The Bridgeport Islanders are heading north.
After months of speculation, it now appears all but certain: the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders is relocating to Hamilton, Ontario. NHL insider Frank Seravalli, who first reported the potential move back in June, reaffirmed the news this week in a social media exchange, stating plainly, “They are moving to Hamilton. It’s happening.”
That confirmation marks a significant shift for the Islanders organization - and a bittersweet moment for fans in Connecticut who have followed the team since its inception.
A New Home in a Familiar Hockey Market
Hamilton isn’t new to the pro hockey scene. The city has long been a hotbed for the sport, and now, with the newly renovated TD Coliseum ready to go, it’s poised to welcome high-level hockey back into the fold. The arena, which just reopened two months ago after a $300 million overhaul, now boasts an 18,000-seat capacity and modern amenities designed to host major events - with Paul McCartney christening the venue as its first post-renovation performer.
The move to Hamilton aligns with the vision behind those renovations: to bring professional hockey back to the city in a meaningful way. And with the Bridgeport Islanders set to become the building’s primary tenant, that mission looks to be on track.
A Long Run in Bridgeport Comes to a Close
The Bridgeport Sound Tigers - rebranded as the Bridgeport Islanders in 2021 - have been a fixture in Connecticut since 2001. Their proximity to Long Island was a logistical dream for the parent club.
A quick drive down I-95 (give or take a few hours depending on traffic) made player call-ups and assignments relatively seamless. It also gave local fans a chance to see future Islanders stars in action without crossing state lines.
In 2021, the team signed a 10-year lease to remain at Total Mortgage Arena, a venue operated by Oak View Group - the same group that now oversees the revamped TD Coliseum in Hamilton. That shared ownership likely helped pave the way for the relocation, even if it means cutting short that decade-long agreement in Bridgeport.
What This Means for Islanders Fans
For fans in Bridgeport and the surrounding areas, the news stings. The AHL club was more than just a minor league team - it was a direct connection to the NHL franchise they root for. From families spending weekends at the arena to diehards tracking prospects on the rise, the Bridgeport Islanders were a central part of the community’s sports fabric.
Now, that connection shifts across the border. While it’s a win for Hamilton - a city with deep hockey roots and a fan base ready to support a new team - it’s a loss for a region that’s supported the Islanders’ pipeline for over two decades.
What’s Next
Neither the New York Islanders nor the Bridgeport Islanders have officially commented on the move, but the writing’s on the wall. All signs indicate that starting next season, the Islanders’ AHL affiliate will drop the puck in Hamilton, marking a new chapter for the organization’s development system.
It’s a bold move, one that reflects the ever-changing landscape of professional hockey. And while it may take some getting used to, one thing’s clear: Hamilton is back in the game - and they’re ready to make some noise.