Islanders GM Mathieu Darche, Co-Owner Jon Ledecky On Giving Back — Through A Playground Project In Glen Cove
Islanders GM Mathieu Darche joined co-owner Jon Ledecky, alumni, and over 140 team members at the Glen Cove YMCA to build a new playground — continuing the organization’s tradition of giving back.
GLEN COVE, NY — Community has always been at the heart of the New York Islanders’ identity, and co-owner Jon Ledecky has long made sure of that. But now, in this new era of Islanders hockey, Ledecky is not alone leading the charge.
General manager Mathieu Darche shares that passion and that desire to be a pillar in the community and make a difference.
Darche, alongside his wife Stephanie, joined Ledecky, alumni, players’ wives, broadcasters, and more than 140 Islanders employees to build a brand-new playground at the Glen Cove YMCA.
That also includes a multi-purpose sports court, where children can learn to play various sports, including hockey.
“I think the people off the ice in our organization are just as vital as the people on the ice,” Ledecky told The Elmonters. “And to have a winning culture, which Mathieu Darche is bringing on right away for the organization itself, not just for the players, is really terrific. It’s a new era for Islanders hockey, and we’re so excited that we’re back out in the community, actively doing things, whether it’s at the Ed Westfall West Arena in Calverton, which we contributed mightily to getting built, we’re really trying to use the Islanders Children’s Foundation to bring activity-based programs for kids.”
Having a general manager who is as passionate as an owner when it comes to this stuff makes all the difference.
“Mathieu is a partner, truly a partner, in terms of wanting to bring on sponsors, partners, and donors to the Islanders’ Children’s Foundation,” Ledecky said. “And also, there are some great photos of him online, digging out mulch, and I can only imagine what the social media comments will be. But Mathieu is able to laugh at himself. He’s able to be part of the community, and I think he’s developed an esprit de corps with the players that is exceptional. I think he’s learned from being the Assistant General Manager in Tampa all the different things to do when he finally got this chance to make this step up as a general manager.”
Here’s my exclusive interview with Darche: