New York Islanders to move AHL affiliate to Hamilton after league approval

By Canadian Press on March 31, 2026.

SPRINGFIELD — Hamilton is officially getting 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 beginning with the 2026-27 season.

The team will play at the 18,000-seat TD Coliseum, which recently underwent a $300-million upgrade, and will compete in the AHL’s North Division, which also includes Canadian teams in Laval, Toronto and Belleville.

Hamilton will serve as the Islanders’ primary development affiliate. Bridgeport has been home to the franchise’s AHL team for 25 years.

Hamilton has previously hosted AHL teams. The Hamilton Canucks served as the Vancouver Canucks’ affiliate from 1992 through 1994, while the Hamilton Bulldogs were the Montreal Canadiens’ top farm team from 1996 until 2015.

The Ontario Hockey League’s Bulldogs played in Hamilton from 2015-2023 before moving to Brantford, Ont.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 31, 2026.

The Canadian Press