Islanders unveil plaque honoring former owner Charles Wang
Charles Wang answers questions about his plans for the HUB at the Garden City Chamber of Commerce meeting, Garden City Hotel, Wednesday, March 29, 2006. Credit: Newsday Staff/Karen Wiles Stabile
The Islanders unveiled a plaque honoring late owner Charles Wang on Sunday at UBS Arena, noting his efforts to help build the team’s new home.
Wang, who passed away in 2018, at first championed the Lighthouse Project on the site of Nassau Coliseum. After that ambitious proposal was unsuccessful, the Islanders settled on a new site at Belmont Park after a detour to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and a temporary second stint at the Coliseum.
"Charles’ commitment and vision is why we are here today celebrating this remarkable new home for the Islanders — UBS Arena," Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky said. "This arena correctly belongs to the most passionate fans in professional sports."
Wang’s plaque was unveiled on the main concourse near the entrance to the Great Hall and was accompanied by a video presentation early in the second period.
"It is thanks to Charles Wang that the New York Islanders are able to stay in New York, where they belong," Wang’s plaque reads. "UBS Arena at Belmont Park would not exist without his remarkable vision."
A secondary plaque next to Wang’s quotes passages from former President Theodore Roosevelt’s famous "Man In The Arena" speech from 1910.
Goalie plans
Coach Barry Trotz alternated his goalies for the ninth straight game, but that pattern might end soon.
A plaque dedicated to the memory of former Islanders owner Charles Wang is unveiled on the concourse of UBS Area during an NHL hockey game between the New York Islanders and the Minnesota Wild, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, in Elmont. Credit: Corey Sipkin
"I’m probably leaning to one more than the other," he said. "We had so many breaks that I really felt we needed both goalies going through this stretch. If I have my preference, I’ll probably lean to the guy that’s hot now going forward, for the most part."
Isles files
Casey Cizikas (non-COVID-19 illness) was a late scratch after participating in the morning skate. Ross Johnston, who had skated with the extras, learned at about 5 p.m. that he would play his first game since earning a three-game suspension on Jan. 13 . . . The crowd of 15,518 was the first non-sellout of 17,255 in 20 home games at UBS Arena . . . Defenseman Noah Dobson took a game-high seven shots and had 12 chances. He also blocked four shots.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
