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The New York Islanders, an NHL franchise, are planning to relocate their American Hockey League farm club, currently known as the Bridgeport Islanders, to Hamilton ahead of the 2026-2027 season’s commencement.
This relocation plan was publicly revealed by the Islanders on Thursday.
Subject to the approval of the AHL’s governing board, this move would signify the reintroduction of professional ice hockey in the city of Hamilton.
Professional hockey has a history in Hamilton; for instance, the Hamilton Canucks operated as the Vancouver Canucks’ AHL team between 1992 and 1994. Later, the Hamilton Bulldogs functioned as the primary development squad for the Montreal Canadiens from 1996 to 2015. Separately, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team, also named the Bulldogs, competed in Hamilton from 2015 to 2023 prior to their shift to Brantford, Ontario.
According to a press statement from the Islanders, this “momentous return” is predicated on an extended agreement involving the cutting-edge TD Coliseum, a venue managed by the Oak View Group.
It’s worth noting that the Oak View Group was also responsible for the construction of the USB Arena in Elmont, New York, the current home ice for the Islanders’ NHL team.
“We are excited to make Hamilton our primary affiliate in the AHL,” said Mathieu Darche, New York’s general manager and executive vice-president.
Notably, Darche himself competed for the Hamilton Bulldogs in the AHL during the 2009-2010 season.
The various clubs within the AHL fulfill a crucial function for the 32 National Hockey League organizations. Every NHL team maintains an affiliated minor league club, often referred to as a “farm team,” which acts as a vital channel for nurturing aspiring player talent. The AHL maintains a current roster detailing each NHL team and its corresponding affiliate, comprising franchises located in both Canada and the United States.
Hamilton anticipates an ‘enthusiastic fresh start’
Andrea Horwath, Hamilton’s Mayor, expressed that the municipality is “delighted” regarding the proposed relocation.
“This is an exciting moment for Hamiltonians and a major step forward in building on the momentum we’re seeing in our downtown,” she said in a statement.
Interestingly, Matthew Schaefer, a budding NHL talent and defenceman for the New York Islanders, hails from Hamilton.
The TD Coliseum, designated as the home for the Hamilton affiliate, is an arena capable of seating 18,000 spectators and has recently concluded a two-year, $300-million renovation project.
Nick DeLuco, the general manager for TD Coliseum, stated that the impending relocation “signifies a thrilling fresh chapter” for both Hamilton and sports enthusiasts across the area.
“TD Coliseum is proud to play a role in energizing downtown, supporting a passionate fan base and strengthening our connection to the community.”
Details on the Team’s Moniker and Emblem to Follow
Tim Leiweke, who previously served as CEO of Oak View Group, had committed to re-establishing a hockey team in Hamilton once the arena renovations were finished.
“There isn’t an NHL team coming here right now. But realistically, there has been an AHL team that has had great success here,” he said when he visited the arena in 2023. “There is a history in this marketplace with hockey, and it deserves a franchise with the Hamilton name on its chest.”
Per the Islanders’ official declaration, the team’s new name, its official logo, and details regarding ticket sales will be revealed “at a subsequent time,” following the AHL’s formal endorsement of the relocation.
The OHL’s Bulldogs relocated to Brantford in 2023 as a consequence of extensive renovations at the FirstOntario Centre. While their return upon completion of the renovations was initially anticipated, the team’s ownership, comprising Edmonton Oilers prominent player Zach Hyman and his relatives, declared in 2025 that the team would remain in the neighboring city of Brantford.
Within the news release, Kelly Cheeseman, the Islanders’ president of business operations, conveyed gratitude to the City of Bridgeport and its dedicated fans for their “support of this team over the last quarter-century.”
“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.”
