The New York Islanders, in collaboration with Oak View Group (OVG), have announced their plan to relocate the franchise’s American Hockey League affiliate from Bridgeport, Connecticut to Hamilton, Ontario, at the beginning of the 2026-27 season. The move is now pending approval from the AHL Board of Governors.
The return of professional hockey to Hamilton is part of a long-term agreement with the state-of-the-art TD Coliseum, which is operated by OVG and has recently undergone a $300 million transformation.
Kelly Cheeseman, President of Business Operations for the Islanders and UBS Arena, expressed gratitude towards the City of Bridgeport and its loyal fans who have supported the team for the past 25 years. He emphasized the community’s importance in the team’s AHL operations over the years.
Mathieu Darche, General Manager and Executive Vice President of the Islanders, shared his excitement about making Hamilton the primary affiliate in the American Hockey League. He highlighted the incredible support shown by the city during the transition and expressed eagerness for their top young talent to play in front of strong fan support at the newly renovated TD Coliseum.
Despite the relocation, the Islanders are committed to collaborating with the City of Bridgeport for a smooth transition at Total Mortgage Arena.
Nick DeLuco, Senior Vice President and General Manager of TD Coliseum, expressed enthusiasm for the return of professional hockey to Hamilton and the positive impact it will have on the city and sports fans in the region.
Mayor Andrea Horwath of Hamilton welcomed the AHL team to the city and emphasized the exciting opportunities it brings for residents, businesses, and the local hockey community. She sees the return of professional hockey to TD Coliseum as a way to build on the momentum in downtown Hamilton and strengthen the city’s hockey tradition.
Details such as the team name, official logo, and ticketing information for the Hamilton market will be announced at a later date, pending AHL approval.
