LaFontaine, who had 1,013 points (468 goals, 545 assists) in 865 games through 15 NHL seasons with the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and New York Rangers and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003, will continue his role with the NHL. At the same time, he will work to pursue his mission of promoting youth hockey and sports, strengthening the community and advancing the values contained in the
NHL Declaration of Principles
, and work toward positioning the Ronkonkoma Vision Project as a central destination for sports on Long Island.
"This project will create a central gathering point for youth and families throughout the Island," said LaFontaine, a Long Island resident. "It will be a game changer for Long Island sports, serving community youth every day of the year."
The $1 billion-plus Ronkonkoma Vision Project, located between Long Island MacArthur Airport and the Ronkonkoma train station, is also envisioned to include a 6,000-seat outdoor soccer/lacrosse stadium, three outdoor community practice fields, a convention center, a 300-key convention hotel, a Class A office with focus on medical and research institutions, and retail.
"Pat has been a tireless advocate for hockey and for youth sports, helping to advance the values we all learn through participation in athletics," NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said. "We know that Pat's new role with the Ronkonkoma Vision Project will not only benefit the sport of hockey but will also create extraordinary opportunities for Long Island youth."
In addition to his efforts to secure an AHL team, LaFontaine will look to attract women's professional hockey and women's and men's soccer teams to play at the complex. His agenda will also include attracting and developing college and youth hockey, lacrosse, and academy soccer and youth tournaments.
"We are excited to work with Pat, who brings extensive contacts and deep experience in hockey and youth sports to the development team," said Derek Trulson, vice chairman with JLL, the master developer for the project. "Pat will help us bring our vision to life, positioning the project as a sports, entertainment, convention and office destination for Suffolk County and beyond."
