MINEOLA, N.Y. – New York Islander Chris Simon, suspended for a league-record 25 games for a vicious on-ice hit, will not face criminal charges.

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice said her office considered “the willingness of the potential victim to support a criminal prosecution” and other factors in reaching its decision.

The NHL suspended Simon for his two-handed stick attack to the face of the New York Rangers’ Ryan Hollweg during a March 8 game.

Hollweg, who was not seriously hurt, met with prosecutors from Rice’s office last week but told reporters afterward that he didn’t think Simon should be arrested.

Oilers tab Falcons

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Edmonton Oilers reached a three-year affiliation agreement with the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League on Monday.

Under the agreement, which takes effect in October, the Oilers will manage all hockey operations for the Falcons, including the hiring of the team’s coaching staff.

The Falcons have been affiliated with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“We are pleased to once again have our own primary affiliate in the American Hockey League,” said Kevin Lowe, the Oilers’ general manager. “The AHL has proven itself as the top developmental league in the world, and it is important to the success of the Oilers to have our own affiliate in a competitive league where our young players can develop their skills for the NHL.”

The 2007-08 season will be the 26th season the Oilers have been associated with the AHL, though the first since 2004.