Hamilton Islanders?

For the past eight years, New York Islanders owner Charles Wang has tried to make his ‘Lighthouse Project’ a reality: a new arena for the Islanders and a premiere destination for people visiting Long Island.

Now his patience is running out, and he has stated that without a firm commitment from the town of Hempstead, Wang may be forced to look at relocating the moribund franchise. “What I want to do is keep the team here,” Wang said. “Long Island needs the Islanders. It’s crazy what’s going on, the gamesmanship. Now you’ve really got to decide, yes or no. If it’s no, it’s OK. Say it then.”

Even though there may be wild speculation that the team could be a fit for Hamilton, the fact that the Islanders played a preseason game in Kansas City speaks volumes. It’s a destination that’s been on commissioner Gary Bettman’s wish list for some time, and with the New York market flooded with nearby teams, chances are better that the Islanders do move.

It would just be another decision in a long line of out-of-the-norm activity for the Islanders since Wang bought the team in 2000.

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