Mar 19, 2026
BELMONT PARK, NY (March 19, 2026) – The New York Islanders, together with Oak View Group (OVG), today announced their intent to relocate the franchise’s American Hockey League affiliate from Bridgeport, Connecticut to Hamilton, Ontario, for the start of the 2026-27 season. The relocation now requires approval by the AHL Board of Governors.
The historic return of professional hockey to Hamilton centers on a long-term agreement with the state-of-the-art TD Coliseum, operated by OVG. The 18,000-seat venue recently underwent a $300 million transformation.
“On behalf of the entire New York Islanders organization, I want to extend our deepest thanks to the City of Bridgeport and the incredibly loyal fans who have supported this team for the past 25 years,” said Kelly Cheeseman, President of Business Operations for the Islanders and UBS Arena. “From the early days of the Sound Tigers to our time as the Bridgeport Islanders, this community has been the heart of our AHL operations. We are grateful for the memories, the partnerships, and the passion the fans in Connecticut have shown our players and staff.”
“We are excited to make Hamilton our primary affiliate in the American Hockey League,” said Mathieu Darche, General Manager and Executive Vice President of the Islanders. “The support the city has shown our organization throughout this transition has been incredible. We look forward to having our top young talent play in front of such a strong fanbase inside the newly renovated, world-class TD Coliseum and we are committed to establishing ourselves in the community to engage a new generation of hockey fans.”
The Islanders remain committed to working with the City of Bridgeport on a successful transition for Total Mortgage Arena.
“The return of professional hockey to Hamilton marks an exciting new chapter for our city and sports fans across the region,” said Nick DeLuco, Senior Vice President and General Manager of TD Coliseum. “TD Coliseum is proud to play a role in energizing downtown, supporting a passionate fan base and strengthening our connection to the community.”
“Hamilton is thrilled to welcome an AHL team to our city,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “This is an exciting moment for Hamiltonians and a major step forward in building on the momentum we’re seeing in our downtown. Bringing professional hockey back to TD Coliseum means more opportunities for families to come together and increased support for local businesses. It strengthens our city’s proud hockey tradition while creating new opportunities for young players and fans alike to connect with the game.”
Pending AHL approval, the team name, official team logo and ticketing information for the Hamilton market will be announced at a later date.
About the New York Islanders
The New York Islanders Hockey Club is the proud winner of four Stanley Cup Championships and record nineteen consecutive playoff series victories. The Islanders play in the National Hockey League’s Eastern Conference, and have eight players, two general managers and one coach inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
The Islanders Children’s Foundation has helped countless youngsters in need around the world since its inception. Donations are raised through the efforts of our players, management, and employees, along with our fans and partners.
UBS Arena is the team’s state of the art home and features world class premium hospitality, great sightlines from every seat, and a loud and intimate bowl. Isles Lab, the official team store of the New York Islanders, offers fans traditional NHL merchandise, unique collaborations and exclusive products. Isles Lab is located inside UBS Arena or can be shopped online at IslesLab.com.
About Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the Company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents.
Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
About TD Coliseum
TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Canada is Southern Ontario’s premier live entertainment venue for concerts, sporting events, and family shows. TD Coliseum opened in November 2025 after an extensive $300 million transformation of a Hamilton landmark. The 18,000-seat state-of-the-art arena is home to the National Lacrosse League’s Toronto Rock and is set to attract world-class entertainment as the cultural cornerstone of the Golden Horseshoe. For more information about TD Coliseum, please visit tdcoliseum.com and follow @TDColiseum.
About the American Hockey League
In operation since 1936, the American Hockey League (theahl.com, @TheAHL) serves as the top development league for players in all 32 National Hockey League organizations, as well as coaches, officials, executives, trainers and broadcasters throughout the NHL. Nearly 90 percent of today’s NHL players are graduates of the American Hockey League, and through the years the AHL has been home to more than 100 honored members of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Media Contacts:
Jay Beberman
Jay.beberman@newyorkislanders.com
Teri Washington