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

Monday, September 23, 2019

Islanders Break Ground at Belmont & add 7 to Coliseum Schedule



Our New York Islanders held a press conference today on the Belmont arena site. Governor Cuomo joined Isles Co-Owner John Ledecky, National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman along with the Empire State Development, Oak View Group, local town politicians and some Isles faithful to officially break ground on the $1.3B redevelopment project. The future is a state-of-the-art Sports Complex, Luxury Hotel, and Retail Village along with a new stop on the LIRR in Elmont that will bring Long Islanders to the new complex and NYC. A plan the Governor said would create a premier destination on the Island and give a boost to the economy. It was fitting that John Ledecky mentioned Charles B. Wang as a champion for his team’s destination home and his commitment to keeping them on the Island. The arena will seat up to 19,000 for events and 17,113 clear sightlines for hockey. The Barclays center seats 15,813 with some obstructed views.


"The Islanders belong on Long Island - and today we start building the state-of-the-art home this team and their fans deserve while generating thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity for the region's economy," Governor Cuomo said. "With seven more Islanders games at the Coliseum this season, fans will have even more opportunities to see their favorite team and generate momentum for the move to their new home in two years. At the end of the day, this project is about building on two great Long Island traditions - Belmont Park and the Islanders - and making them greater than ever."


The Isles will play seven more games at the Coliseum (total of 28) this season. Games included are Oct. 6 vs. Winnipeg, Oct. 8 vs. Edmonton, Oct. 27 vs. Flyers, Jan. 2 vs. Devils, Jan. 6 vs. Avalanche, Jan. 16 vs. Rangers & Feb. 25 vs. Rangers, all 7 pm starts. Islanders Co-Owner, Jon Ledecky said, "We celebrate this historic day with our loyal fans and thank Governor Cuomo, who has championed the Belmont Park Arena project from the start. The Islanders also thank the elected officials and our community for their support in helping reach this franchise milestone." Per Brian Compton, "Playoff games at Coliseum are TBD, per Lou Lamoriello." Fans embraced team members on the dais, Isles celebrity fans Ralph Macchio and Kevin Connolly along with even Gary Bettman. You heard me. Well, there was a lot to celebrate.


NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said, "Thanks to the commitment, dedication, and vision of Governor Cuomo, Islanders fans are getting the world-class home this team deserves. The Islanders belong on Long Island, and the future is incredibly bright for this franchise." Bettman also said the Islanders have twice as many season ticket holders now than they did a year ago.


Per Release, "Announced in December 2017, the Belmont Redevelopment Project will turn 43 acres of underutilized parking lots at Belmont Park into a premier sports and hospitality destination, including a new 19,000-seat arena for the New York Islanders hockey team and other events, a 250-key hotel, a state-of-the-art retail village and office and community space. In addition, the project developers - New York Belmont Partners - will improve two local parks in the surrounding community. It is said the project will create 10,000 jobs and sustain, "3,200 new full-time jobs, produce $858 million in annual economic activity and generate tens of millions of dollars in new annual tax revenue." Despite some ongoing, local opposition and lawsuits, the project has many people happy in an economically struggling Nassau County.


But Isles fans are passionate. Not easily impressed. We are thrilled to see Belmont officially, officially become a thing. Excited to have the promise of last season as we enter this one. And to want more from the team on the ice. We are happy, more optimistic, but not satisfied just yet.


Isles fan, Frank Kowalczyk had this to say on Twitter. "I was young, but witnessed the dynasty. I watched the amazing '93 season from the stands. We've been complaining since Milbury, and it's going to take a while to get rid of that stench." Like many of us, Frank is a loyal, passionate fan, but he gets it.






Isles Notes:



Some prospects that have impressed. Koivula has been turning heads with the BST (46 pts last Ssn) and has been sharp in camp. Dobson and Wahlstrom have looked good, and you might want to grab a Jobst jersey. Where will Dal Colle and Ho-Sang fit in?


Per Arthur Staple, "Few guys who'd been in camp appear to already be headed to BPT: Helgeson, Durandeau, Eansor, Hitchcock, MacLean, Stevens, Kubiak not on ice here today."

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