Hamilton is preparing for the return of AHL hockey, with the New York Islanders announcing plans to relocate their affiliate team from Bridgeport, CT, to Hamilton for the 2026-27 season. This move is contingent on approval from the American Hockey League's Board of Governors. The team will play at the TD Coliseum, which recently underwent a $300 million renovation, boasting a capacity of 18,000.
The Islanders' General Manager and Executive Vice President, Mathieu Darche, expressed excitement about making Hamilton their primary AHL affiliate. He noted the incredible support from the city and the organization's commitment to engaging a new generation of hockey fans. Kelly Cheeseman, President of Business Operations for the Islanders, thanked Bridgeport and its fans for their support over the past 25 years.
Hamilton has a rich history with the AHL, previously hosting the Hamilton Canucks (1992-1994) and the Hamilton Bulldogs (1996-2015). Mayor Andrea Horwath emphasized the exciting opportunities this move brings for families, local businesses, and the city's hockey tradition. The team's name, logo, and ticketing information will be revealed later, pending AHL approval. The departure of the OHL's Hamilton Bulldogs to Brantford in 2023 left a void in the city's hockey landscape, which the return of the AHL aims to fill.
