No team in the NHL has been more maligned over the last 20 years than the New York Islanders. Playing in one of mankind’s ugliest creations, the Nassau Coliseum (which I’m still convinced was built to look like an oval-shaped garage), they’ve fought for relevancy amidst a declining fan base. For the past decade, there have been talks of moving the Islanders, and that time has finally arrived.
Starting in 2015, the New York Islanders will become the Brooklyn Islanders (unless they decide to change the team name to something that makes sense). Brooklyn has become a veritable sports hot spot with the Nets basketball squad moving in, and now with the Islanders making the 35-minute drive across Long Island; they will call the Barclay’s Center their new home for the 2015-16 season.
This marks the end of owner Charles Wang’s fight to keep the Islanders in Nassau County. Several years ago, they proposed what was called the “Lighthouse Project”, a nearly $4 billion total overhaul of the surrounding area; which would include a minor league baseball stadium, a new Nassau Coliseum and various hotel/resorts. However, it the project could never get enough political support to break ground, making a move nearly inevitable.
Hopefully this will mark a new start for the Isles. No fans should have to deal with this level of ineptitude, particularly within a sport that is designed to create parity (salary cap/floor). Even though they’re perennial underachievers, they have a talented crew. John Tavares is the best player in the world that nobody talks about. Players like Matt Moulson and Kyle Okposo have tremendous abilities. All is not doom and gloom.
The last time the Islanders won a playoff series (thanks to a man forever hated in Pittsburgh—David Volek), I was six. Bill Clinton was mere months into his first term. Jurassic Park hadn’t even come out yet. It’s time, now. They’ve suffered for too long. Even Pens fans can appreciate the hardships the Isles have gone through, and we unequivocally hope for the best for them.
Photo Credits: We Pucky NY
