I love how the first statement by the team regarding this injury is asking the IOC to reimburse the club and its fans. Money, money, money....

The mickey mouse poop never ends with this organization.

I agree ALMOST 100% with what you say. I'd venture a guess though that the Lighthouse project was not part of his original plan when he purchased the Isles. The previous owners had tried repeatedly to get deals renovating that property and were rejected, eventually giving up and cutting the budget. I think Wang felt that he could return the team to a success, make it profitable and then build around that. When it became more increasingly difficult to get SMG and the county to fund renovations, I think he felt that the Lighthouse proposal would be a win win for everyone as it would provide jobs, economy and a lifeline to the Isles. His offering to personally renovate the coli was evidence that he tried everything before killing the budget.
- keaner17

I don't think he buys the team without an eye on developing the property. He didn't even know what hockey was when he bought the team. I think the isles were a means to an end for Wang and it went south for him

We all know this team is never going to win anything as long as the three stooges are here. Next year will be the same as this year and even though JT will be ready in September if they fail like they always do, they will say he was not playing at 100%. This team has excuses for everything. They never point the finger to where it should be pointed to. A dumb ass GM, a way out of control owner who does not have a clue about hockey and a coach who should be selling pizza in NYC

I don't think he buys the team without an eye on developing the property. He didn't even know what hockey was when he bought the team. I think the isles were a means to an end for Wang and it went south for him
- Jethro09

It was a love of the property and not a love of the team.

I don't think he buys the team without an eye on developing the property. He didn't even know what hockey was when he bought the team. I think the isles were a means to an end for Wang and it went south for him
- Jethro09

He should sell the team once we get to Brooklyn. We don't need Wang anymore. We got a major contract. I thin the fans need to protest and not even bother showing up fro the rest of the year, and if nothing gets done next year either. Until something like that happens they will continue feeding us crap every year

I love how the first statement by the team regarding this injury is asking the IOC to reimburse the club and its fans. Money, money, money....

The mickey mouse poop never ends with this organization.
- potvin05

No idea how they thought this type of statement was a good idea?

http://espn.go.com/olympi...artin-semifinal-vs-canada

paul martin in a splint....may need a cast...not playing today for USA

I don't think he buys the team without an eye on developing the property. He didn't even know what hockey was when he bought the team. I think the isles were a means to an end for Wang and it went south for him
- Jethro09

I don't think a multi millionaire makes a $140million (or whatever) investment wihout knowing where the stopping points have been. The previous management had tried, and tried again, to develop that land without luck. I think Charles overestimated his ability to clean up the business end of the Isles and it's subsequent effect on changing the on ice product.
I definitely don't agree with the idea that he bought the team as a tool to make land deals. He didn't have to purchase a $140 million sinking ship to do that.

Charles ultimately sees himself as a Long Islander and felt he could buy a floundering franchise and return it to glory thus etching his name as a Long Island hero. What he didn't anticipate was how much roadblocking he'd get from the local politicians in combatting SMG. I think the guy is generally sincere with his intentions regarding the Isles but simply has no clue how to run a hockey team nor is he stupid enough to keep pouring money into a black hole.

I don't think a multi millionaire makes a $140million (or whatever) investment wihout knowing where the stopping points have been. The previous management had tried, and tried again, to develop that land without luck. I think Charles overestimated his ability to clean up the business end of the Isles and it's subsequent effect on changing the on ice product.
I definitely don't agree with the idea that he bought the team as a tool to make land deals. He didn't have to purchase a $140 million sinking ship to do that.

Charles ultimately sees himself as a Long Islander and felt he could buy a floundering franchise and return it to glory thus etching his name as a Long Island hero. What he didn't anticipate was how much roadblocking he'd get from the local politicians in combatting SMG. I think the guy is generally sincere with his intentions regarding the Isles but simply has no clue how to run a hockey team nor is he stupid enough to keep pouring money into a black hole.
- keaner17

The thing is he does not have to know how to run a hockey team. He only needs to hire quality people and get out of the way. If Charles did that the team would have turned it around and put pressure on Kate Murray and the rest to make a deal. Instead Charles played into Kate Murray's hands by running the team into the ground and he had little support to get things done.

We all know this team is never going to win anything as long as the three stooges are here. Next year will be the same as this year and even though JT will be ready in September if they fail like they always do, they will say he was not playing at 100%. This team has excuses for everything. They never point the finger to where it should be pointed to. A dumb ass GM, a way out of control owner who does not have a clue about hockey and a coach who should be selling pizza in Boston
- kasperrko

Fixed!

I don't think a multi millionaire makes a $140million (or whatever) investment wihout knowing where the stopping points have been. The previous management had tried, and tried again, to develop that land without luck. I think Charles overestimated his ability to clean up the business end of the Isles and it's subsequent effect on changing the on ice product.
I definitely don't agree with the idea that he bought the team as a tool to make land deals. He didn't have to purchase a $140 million sinking ship to do that.

Charles ultimately sees himself as a Long Islander and felt he could buy a floundering franchise and return it to glory thus etching his name as a Long Island hero. What he didn't anticipate was how much roadblocking he'd get from the local politicians in combatting SMG. I think the guy is generally sincere with his intentions regarding the Isles but simply has no clue how to run a hockey team nor is he stupid enough to keep pouring money into a black hole.
- keaner17

Eh, Charles Wang is not exactly a saint. It's not like he was some innocent little lamb with no knowledge of the big bad worlds of business and politics.

Fixed!
- JimmyP

Just don't know how much more us fans are going to take. Personally I have little to no interest in the team anymore. They have some bright spots but not enough that out weighs the negative.

I am interested to see the young guys play but the Islanders need a whole new team. Make a total turnover to right the ship. Problem is Garth is not capable of that

Eh, Charles Wang is not exactly a saint. It's not like he was some innocent little lamb with no knowledge of the big bad worlds of business and politics.
- UIF

so sick of hearing this. Where this team is now it has not been winning franchise since Charles came into the picture. He destroyed this team even more

The thing is he does not have to know how to run a hockey team. He only needs to hire quality people and get out of the way. If Charles did that the team would have turned it around and put pressure on Kate Murray and the rest to make a deal. Instead Charles played into Kate Murray's hands by running the team into the ground and he had little support to get things done.
- ses111

I think a little perspective on history his needed. Charles took this team over and immediately poured money into it with big deals with Peca, Hamerlik Yashin etc. Despite the teams early success, it was clear that the county, town and SMG themselves had little desire to make big changes. I'd say that regardless of the Isles success, local politicians simply weren't interested committing time, effort and money to the Isles. Hell, Wang offered to finance the stadium himself at one point and they still rejected it. This wasn't about pressuring Murray since her only pressure comes from her voters which unfortunately spoke load in clear with a 'No' vote. Success wasn't going to help the situation since it was soiled with crappy politicians and majority of non hockey fan constituents.

This isn't a forgiving of Charles as an owner. Not at all. The guy sucks because he has no clue about hockey and wants to turn the Isles into childrens matinee as opposed to building a blue collar juggernaut.
So when it comes to Charles actual management of the club, he gets an 'F' in my book. When it comes to his loyalty to helping sustain a sinking ship, I'm forever grateful.

Eh, Charles Wang is not exactly a saint. It's not like he was some innocent little lamb with no knowledge of the big bad worlds of business and politics.
- UIF

Agreed, and I don't think I was saying that. However as testament to your last line, I doubt he went into purchasing this team thinking the local politicians would all lineup to allow him to drastically change the landscape of Long Island. He'd been there for a little while prior to that.

I think Charles is a 'legacy' sorta guy as opposed to a flipper. Time will tell.

so sick of hearing this. Where this team is now it has not been winning franchise since Charles came into the picture. He destroyed this team even more
- kasperrko

Indirectly he's had negative and positive effects.
Obviously the negatives were allowing Milbury to continue his reign for too long. Failing to surround himself with good hockey minds is another. Alienating anything that wasn't appealing to a 6 year old is another.

I don't like him as an owner, but I prefer not to deal in such absolutes as to declare someone either a saint or sinner.

Just don't know how much more us fans are going to take. Personally I have little to no interest in the team anymore. They have some bright spots but not enough that out weighs the negative.

I am interested to see the young guys play but the Islanders need a whole new team. Make a total turnover to right the ship. Problem is Garth is not capable of that
- kasperrko

I'm with you. I'll watch the rest of this season to see the young talent. I'm pretty pessimistic about this off season. I don't expect much to happen.

I think a little perspective on history his needed. Charles took this team over and immediately poured money into it with big deals with Peca, Hamerlik Yashin etc. Despite the teams early success, it was clear that the county, town and SMG themselves had little desire to make big changes. I'd say that regardless of the Isles success, local politicians simply weren't interested committing time, effort and money to the Isles. Hell, Wang offered to finance the stadium himself at one point and they still rejected it. This wasn't about pressuring Murray since her only pressure comes from her voters which unfortunately spoke load in clear with a 'No' vote. Success wasn't going to help the situation since it was soiled with crappy politicians and majority of non hockey fan constituents.

This isn't a forgiving of Charles as an owner. Not at all. The guy sucks because he has no clue about hockey and wants to turn the Isles into childrens matinee as opposed to building a blue collar juggernaut.
So when it comes to Charles actual management of the club, he gets an 'F' in my book. When it comes to his loyalty to helping sustain a sinking ship, I'm forever grateful.
- keaner17

You make good points keaner, but I'm talking about a good team every season not just one or two good seasons. Even if a successful team did not have an affect on Kate Murray, Charles could walk away saying he did his part and it's on Kate Murray and Co for letting them go. Charles made it easy to say the Isles are mess so just let them go. It's all ancient history now anyway.

What a nice change from the fanboy Staple.
- ses111

Exactly what this team needs. A large dose of reality.

Indirectly he's had negative and positive effects.
Obviously the negatives were allowing Milbury to continue his reign for too long. Failing to surround himself with good hockey minds is another. Alienating anything that wasn't appealing to a 6 year old is another.

I don't like him as an owner, but I prefer not to deal in such absolutes as to declare someone either a saint or sinner.
- keaner17

Trying to eliminate Pat LaFontaine's contributions to the organization because of a personal grudge was about the time when he lost any benefit of the doubt with me. LaFontaine is more "New York Islanders" than Charles Wang will ever be.

You make good points keaner, but I'm talking about a good team every season not just one or two good seasons. Even if a successful team did not have an affect on Kate Murray, Charles could walk away saying he did his part and it's on Kate Murray and Co for letting them go. Charles made it easy to say the Isles are mess so just let them go. It's all ancient history now anyway.
- ses111

And as far as the on ice product, I agree. Wang sucks.

As for the second bold. I think the moment Charles offered to fund the rebuilding of the Coli and they still told him 'no', he earned the right to walk away saying he did what he could. It's only we, the diehard fans, who would have cared whether the club was successful or not. The problem is, the majority of people are NOT hockey fans and couldn't have cared less whether the Isles were 82-0 or 0-82. They simply don't want traffic, they don't want taxes, they don't want more growth, and THEY are the one's who determine if Kate can answer her phone tomorrow.

Trying to eliminate Pat LaFontaine's contributions to the organization because of a personal grudge was about the time when he lost any benefit of the doubt with me. LaFontaine is more "New York Islanders" than Charles Wang will ever be.
- UIF

Yep. Even simple things like elminating the "Chicken Dance' just so children wouldn't have to hear "Rangers Suck". Sparky the Dragon. The lack of reaching out to alumini etc. It all represents a disconnect from the typical diehard fans.
I don't blame Charles for the things that have happened outside of NVMC. It's the stuff inside that bothers me about him.

I think a little perspective on history his needed. Charles took this team over and immediately poured money into it with big deals with Peca, Hamerlik Yashin etc. Despite the teams early success, it was clear that the county, town and SMG themselves had little desire to make big changes. I'd say that regardless of the Isles success, local politicians simply weren't interested committing time, effort and money to the Isles. Hell, Wang offered to finance the stadium himself at one point and they still rejected it. This wasn't about pressuring Murray since her only pressure comes from her voters which unfortunately spoke load in clear with a 'No' vote. Success wasn't going to help the situation since it was soiled with crappy politicians and majority of non hockey fan constituents.

This isn't a forgiving of Charles as an owner. Not at all. The guy sucks because he has no clue about hockey and wants to turn the Isles into childrens matinee as opposed to building a blue collar juggernaut.
So when it comes to Charles actual management of the club, he gets an 'F' in my book. When it comes to his loyalty to helping sustain a sinking ship, I'm forever grateful.
- keaner17

The biggest problem is that when he brought in Milbury he "knew" nothing about this sport and, unfortunately, let him make all the decisions. Right or, mostly, wrong.

Throughout the subsequent years, Wang thinks he "knows" a lot about this sport so he, with the exception of the drafting, makes the decisions around here, again, because he thinks he "knows" the sport now.

He doesn't and Snow is one of the only guys in the league willing to be the puppet to the vantriliquest. I give credit to Snow for the drafting. Wang, quite obviously, made the Tavares injury statement regarding the IOC and Snow is the stooge who gets quoted for it.

Money, money, money...that is Wang's ultimate bottom line. It's always been and it always will be.

Uif and Keaner....great points and posts.

Trying to eliminate Pat LaFontaine's contributions to the organization because of a personal grudge was about the time when he lost any benefit of the doubt with me. LaFontaine is more "New York Islanders" than Charles Wang will ever be.
- UIF

Love the shout out to Dee