Possible Isles-Rangers matchup at Citi Field thrills Wang

Islanders owner Charles Wang said he'd be thrilled to have his team in next year's Winter Classic.

One day after Mets COO Jeff Wilpon said he'd like to host a Rangers-Islanders matchup on New Year's Day at Citi Field, Wang echoed his excitement about the prospect.

"We would love to do that, obviously," Wang said when reached by telephone Monday. "I think it would be wonderful."

Wang said bringing New York's classic hockey rivalry to a big stage next year would be a definite crowd-pleaser.

"All the people in New York know about the rivalry. It would be a great event, a great atmosphere and great for the sport. It would be so much fun," Wang said before adding a playful jab at the Rangers: "And we'd beat them, too."

Wang said he expressed interest in such an event before the Heritage Classic outdoor game in Edmonton in 2003. He even lobbied for an Islanders-Rangers tilt to close out old Yankee Stadium.

Now that Flushing boasts a new ballpark, Wang is re-energized about the possibility of giving it a hockey christening. "Of course we would cooperate however possible if there's interest," Wang said. "But it's the league's decision, not ours."