Mineola, N.Y. - Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi extended the congratulations of Nassau County to New York Islanders owner Charles Wang and General Manager Mike Milbury at a press conference today to mark the return of the team to the NHL playoffs for the first time in eight seasons.

(L to R) General Manager Mike Milbury, Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, Islanders owner Charles Wang, Minority Leader Peter Schmidt, Comptroller Howard Weitzman, and Deputy County Executive Peter Sylver congratulate the Islanders on their history making season as they head for their first playoffs in eight seasons.

"The Islanders have shown that with hard work and dedication, any situation can be improved and goals reached," said Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi. "As a Long Islander I am tremendously proud of how far our team has gone in such a short time."

In addition to County Executive Suozzi, Charles Wang, and Mike Milbury, Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman, the Presiding Officer of the Nassau County Legislature, Judy Jacobs, and Deputy County Executive Peter Sylver also were in attendance at today's event.

The Islanders have just capped one of the most successful seasons in franchise history. The turnaround from a last place team to a playoff team is one of the best in the history of the National Hockey League. This season the Islanders will finish with the best record they have had since the 1983-84 season, and will be in their first playoff since 1994.

"At a time when Nassau County has been skating on thin ice, it's great to have a professional hockey franchise on a winning streak to remind us about the kind of turnaround that's possible if we all pull together as a team," said Comptroller Howard Weitzman.

Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs also expressed her support for the team. "We throw our hats in the rink in celebration of the hat trick accomplishments of the 2001-2002 season… goals scored; successful, aggressive checks; and outstanding hustle. The end result is a win-win for Nassau County."

Due to the success of the team this year, there were 21 sellout games at Nassau Coliseum, the largest one-year increase in the league. "It is a tremendous financial benefit to have the Islanders be a playoff team," said Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, Peter Sylver. "More people come to Nassau Coliseum and visit the neighboring restaurants and businesses. The Islanders and the success of the franchise are vital aspects in the economic development of Nassau County."