New York Sports Ventures (NYSV), headed by Steven
Gluckstern and Howard Milstein, formally announced its $195M
purchase of the Islanders yesterday at Nassau Coliseum,
according to John Valenti of NEWSDAY. Milstein: "Today we
make a personal pledge to our fans to create a first-rate
experience, both on the ice and throughout the Coliseum."
With that, the Isles announced the implementation of "Fan
Forum," forums before six home games in March and April that
will allow fans to talk directly to the new owners about the
team. There are also plans to return to the original blue,
orange and white jerseys with the original logo full time,
"perhaps as soon as next season." The team also announced a
staff "shake-up," including the dismissal of two "long-time
members of the communications staff," VP/Communications
Patrick Calabria and Dir of Special Events Maureen Brady.
Team sources said that neither dismissal "was a reflection
of performance and that the positions have been eliminated."
However, NYSV President David Seldin said that his wife,
Judy, will be responsible for managing future community
relations programs, a position similar to the one she held
with the NFL Jaguars (NEWSDAY, 2/27). Two season-ticket
sales account execs were also dismissed (N.Y. POST, 2/27).
