Wang sets record straight on Lighthouse status, Isles visit Sabres

October 16, 3:50 PMNew York Islanders ExaminerLee Forman

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New York Islanders owner Charles Wang finally responded to a Long Island Press story that surfaced on Wednesday.  According to the article, a source claimed that Wang had abandoned the Lighthouse and already reassigned top-level executives that had been working solely on the project.  After 19 hours of unreturned phone calls and texts, the record was set straight Thursday afternoon in a released statement. 

"Yesterday's report on the Lighthouse project which appeared in the Long Island Press is untrue.  There are no plans to abandon this project which is so vital to the future of Nassau County and Long Island as a whole."   

Wang claims all the information has been presented to the Town of Hempstead and that they need to make a decision, one way or another.  The shrewd businessman attempted to convey his wishes for a media blackout regarding the on-going discussions between himself and the Town Board, specifically in relation to the zoning of the project.  

"Long Island stands in this defining moment waiting for an answer.  Yes or no.  Moving forward, we will not discuss any meetings in the media.  Any reports of meetings should be considered untrue."

Kate Murray wasted little time ignoring the request for media silence.  The Town Supervisor contacted Newsday to inform them that she had not only contacted Wang on Thursday, but also mailed him a letter conveying the concerns of the Town Board. 

Lost in the circus of events surrounding the Lighthouse project, the Islanders travel to Buffalo in search of their first win of the 2009-10 season.  According to Chris Botta of Islanders Point Blank, there will be a couple of changes in Scott Gordon's line-up for Friday night.  

 
 AP Photo/Paul J. Bereswill

• Captain Doug Weight, upon request from his coach, has agreed to shift from the center position to left wing.    The veteran forward has been practicing on the wing this week while lining up alongside Rob Schremp and Jon Sim.  The move allows Gordon to reunite the struggling Josh Bailey with a player he enjoyed moderate success with last season, Blake Comeau.  Sean Bergenheim is expected to flank the left side on that line.   
• The Islanders added another forward to the mix by recalling Joel Rechlicz from Bridgeport.  Jeff Tambellini is already expected to be a healthy scratch Friday, but the addition of Rechlicz means one more forward will be sitting (most likely Nate Thompson).   
• Jack Hillen might be suiting up for his regular season debut in Buffalo.  Bruno Gervais has registered a putrid minus-6 rating and has zero points in four games to start the year.  
• Expect the goalie carousel to continue Friday when Dwayne Roloson takes his place between the pipes for the Islanders.  Martin Biron figures to face the San Jose Sharks Saturday night at the Nassau Coliseum.