Hamilton’s Harry Howell Arena set as New York Islanders’ AHL training facility

The Harry Howell Twin Pad Arena in Flamborough is set to be the training and practice facility for the Islanders’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.

The City of Hamilton announced Wednesday that the New York Islanders and Oak View Group (OVG) will be using the arena, found at 27 Highway 5 West in Hamilton, after the AHL Board of Governors unanimously approved the relocation of the team to Hamilton Tuesday.

“We are excited to be a part of the Hamilton community and practice at The Harry Howell Twin Pad Arena,” said Mathieu Darche, Islanders General Manager and Executive Vice President in a statement. “The Harry Howell Twin Pad Arena provides our prospects everything they need to develop their game and become New York Islanders.”

The deal will see the team use the City-owned arena as its practice rink and build a state-of-the-art training facility to be integrated into the existing arena, with construction set to begin at the arena soon.

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

“We are so excited for the AHL to practice and train in our very own facility — Harry Howell Twin Pad Arena,” said Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath in a statement. “This collaboration between the City of Hamilton, the AHL team and Oak View Group, solidifies our continued partnership as we look ahead to achieving more milestones for the city as a whole.”

“We are investing in new and upgraded infrastructure, and through partnerships such as this, we see Hamilton continue to grow into a vibrant community where youth, residents and members of our community thrive,” said Horwath.

City staff say throughout the construction and beyond, the city will maintain current service levels for recreation users, visitors and residents.

Programs, bookings and access for recreation users will continue as scheduled.

Some changes to portions of the parking area may cause temporary disruptions.

The construction is anticipated to finish by this fall.

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