dillon Burke, a 17-year-old self-described diehard Islanders fan from Rockville Center in a Tavares jersey, doesn’t expect the move to hurt what has been dwindling attendance in recent years. He said it all depends on the team’s success.

zbraziller@nypost.com