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Report: Former Islander LaFontaine Sought to Buy Team

Hall of Famer looking to keep team in Nassau County.

While there might not be any hockey being played yet this season due to a lockout, the New York Islanders are still making headlines. 

The New York Post reported Monday that Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine has been contacted by multiple European investors about not only buying the struggling franchise, but keeping the team on Long Island.

LaFontaine, who starred for the Islanders for eight seasons and is in the top six in goals and points in team history, is intrigued by the opportunity and may look to put together some sort of bid, sources said.

However, according to the Post, current owner Charles Wang is looking to sell the team for a steep $300 million.

At $149 million, Forbes currently has the Islanders valued 29th out of 30 teams in the National Hockey League.

Wang purchased the franchise in 2000 for $130 million, a decision he told Newsday [paid link] he regretted back in 2009.

"If I had the chance," Wang said, "I wouldn't do it again."

LaFontaine, who lives on the north shore of Long Island, would look to keep the team in Nassau, according to the Post. However, an arena would be necessary for the 47-year-old to pull off such a feat.

The lease on the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum is set to expire in 2015. Nassau County residents voiced their displeasure at the polls back in August 2011, as they voted down a referendum that would allow for a new arena to be built for the Islanders.

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Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Adam Crowley May 15, 2013 at 06:53 pm
As I explained, my post was made on behalf of another village resident. However, I did take theRead More time to read the statute and do have an independent viewpoint on this subject. While I do not feel that all dogs require a muzzle at all times, if you have a dog that you know to be a threat to other dogs or humans, you would have a duty to take measures to eliminate that threat before bring that dog into public. If that measure is a muzzle, then that's what must be done. As my post indicated, I believe strict enforcement would be exceedingly difficult and, perhaps, unnecessary (at least with respect to the muzzle requirement). However, a total lack of enforcement is dangerous and unacceptable. I think a little common sense goes a long way and I have confidence that those charged with enforcing the Village code could do so selectively. I understand that selective enforcement may be a concept that many feel uncomfortable with. However, just because the law requires a muzzle, that is hardly a reason to disregard it in its entirety and allow dogs with vicious propensities to roam around unleashed. I will leave it up to Village lawmakers to remove the muzzle requirement (and suggest that they do so) if that is what it would take to make people comfortable with the leash requirement.
Concerned Citizen May 15, 2013 at 05:37 pm
Did you read the law? unless it be properly muzzled and effectively restrained by a chain or leashRead More I'll bet neither dog was muzzled Do you really want them to enforce this law