Hoping the Islanders' referendum passes Monday

HEADING TO QUEBEC? -- If
a vote goes against the Islanders
this Monday, Aug. 1, it could spell
the end of days for the Icelanders
on Long Island. Team owner Charles
Wang says he couldn't remain
in the decrepit Coliseum.

UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- It's a very complicated situation out on Long Island, but I must say, I do hope the people of Nassau County pass the referendum to build a new Coliseum when they head to the polls all day Monday, Aug. 1. While economics don't favour the Islanders, the timing of the vote certainly does. A Monday in early August is a politically brilliant move by Nassau County officials who, clearly, are banking on a very-low turnout for the vote. And, of course, a low turnout favours the referendum passing.

Sadly, if the measure fails, it's clearer than ever, based on comments made by owner Charles Wang, the team would pack up and move elsewhere -- perhaps Kansas City, Quebec City of some other wildcard we haven't heard about yet. It would be a sad ending to a once-glorious franchise that has four Stanley Cups to its name.

We can only hope the people of Nassau County do the right thing -- and see that a new arena in Uniondale may cause a quick economic hit tax-wise, but in the long run, the ratables it brings in will far outweigh any tax increase in the long run.

Monday should be a lot of fun on the Island -- here's hoping 8.1.11 as they're billing it doesn't signify the beginning of the end for one of the Devils' better rivals.