Bridgeport Islanders play final regular season home game before move to Canada

Fans bid farewell to minor league hockey team that has called Bridgeport home for over 20 years.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:34am

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A fractured, abstract painting depicting a hockey game with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant blue, orange, and white, conveying the bittersweet emotions of the Bridgeport Islanders' last home game before relocating.As the Bridgeport Islanders depart for Canada, a cubist rendering captures the emotional final home game for the minor league hockey team's devoted fans.Hartford Today

The Bridgeport Islanders, the minor league affiliate of the New York Islanders, played their last regular season home game at Total Mortgage Arena on Sunday before the team relocates to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada next season. Fans expressed bittersweet emotions as they said goodbye to a team that has been a part of the community for over two decades.

Why it matters

The Bridgeport Islanders' departure is part of a broader trend of minor league sports teams leaving Connecticut, disappointing fans who have supported these local teams over the years. The move also marks the end of an era for hockey in Bridgeport, as the city loses a beloved sports franchise.

The details

The Bridgeport Islanders, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the NHL's New York Islanders, played their final regular season home game at Total Mortgage Arena on Sunday, April 13, 2026. The team announced last month that they will be relocating to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada for the upcoming season. Fans in attendance expressed sadness over the team's departure, with many sharing fond memories of attending Islanders games over the years and watching young players develop before moving up to the NHL.

  • The Bridgeport Islanders played their final regular season home game on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The team announced last month that they will be relocating to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada for the upcoming season.

The players

Bridgeport Islanders

The minor league affiliate of the New York Islanders that has played in Bridgeport, Connecticut for over 20 years.

New York Islanders

The National Hockey League (NHL) team that the Bridgeport Islanders have been the minor league affiliate of.

Hartford Wolfpack

The opposing team that the Bridgeport Islanders played in their final regular season home game.

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What they’re saying

“It's kind of sad. It's a fun experience to come in and come to the game and close by.”

— Albe Bassett, Norwalk resident

“This has been my childhood team. I've had it since I was a kid. It sucks that they're going.”

— Jacob Bannuzzi, Milford resident

“Losing a lot of minor league teams around here for whatever reason which is kind of disappointing.”

— Albe Bassett, Norwalk resident

“Sad. We had a lot of fun coming here. A lot of memories so it's sad, but I love the support. I've seen a lot of support here today.”

— Kim Mitchell, Ridgefield resident

“Good luck. Hope you change your mind and stay, but good luck.”

— Kim Mitchell, Ridgefield resident

What’s next

The Bridgeport Islanders will play their final game in Bridgeport on Sunday, April 13, 2026, before relocating to Hamilton, Ontario, Canada for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

The departure of the Bridgeport Islanders is a significant loss for the city and the broader Connecticut sports community, as fans bid farewell to a team that has been a part of the local fabric for over two decades. This move reflects a larger trend of minor league teams leaving the state, highlighting the challenges smaller markets face in retaining professional sports franchises.