Gary Bettman Gives His Support To New York Islanders Ownership

A few days after New York Islanders owner Charles Wang stated that he regretted buying the hockey team, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman backed the embattled owner.

"He regrets buying the team because he never thought it would take this long to get a new arena," Bettman said.

"His stamina, both emotionally and financially, is to be admired. I don't blame him."

"There's no dispute the Islanders need a new arena and it is something that has to be addressed. It's frustrating to everybody involved in the process. They're not going to stay in the Nassau Coliseum a minute longer than they have to."

Wang has been in a battle with the city of Hempstead, NY to get his Lighthouse project, that includes a new arena, on the go.

The Islanders currently have a lease at the Nassau Coliseum until 2015, but Wang has threatened to move the team if the project go ahead is not finalized by the start of the 2009-10 season.

"He's not looking to get out of town," Bettman said.

"He's looking to get a new arena and he's at some point going to have to explore his options."

Rumours have surfaced that Kansas City would be a leading contender for a move.

The Islanders will play a pre-season game there next season.

While that city is eager to get an NHL franchise once again, Bettman says that the league has not studied that market, yet.