A new era in New York Islanders history began on Friday, with the ceremonial ribbon cutting at UBS Arena.
The physical ribbon cutting was a quick process, with Islanders Co-Owner Jon Ledecky, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and countless others standing in the Great Hall with scissors in hand, but the path to get there was anything but.
In a sense, the ribbon was playing the role of finishing line and starting point, the end of the Islanders' search for a new and permanent home - and the start of a bright future.
Islanders Beginning New Journey at UBS Arena
Bettman: "It's fair to say this franchise has never been in better shape. The future has never been brighter"
![UBS-Ribbon](https://media.d3.nhle.com/image/private/t_ratio16_9-size20/f_auto/prd/g8wdutukjvvxbpem20zl.jpg)
© Kevin P. Coughlin
Time Lapse of UBS Arena Construction
Islanders Excited For UBS Arena
Islanders First Practice at UBS Arena