AHL officially approves move of New York Islanders’ affiliate to Hamilton

Hamilton is officially becoming the home to an American Hockey League team.

The AHL’s board of governors unanimously approved Tuesday the relocation of the New York Islanders’ affiliate from Bridgeport, Conn., to Hamilton starting with the 2026-27 season.

The team will play at the newly renovated 18,000-seat TD Coliseum and compete in the AHL’s North Division alongside Canadian clubs in Toronto, Belleville and Laval.

Hamilton will serve as the Islanders’ primary development affiliate.

Bridgeport has hosted the franchise’s AHL team for 25 years.

Hamilton has a history with the AHL. The Hamilton Canucks were the Vancouver Canucks’ affiliate from 1992 to 1994. From 1996 to 2015, the Hamilton Bulldogs served as the Montreal Canadiens’ top farm team.

The Ontario Hockey League’s Bulldogs also played in Hamilton from 2015 until 2023, before relocating to Brantford.

READ MORE: New York Islanders’ AHL team to relocate to Hamilton