Charles Wang Discusses Lighthouse Project, Isles Future In N.Y.

Wang Says Certainty On Lighthouse Project Must Be Decided By Beginning Of Next Season

Islanders Owner Charles Wang appeared on MSG Plus’ “Islanders Pregame” show Thursday night and discussed his Lighthouse Project and how that affects the future of the team on Long Island. Wang said, "I don’t know if the Town of Hempstead is coming close to a decision. I know that we have limited time. We have to have certainty and I’ve said now we must have certainty on this project, whether we go or no go, by the beginning of the next hockey season. ... Seven years later, I think it’s time.” He added, "I want to do something. I know the people want it done. Now let’s get it done." The Islanders' current lease at Nassau Coliseum runs through '15, and MSG's Howie Rose asked, “Can you say right now that the Islanders will absolutely be on Long Island through 2015?" Wang: "We really shouldn’t spend all our time focusing on how the Islanders are going to get off the Island because that is hopefully never happening." Rose wondered if Wang would be nervous about finding financing for the project amid the recession if it was approved today. Wang: "Anyone in this economic time that doesn’t have economic trepidation isn’t living in the real world." But he added, "I can’t help but think back and say what if it were approved when we originally proposed it."

FUTURE PROSPECTS: Wang said despite his desire not to relocate the Islanders, if the team is "not going to be here long-term, then you search outside interests." Wang: "Let’s say you’re going to go to a city that today doesn’t have an arena. It’s going to take them two or three years to build it.” Rose noted K.C., where the Islanders will play an exhibition game before the '09-10 season, recently built Sprint Center and is looking for an anchor tenant. Wang sarcastically replied, "Where’s Kansas City?” (MSG Plus, 3/5).