The Islanders and LGBT Network are "joining forces to launch an anti-bullying partnership" in more than 200 local schools, according to Joie Tyrrell of NEWSDAY. Team officials on Thursday during National Coming Out Day said that this initiative that will "set an important example for LGBT youth." The Isles also announced this season’s “Pride Night” for Jan. 13 against the Lightning, with a "portion of ticket proceeds supporting expansion of the LGBT Network’s anti-bullying programs." Isles co-Owner Jon Ledecky said that the partnership was "developed through the network, along with support from the NHL." He also noted last year's pride night "went well" (NEWSDAY, 10/12).
MAY TARGETED FOR ARENA WORK: Islanders co-Owner Jon Ledecky said that he "expects construction on the team’s arena at Belmont Park to begin in May while adding that he is taking the community’s concerns 'very seriously.'" Ledecky said, "When you’re building a project of that scale, you want to make sure all the different groups have input, whether it’s business groups, community groups, residents." He added, "I’ve worked with the mayors and I’ve been meeting with my colleagues and them. I feel very positive about the support that we’re receiving." Ledecky said that he "expects shovels to be in the ground" in May and the arena to "open on schedule" in October '21. On Long Island, Gross & Baumbach note Empire State Development officials have indicated that an "environmental impact report is due out before the end of the year and that residents will have a chance to comment on it." Isles President of Hockey Operations & GM Lou Lamoriello this summer hinted that the arena "could be ready sooner than expected." Ledecky: "If you think about the way the NHL works, the way the schedule works, I think it’s good to point to October 2021. I don’t see how we can be playing before then" (NEWSDAY, 10/12).
