- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Bridgeport Today
By the People, for the People
Islanders AHL Affiliate Approved for Move to Ontario
The Islanders' minor league team will leave Bridgeport, Connecticut for a new home in Ontario.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:34am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The American Hockey League (AHL) announced on Tuesday that its board of governors had unanimously approved the relocation of the New York Islanders' minor league affiliate from Bridgeport, Connecticut to a new home in Ontario. The Islanders' AHL team has played in Bridgeport since 1972, but will now be moving to Ontario as part of the league's ongoing expansion and realignment efforts.
Why it matters
The move of the Islanders' AHL team represents a significant change for the organization and its fan base in the Bridgeport area, who have supported the minor league club for over 50 years. It also reflects broader trends in the AHL as the league continues to grow and evolve, with teams shifting locations to better align with NHL parent clubs and maximize regional rivalries.
The details
The AHL's board of governors voted unanimously to approve the relocation of the Islanders' AHL franchise from Bridgeport, Connecticut to a new home in Ontario. The Bridgeport Sound Tigers, as the team was known, had been the Islanders' top minor league affiliate since 1972. The new Ontario-based team will serve as the direct development squad for the NHL's Islanders.
- The AHL board of governors announced the approval on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
- The Islanders' AHL team has played in Bridgeport, Connecticut since 1972.
The players
New York Islanders
The NHL's New York Islanders, who will have their American Hockey League (AHL) minor league affiliate relocate from Bridgeport, Connecticut to Ontario.
American Hockey League (AHL)
The top minor professional ice hockey league in North America, which oversees the development and operations of the Islanders' minor league affiliate.
What’s next
The Islanders' AHL team will begin play in Ontario starting with the 2026-27 season, ending over 50 years of the franchise being based in Bridgeport.
The takeaway
The relocation of the Islanders' AHL affiliate from Bridgeport to Ontario is part of the ongoing evolution of the American Hockey League, as the league continues to optimize team placements and regional rivalries to best support the development of NHL talent and the fan experience.
