An independent blog on the New York Islanders, the NHL and AHL by a guy from New York.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Islanders and Belmont: Done Deal


The rumors of the Isles and Belmont have heated up a lot lately. According to Jim Baumbach yesterday, “The Islanders’ proposal to build a new arena at Belmont Park was selected as the winning bid, according to people familiar with the situation.” Isles social media exploded in a bevy of excitement, “what ifs” and “finallys.” After a news conference was scheduled, an announcement was set at the race track around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, it definitely got the attention of Islanders Country. Even N.Y Governor, Andrew Cuomo was slated to be in attendance. The hard work and commitment of John Ledecky, Scott Malkin continued the efforts of Charles Wang and the Isles are finally on the road to stability and true free agent lure. Even more so than their then, life preserving move to Brooklyn. Billy Joel, John Tavares and Cal Clutterbuck are expected to attend as well.


It’s now official with the official press conference scheduled for 11 am today. So Jim Baumbach tweeted the letter of approval from the Empire State Development to ‘NYAP’ or the New York Arena Partners to redevelop the 43 acres detailed in the proposal. “NYAP proposes to build a mixed-use entertainment complex that will include an approximately 60,000-square foot, 18,000-seat multi-use arena that will be home to the New York Islanders; a 435,000-square foot retail, dining and entertainment village; a 193,000-square foot hotel; and 10,000 square feet of offices and parking (see Proposed Site Plan attached). The proposed project and any contractual documentation remain subject to all public approval processes as required by law, including but not limited to review by the ESD Directors.” It should also be noted that there is a group of residents trying to file a lawsuit to challenge the project.


Per Jim Baumbach, “State Sen. Todd Kaminsky (D-Long Beach), who co-hosted a hearing on the dueling proposals last week, said the development would benefit Elmont, Floral Park and the communities surrounding Belmont Park … Governor Cuomo, my colleagues in government, and I have worked very hard to make the best use out of Belmont,” Kaminsky said in a statement. “I believe that tomorrow’s announcement will benefit Long Island and the surrounding communities.”

“Nassau County Executive-elect Laura Curran, a Democrat who takes office Jan. 1, said she was “excited to finally welcome the Islanders home to Nassau County, and I’d like to thank Governor Cuomo for helping make that possible.”


We Know John Ledecky has said the Isles will finish their obligation at the Barclays Center next season, but with the time crunch necessary to build a new facility, would that be enough time? Probably not. Per Baumbach, “The team is currently negotiating with Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, which operates Barclays Center and Nassau Coliseum, on amending their lease. The window for those negotiations, according to their lease, closes on Jan. 1 and both sides have until Jan. 30 to formally deliver “opt-out” notices, a formality at this point.” But wait, that’s not all. Russ Cohen (@sportsology) told NHL radio the Islanders would be allowed to play at the 13,900 seat, $160M renovated NVMC as a bridge deal for a year while the new arena is constructed. What are your thoughts?


But in order for this whole endeavor to be a true success, the complete destination package needs to exist around the new $1 Billion dollar Islanders-centric complex. More infrastructure around roadways and railways will need to be tweaked to make the transition more seamless. A new rail station was said to be in the plans, but the costs could cause a problem. In a Newsday editorial, the possibilities for profit are there, but it won’t be easy.


“…Belmont’s little-used LIRR station is on a short spur off the Main Line — one track in each direction. The station got an upgrade two years ago, after it couldn’t handle the prior year’s crowds, but it likely will need work, too. And it’s at a congested spot between Queens Village and Bellerose. Although there are four Main Line tracks, the spur only feeds into the southernmost, eastbound track. For trains to head west, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will have to find slots between existing Main Line train traffic and likely build new track infrastructure. Even then, managing the train traffic will be complicated.

A full-time station is on the state’s radar screen and the MTA is willing to try, but it likely will be expensive. Public improvements such as these can be paid for through future property tax revenue from the development. And it’s possible that Genting New York LLC, which operates Aqueduct’s Resorts World and wants to use the expanse of land there to expand its casino and amenities, could play a role in funding Belmont’s needs.”


Failure at the new “Stable” (Thanks Brian Nystrom of Real Islanders Fans) is not an option and there is more at stake than just a new building for the Islanders. The extension of John Tavares was said to partly based on the move and we all know what a key piece of the future Tavares is to the Islanders. Will it be enough for Tavares? Andy Graziano sums it up well. “Pretty simple as it stands currently re: Tavares. Organizational ownership secure, practice rink five minutes away, new building approved 15 miles away, cap space no issue, contract length no issue...becomes all about how he feels about team's chances to win.”


New York State and the Empire State Development group needed to buy into this process and despite politics and lobbying, the success of the project is something many in local and state government are counting on. “It’s a chance to add economic vitality to what’s now asphalt, and to boost that entire Queens-Nassau border area with a new Long Island Rail Road station that can become a public transit hub.” That hub should bring business to the race track, shopping, restaurants and public facilities for a long time to come. And best of all, it means the Islanders are officially back on the Island and their hard work and results in the win column are sure to help them gain status on the ice. Now all we need is for the defense and especially the goaltending (Greiss, 2nd to last in 5v5 sv%) to get back on line. Last night’s let down against Detroit is proof positive of that. The Isles are now last in gaa with dismal 3.50 goals per game surrendered, last on the normally solid PK at 72.3% and have gone 3-6-1 in their last 10 games. I am pretty confident in Weight’s leadership and the staff will have to figure out what components need changing and what systems need reorganizing.


Per Chris Botta, “Congrats to #Isles and their fans. Biggest day for the team in a generation. Ledecky and Malkin’s wisest step was knowing they couldn’t do it alone. A collaboration with Wilpon, Dolan, Leiweke, Azoff, Luukko and others - and deep connections to Cuomo - got it done.” John Ledecky has been an approachable and visible man of the people since taking over his part of the majority team ownership. Carol Schram of Forbes magazine recalls when the shot was fired across the bow. “Islanders owners Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky called Belmont their “singular focus” at a media luncheon in October, signaling their strong commitment to bring their team back to a location less than 15 miles from its old home at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale.” 


He has made the rounds on the political side, the organizational side, made the trips to the newest state-of-the-art arenas in the hockey world as part of his homework and made himself available to Islanders fans on the train and around the concourse to hear what they had to say and share his own story as a fan. I am sure all of Isles Country feel as I do when I feel so fortunate to have a champion of the cause push this organization to the next level and give it a serious chance to become an elite franchise in the NHL. The pieces are almost all in place. Let’s hope the organization can honor Al Arbour in the naming of the new Arena.


John Tavares had this to say on the Belmont news “Great for organization, players, our families but mostly our fans and fan-base. Much deserved, where identity is. Won't determine or change anything at this point regarding my personal situation.” Tavares is having a huge year with Lee and Bailey and the team looks good, but do they look good enough for Tavares?


With Arena future in hand, the all-important John Tavares watch continues, but one thing is certain. We as fans once again deserve to celebrate the long enduring and hard fought coming of age. The Islanders have a legitimate and permanent place to build in their image and call home.


Thank you for being among the faithful and keep that snarl. We are going to need it.





Isles Notes:



Per NHL Player Safety, “Detroit’s Justin Abdelkader fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for spearing NY Islanders’ Scott Mayfield.”




Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Star Wars Night: Isles & Sound Tigers Style


Most of my supporters here at KoC know I am a member of the 501st, an official Lucas Film costume group that make appearances for charity and promotions for Star Wars sponsored events. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending Star Wars nights at the Webster Bank Arena, home of the Isles affiliate, Bridgeport Sound Tigers as well as a Star Wars night at the Barclays Center for our own New York Islanders.


Now, I realize a man dressing like a plastic spaceman might seem nerdy to a few of you and maybe even a bit of a mid-life crisis, but let me make my case. Since I joined the 501st in 2015, I found it a hugely rewarding experience. Not only do I get to be around selfless people who share my childhood passion, but we also work hard to help local and national charity’s raise money for many causes that are near and dear to my heart. And having my wife and personal friends join up and participate makes these events even more special to me.


As members, we put together movie quality costumes that meet strict standards of Lucas Film and the 501st. We meet at local or NY based locations from Long Island to the Hudson Valley and lend our support through fundraising, charity work and volunteering for select appearances. I can’t really explain in words how a Troop (the term for one of our appearances) helps reinforce the spirit of a child, their family or someone whose health or situation has made life a challenge, day in and day out. 


I’ve gone to Sloan Kettering Hospital, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, Intrepid Museum community events or local Library’s and have had profound experiences that I’ll never forget. While I won’t get into the specifics of my experiences from a children’s cancer ward or an event to support the homeless, I can share a brief visual history of my Troops in Bridgeport and In Brooklyn from the last few weeks. It might help you see why what we do means a lot to a great many people.


Bridgeport Sound Tigers Star Wars Night
Our Dressing Room on BST Star Wars Night


Some Unforgettable Fans






New York Islanders Star Wars Night

Our Dressing Room on Isles Star Wars Night

Me and the Maestro

The Fans and Friends Experience




Relationship Goals. My wife and I making a difference.

If you think you might have what the Empire is looking for, go to 501ECG.com (@501ecg) and 501st.com (@501stLegion) for more details. In the meantime, see you here at KoC and on the concourse.


TI13222 Signing Off ...




Oh, and I'll have a full Isles to Belmont official announcement blog up tomorrow after the press conference.

Per Jim Baumbach of Newsday, "The hockey team was informed Tuesday that its proposal to build a new arena at Belmont Park in Elmont was selected as the winning bid, according to people familiar with the situation." 




Isles Notes:



Calvin de Haan had an MRI and has been listed as day-to-day. Per Arthur Staple, “Isles will look at all options, cited Toews and Aho in BPT, but feels seven D they have up now can make up for CdH’s absence.” Thomas Hickey has been taken off IR and will most likely get a conditioning sting with the BST.


Per Chris Botta, “Isles announced attendance in Brooklyn this week: Mon: 11,000 Wed: 10,000 Sat: 13,000 Nassau Coliseum isn’t an NHL building, but neither is the Barc. There’s your argument for playing in Nassau next few years before Belmont. Bet Tavares would be all for it, too.”


12/15   Isles recalled Bernier and sent Josh Ho-Sang to Bridgeport.
Per Arthur Staple, “Weight said today he needed more "professionalism" from his bottom two lines. Translation: More consistency and stability. JHS was starting freewheel last few weeks. Bernier will not for however long he's up.”


Per Brian Compton, Weight: "We're running with Jaro a little bit. He's earned it. It doesn't have to be a controversy. The fact is he's playing pretty well right now. He's going to play the majority until things change."



Sound Tigers Notes:


Eamon McAdam (G) has been reassigned to Bridgeport from the @RailersHC.




Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Belmont or Bust: A New York Islanders Story


On December 10th, Stefanie Dazio and Jim Baumbach released some of the details in tweets (featured in Newsday) from the proposal presentations held at Elmont Memorial High School before 100 or so attendees and elected officials. Proposals from the New York Islanders organization and New York City FC. Those details were related to the site available at Belmont Park and how the organizations commented on their development plans and projections for their future ‘would-be’ facilities on the 43-acre state owned site. Both the Islanders and NYCFC vowed to create more local jobs and set aside space for community outreach and events. Neither presenter went into details on costs or financing at the time.


Per Newsday article, “The Islanders’ proposal includes an 18,000-seat, year-round arena that would host 150 events annually, as well as 435,000 square feet of space for retail, a hotel with 200 to 250 rooms, and a 10,000 square-foot “innovation center” that would be developed with input from residents.”


“NYCFC, a professional soccer team partially owned by the Yankees, is calling for a 26,000-seat open-air stadium in addition to 400,000 square-feet of space for retail, a 5.2-acre community park and a 2-acre soccer facility.”

“Both teams’ plans call for opening the Long Island Rail Road’s Belmont Park station year-round. The teams would build north of Hempstead Turnpike, adjacent to the train station.” That LIRR station would also include park & ride and Isles group promised to work with MTA to make it a reality.


The Q&A saw both teams explain why their plans were most the beneficial use of the property. The Islanders group included Sterling Project Development (Wilpon) and Oakview Group (MSG funded) as developers. A year-round outlet store-retail village, entertainment district, sports fields and a Hotel were included in the plans for a state of the art Isles facility built by residents and unions. Populous would be the arena’s designer. Jason Carmello’s firm designed the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh.


“Per Sonny Sachdeva of Sportsnet, “A representative from Populous, the design firm in charge of the Islanders’ new proposal, stressed the fact that the potential new arena would correct many of the issues that drove a wedge between the public and the Islanders’ current home in Brooklyn.

‘A couple of elements that’ll make this a great, special hockey venue will be the enhanced sightlines which are dedicated around an NHL ice sheet,” the representative said, according to a video of the presentation posted by Newsday’s Jim Baumbach. “And it will also be equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, like ice-sheet systems.”


Per Newsday article, “The Islanders expect to bring more than 5,500 temporary construction jobs to the site with 2,000 full-time, permanent, year-round jobs. NYCFC said it would need 4,500 temporary construction jobs and have 1,600 direct and indirect jobs through retail and the soccer stadium.” Both organizations balked at the idea of build a dual-purpose facility for their franchises and said the joint venture would not be “feasible.”

Islanders co-owner Jonathan Ledecky reiterated that Isles organization “have blinders on for Belmont.” The team has until January 25th to enact a built in opt-out clause from their 25-year lease with the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. No matter what, an interim deal needs to be struck if the Isles intend to move and the new facility needs to be built. I’m doubtful on the reality of the Coliseum, but Barclays could be short term option if a deal could be struck. The Islanders have recently completed a $60M renovation of the Northwell Health Ice Center at Eisenhower Park and unveiled it on October 31st of this year.


The Isles minor league affiliate, BST intends to stick around as well. This only shows the commitment of ownership to stay right where they want to be. And wait. There’s more. The Sound Tiger’s home facility, Webster Bank Arena has entered into a partnership with Mohegan Sun in an exclusive, multi-year partnership.


There were about 20 protestors outside the presentation that they wanted the site reserved for education, research and technology centers built on the site instead of sports complex of any kind.


NHL Commissioner, Gary Bettman was quoted as saying, "Scott Malkin (Isles Co-Owner) bought the team to have the team to have the team in New York. He didn't buy the team to have it anywhere else."


The Empire State Development Corp has provided no timeline for its decision. Neither has John Tavares. 



Keep the faith.





Isles Notes:


After a 3-1 win vs Washington last night, the Islanders are currently 2nd in the Metro with a 17-10-3 record and 37 pts. in 30 games.


Per Eric Hornick, The Isles are 9-1-2 at home (best in NHL) and they have scored 54 goals at home in 12 games this season (4.50/game) and “have scored at least five goals eight times at home (7-1-0) and twelve times overall (11-1-0). The Isles scored five goals (including shootout winners) in only 10 games all last season.”


Per NHL PR, “John Tavares scored his 18th goal of the season to help the @NYIslanders improve to 9-1-2 at Barclays Center in 2017-18. He trails only Alex Ovechkin and Nikita Kucherov for the most goals in the NHL this season.”


Mathew Barzal has drawn 17 penalties (1st among rookies and 4th in NHL). Josh Ho-Sang has drawn 9, putting him in top 6 among rookies, playing in just 20 of Isles 30 games this Ssn.


“Doug Weight is now 41-22-7 as an NHL coach. On December 4 in Florida, he reached 40 wins faster than any coach in Islander history.”


Isles have Dallas tomorrow night at home and at Columbus on 12/14. They will host at the Barclays Center for six of next seven games, taking them through December 27th.



Sound Tigers Notes:



12/7  The Sound Tigers have recalled Yanick Turcotte (F) and loaned Patrick Cullity (D) to the Worcester Railers.



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Happy Hannukah to those who celebrate.