Isles co-owner Jon Ledecky passionate about new arena, 50th anniversary

(Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky recalls his emotions when UBS Arena opened and the importance of the 50th anniversary)

There is a phrase that Scott Malkin and Dewey Shay (the team’s other co-owners) and I all take very seriously — we are the stewards of the New York Islanders Hockey Club. This franchise means so much to so many people and we are honored to have the privilege of leading it forward.

On Nov. 20, 2021, the most passionate fans in the NHL packed our new home, UBS Arena, and brought it to life. This powerful moment reflected the amazing work of thousands of people, including our partners Oak View Group and Jeff Wilpon, and representatives from New York State and the NHL. The results of their efforts are spectacular and have built the foundation for the franchise moving forward.  

Every hand we shook on that occasion, every face we saw, young and old, was a reminder of why we built UBS Arena — for the fans. We did it to honor their dedication, and we did it to celebrate the legacy of this great Islanders community.

The first 50 years of Islanders hockey have left all of us with so many unforgettable memories and it is the Isles’ fans that we now celebrate during this special anniversary season. In the year ahead, the organization plans to host intimate events with the organization’s heroes and the fans that always celebrated them as heroes, as well as provide once-in-a lifetime giveaways. The organization is determined to make this 50th anniversary season one the fans will want to experience firsthand.  

We have channeled the passion of the fans into every detail of UBS Arena and we are thankful every day to give this franchise a new home. Every generation hopes to leave something better for those who follow and our ownership group, as stewards of the franchise, believes the opening of UBS Arena paves the way for the next 50 years of Islanders hockey.