The announcement that the New York Islanders will be leaving Nassau County was met with mild chagrin Wednesday at the franchise's practice facility, Iceworks in Syosset.
"I feel that the [county] messed up," said Amy Gorelkin, of Syosset, as she dropped off her son, Ethan. She said the failure of the negotiations for a new arena left the team with little recourse, and the county deserved the loss. "It's not an ideal situation, but I think they took advantage of it."
Ethan, 13, took a stronger position.
"I think that it's better 'cause the Coliseum's a dump. Have you seen the Barclays Center? It's sick!" he said.
Katsumi Moi, of Roslyn, was also dropping her son off at the rink. She said she wonders what the effect will be on the team playing so far from its fans.
"I'm disappointed. Nassau County should give them the opportunity to stay here," Moi said, though she acknowledged she understands the decision.
Employees at the Pro Shop inside the building said they haven't heard what the team's future at the rink will be, but that they don't anticipate it will affect business too much.
A call to the Islanders was not immediately returned.
