Mathieu Darche called it “unfortunate” the NHL has scrapped plans to hold an Olympic send-off event at UBS Arena in February. But the Islanders general manager believes Long Island hockey fans will still ultimately benefit with the building now slated to host the league’s All-Star Game and skills competition Feb. 5-7, 2027.

“It’s almost better to have the All-Star Game in 2027 than just a send-off with some events,” Darche said on Wednesday. “At least there will be some hockey. It’s unfortunate but that’s more on the marketing side than on my side. I’m happy for our fans here at UBS Arena we will still have it the year after.”

The news, which first leaked on Tuesday night, was made official on Wednesday.

The NHL first announced in 2024 that UBS Arena, which opened in 2021, would host

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