Updated

NEW YORK, N.Y. - The New York Islanders may still get a new arena on Long Island, but in a different county.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy says he welcomes the idea of the hockey team moving to the eastern end of the island that he represents, as long as it's good for the team and for the community.

He said on Saturday he called team owner Charles Wang last week to talk about the idea. Messages to an Islanders spokesman were not immediately returned.

Voters in neighbouring Nassau County rejected a plan Monday to borrow US$400 million for a new hockey arena.

The Islanders' lease at Nassau Coliseum ends in 2015.

Wong has said his goals for the team are to win the Stanley Cup and to stay on Long Island.