UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- With his deadline for politicians to give him certainty on the Lighthouse Project about to pass, Islanders owner Charles Wang announced Saturday night that he is exploring options for his New York Islanders.
Saying he is "angry," disappointed" and "disgusted," the Islanders owner revealed that for the first time he is faced with the reality of the Islanders leaving Nassau County. "And that is very sad," he said.
"I asked (Kate Murray) to keep it confidential, so we're not going back and forth in public. I picked up the newspaper today and there it was." Wang shared his discontent and plans in a media briefing just prior to the Islanders' season opener at home against Pittsburgh. Dropping the puck in a ceremonial faceoff is Tom Suozzi, the Nassau County Executive who has led the Lighthouse Project to county approval with its developers, Wang and Scott Rechler. However, it is the Town of Hempstead that Wang blames for stalling the progress of the transformation of the Coliseum and surrounding property.
The Islanders owner was even bitter about Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray's decision to share the details of a recent conversation with him with Newsday, the Long Island newspaper. "I asked her to keep it confidential," he said, "so we're not going back and forth in public. I picked up the newspaper today and there it was."
But he will listen. "It's not what I want," said Wang. "But it's not like they are giving me many choices."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-03-2009 @ 8:06PM
pcichild2 said...
A team with the history the Islanders have should remain on the island. But if they're going to move, move them across the sound to Hartford. Bring back the WHALE!!!!
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10-03-2009 @ 9:56PM
Siegel Family said...
Move them to Kansas City, we have a super New arena in the Sprint Center that is only 2 years old and without a tenant. Bring em on.The preseason game They had here In KC drew about 10,000 fans. I think KC has been without Hockey long enough, and I think the City would support the NHL.
10-04-2009 @ 2:28AM
you crazy cat! said...
I'm a native Long Islander and currently live in Kansas City - I was at the preseason game b/w the Kings and the Isles and I just can't imagine hockey being supported here. Sure, for the first few years it might be a "fun new thing to try out!" but in the end I just don't see this "small city" supporting anything other than the Chiefs, Royals, and NASCAR - that's not a knock on the love of sports in the area (there has been enough pain with the Royals and Chiefs year in and year out, yet they still care - sound familiar?) I'm just saying this isn't a hockey town, and I don't see the potential. St. Louis has the Blues - that's all this "area" needs. As far as keeping the Isles on the Island, is there no plot of land in Suffolk Wang can build on!? All I hear is Brooklyn and Queens - I want them in Uniondale, but come on - keep 'em on the Island PLEASE!
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10-04-2009 @ 9:04AM
nekotek said...
Wang is being unreasonable. He is looking to undertake what will probably be the biggest construction project ever done on Long Island, and he wants the Town of Hempstead to give him a green light without adequately studying the effect the project will have on the community. The expenditure will be in the billions of dollars, including taking a major roadway and putting it underground. You can't build everything and then say "oops, we screwed up here" as there is no going back.
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10-04-2009 @ 9:49AM
kfogs1957 said...
How many of us would continue to lose the money that Mr. Wang has? This is a no win situation, non Hockey vans, tax payers and environmentalists will argue aginst it, Hockey/sports fans and commerce minded people will argue for it. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. godd time charlies has got the blues. It's time to pick up and mopve this proud franchise to an area that will embrace it, but I'm not sure Kansas City would be my choice. Knowing what that community knew, there was no reason to not sell out the pre-season game. As for a previous post mentioning Hartford, as much as I'd like to see it and it makes sense logistically, they did not support the Whale to the degree it needs and the corporate dollar is not there in a big enough number. Sad to say, but this team needs to go to Charlotte or Canada.
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10-04-2009 @ 9:50AM
kfogs1957 said...
Did not hit spell check, my bad. Sorry
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10-04-2009 @ 11:01AM
PotvinRocks said...
Enough with Kate Murray. Mr. Wang has to stand up to her. I mean how many supporters does she have? Not enough for re-election. Blame her for why the Islanders won't be on Long Island in 2011.
Start working on moving to Queens. Right next to the USTA. There is public transpertation and young city dweller and Long Island family's can easily get to the games. Then they can work on hosting a Winter Classic at Arthur Ashe Stadium. That would be sick!
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10-04-2009 @ 11:07AM
Jah Love said...
If both sides remain stubborn and unreasonable, they will move.
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10-04-2009 @ 4:45PM
DreamCatcherO0 said...
Bring the islanders too Portland , Oregon!!!!!
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10-12-2009 @ 11:41PM
Ronton said...
I'm so happy I grew up as a kid on the Island in the 80's and watching the Islanders win all those cups. The rivalry between the rangers and them were priceless. I just can't imagine that team playing anywhere else but the Island. How can you move a franchise like that where there is so much History. I know it's a business and all, but they need to remain on Long Island. It will be a sad day if they do leave.
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