The NY Islanders were winners at the 2024 Stanley Awards

The goal of the NY Islanders along with every other NHL franchise is to win the Stanley Cup. The Islanders came short of that goal last season, losing to the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Though they didn't take home the Stanley Cup, it was announced yesterday that the organization was the recipient of one of the NHL's Stanley Awards.

The Islanders were the recipient of the Stanley Award for Venue Business Initiative, recognizing the club and arena which improved the fan experience via enhancements, thanks to The Park at UBS Arena.

The Stanley Awards have been presented annually since 2018, with eight awards handed out.

“There’s two objectives. One is to recognize the great work that’s being done, but it also creates a great forum for information sharing and best practices," said Susan Cohig, NHL executive vice president of club business affairs. Because not only do we acknowledge with the finalists and then the winners of each award, but all of our teams have access to all of the submission work so they can look and see what’s happening in other markets.”

This is the first time the Islanders have been presented with a Stanley Award.

The Park at UBS Arena opened for the first time on December, 29th, giving fans a new and distinctive experience. With two ice rinks (one real and one synthetic ice), along with games such as corn hole, fire pits, and meet and greets with Islanders legends, it has become a place for the fan base to gather before entering the Arena.

Unique to UBS Arena, The Park is something the Islanders and the league are excited to unveil to the rest of the league when the Islanders host the 2026 NHL All-Star Game.

“Whether our guests will be watching the talented players on the ice in UBS Arena, a building built specifically for hockey, shopping in Belmont Park Village, or enjoying pre- and post-game festivities in The Park, the 2026 All-Star weekend will show NHL fans the outstanding destination we have for hockey, shopping, and entertainment," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

With Belmont Park Village soon being completed, the Islanders may have another Stanley Award in their future - hopefully to go along with a Stanley Cup.