The New York Islanders officially announced their plans to build a new arena at Belmont Park after winning an RFP bid from the state of New York. Read the official announcement. Read more from today's press conference. See photos of the Belmont Arena announcement.
Isles, Alumni React to Belmont Arena
Current and former Islanders weighed in on the Islanders arena announcement
By
Stan Fischler, David Kolb and Cory Wright NYIslanders / New York Islanders
John Tavares (2009-Present):
"To have somewhere where it's written in stone that we're going to have a home that's going to be long and permanent and built for the Islanders on Long Island on a very historical place on Long Island and I think is pretty special. There's been a lot of things up in the air over the years that have fallen through that people were very hopeful for, it's nice to see them finally get rewarded and the organization get rewarded with something it truly deserves and everyone here has been striving for a long time."
Brad Dalgarno (1985-96):
"All I can say is -- it will be nice for the players to feel like they are part of a home community again. Where a home game feels like a home game. A purpose built arena should be great as well for the historic fans of the team who live further out on the Island, and could not make the trip to Brooklyn on a regular basis. I have been nothing but impressed with the new ownership group and believe they truly want to do what is best for the franchise and fans of the team. There is a lot of work to be done for sure, but I am excited for the future of the team."
Rich Pilon (1988-99):
"Great job done by all. Stability from the upper management just will add more strength through an organization that has really been bounced around the last few years. What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger. Team is persevering through it all!"
Pat LaFontaine (1983-91):
"It's tremendous for the Islanders and the game of hockey. The fans and ownership wanted to know the destination of the franchise and now they do. No more questions about the future, they know where they're going. The legacy of the storied franchise will continue to evolve, as it should."
Bob Bourne (1974-86):
"This makes me very happy. So happy for the players and all the fans. It just hasn't been the same."
Dave Langevin (1979-85):
"It is a great day for the Islanders' fans to return to their home where the team started and now own great Cup memories. My greatest memory is the bond between the players and fans. Great day! Love you fans!"
Brad Lauer (1986-91):
"Great news for the Islanders. Great news for the fans. That team belongs on The Island!
Islanders Co-Owner Jon Ledecky on Charles Wang:
"Charles Wang deserves a lot of credit. Number one, he kept the Islanders on Long Island. Number two, it was his vision here, he mentioned to (co-owners) Scott Malkin, Dewey Shay and myself take a look at Belmont Park... This was a day for New York. This was a day for our team. Charles is sitting there with a huge smile on his face, but we must give Charles credit. He was the original visionary of this and we are now the people who get to execute it. We are taking a bow, but the bow should be taken by Charles as well. Scott Malkin and I feel very strongly about that."
Cal Clutterbuck (2013-Present):
"As much as the Coliseum was ours and a place that we really embraced and the fans embraced, obviously if you look at the structure of the building and the way it was aged, it was time for a new spot."
"This just solidifies the organization. We've gone 90 per cent of the way with this place and the way the ownership has been treating us the last few years. The caliber of the team, the amount of talent we have here, the willingness to get players into positions where the team can be successful for a long time… I think this is just the extra 10 per cent, it's one of those places that jumps it into a top destination for players. You've got New York City right there, Long Island is a great place all it takes is one trip down here to realize what this place has to offer. Maybe it'll get away from the perception of the concrete parking lot of the Coliseum and Marriott. That's the only thing people really saw when they came to Long Island. If people get out here and see what's going on they'll be excited about it."
