Bridgeport Islanders play final home game before relocation to Canada

Fans bid farewell to the AHL team after 25 years in Connecticut

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:49am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game, with the players and crowd fragmented into overlapping geometric shapes and planes, conveying the raw emotion and movement of the Islanders' final home game.As the Bridgeport Islanders depart Connecticut, their final home game is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration that reflects the emotional energy of the farewell.Norwalk Today

The Bridgeport Islanders, an American Hockey League team, played their final home game at Total Mortgage Stadium on Sunday before relocating to Hamilton, Ontario for the start of the next season. Fans, some dressed in the team's former 'Sound Tigers' jerseys, expressed sadness over the departure of the team after 25 years in Bridgeport.

Why it matters

The Islanders' relocation is the latest in a string of professional sports teams leaving Connecticut, following the departures of the Hartford Whalers and Bridgeport Bluefish. The move is seen as a blow to the local community that has supported the team for over two decades.

The details

The Islanders defeated the Hartford Wolfpack 4-1 in their final home game. Fans shared their memories of attending games over the years, including seeing players transition from the Islanders to the NHL and the Olympics. The team's house band, 'Exit 12', also performed for the crowd one last time, saying they will miss the energy from the stands.

  • The Bridgeport Islanders played their final home game on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • The American Hockey League Board of Governors unanimously approved the team's relocation earlier in the year.

The players

Daniel Davidson

A fan from Long Island who took the ferry to attend the final home game.

Earl Dormer

A long-time Islanders fan and former season ticket holder.

Diana Carpio

A fan from Norwalk, Connecticut who brought her son Ethan to the final game.

Ethan Carpio

Diana Carpio's son, who enjoyed watching Islanders players transition to the NHL and Olympics over the years.

Dan Boney

The leader of the Islanders' house band 'Exit 12', who will miss the energy from the stands.

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What they’re saying

“One last opportunity to see a part of the team's history which is going to start going away soon, and it's a shame that we're losing it.”

— Daniel Davidson, Fan

“I'll probably have tears. Yeah, it's sad, very sad. I was a season ticket holder here.”

— Earl Dormer, Long-time fan

“The Whalers, The Bluefish... There are all these teams that are leaving Connecticut and it's just very sad.”

— Diana Carpio, Fan

“Seeing the players' transition from starting here to the NHL and then watching some of them in the Olympics was very fun.”

— Ethan Carpio

“It's very bittersweet. I came here in cub scouts as a kid, so for me it's past the music. It means a lot to be able to play for them, and it's sad to see them go. We'll certainly miss them.”

— Dan Boney, Leader of 'Exit 12' house band

What’s next

The Bridgeport Islanders are set to relocate to Hamilton, Ontario for the start of the next AHL season.

The takeaway

The departure of the Bridgeport Islanders is a significant loss for the local community, which has supported the team for over 25 years. The move is the latest in a series of professional sports teams leaving Connecticut, highlighting the challenges small markets face in retaining their hometown franchises.