Charles Wang was a player-friendly owner.
“Most owners, it’s 'I sign your check.’ That's kind of where the relationship stops,’’ former Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro said Monday of Wang, who died Sunday at 74. “He was just as excited as we were when we won. He would always make a point to get to know you, your kids. Whatever he could do to make it feel like a family atmosphere, he would do it.’’
Wang learned hockey from his players, and he had some novel ideas. “He suggested putting a sumo wrestler or someone of that size in goal,’’ DiPietro said.