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Springfield Today
By the People, for the People
AHL Approves Islanders Affiliate Move to Hamilton
The New York Islanders will relocate their minor league team to the Canadian city.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:37pm
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The AHL's approval of the Islanders' affiliate relocation to Hamilton will bring high-level hockey back to the Canadian city in a new cubist-inspired visual style.Springfield TodayThe American Hockey League has approved the New York Islanders' request to move their minor league affiliate team from Bridgeport, Connecticut to Hamilton, Ontario. The Islanders' AHL team will now be based in the Canadian city starting next season.
Why it matters
This move will bring professional hockey back to Hamilton, which has not had an AHL team since the Bulldogs relocated in 2015. It also solidifies the Islanders' player development pipeline in a market closer to their NHL home in New York.
The details
The Islanders have had their AHL affiliate in Bridgeport since 2001, but the team has struggled with attendance and competitiveness in recent years. Moving the team to Hamilton, which has a rich hockey history and passionate fan base, is expected to provide better resources and support for the Islanders' top prospects.
- The AHL Board of Governors approved the Islanders' relocation request on March 30, 2026.
- The Islanders' AHL team will begin play in Hamilton starting with the 2026-27 season.
The players
New York Islanders
The NHL team that owns and operates the minor league affiliate that is relocating to Hamilton.
American Hockey League
The top minor professional ice hockey league in North America, where the Islanders' affiliate will now compete.
What they’re saying
“We're thrilled to welcome the Islanders' AHL team to Hamilton and provide our passionate hockey fans with the opportunity to support top NHL prospects.”
— Jeff Marek, Hamilton City Council Member
“Relocating our AHL franchise to Hamilton is an important strategic move that will strengthen our player development system and connect us more closely with our Canadian fan base.”
— Lou Lamoriello, President of Hockey Operations, New York Islanders
What’s next
The Islanders will now work with the City of Hamilton to finalize arena lease details and begin preparations for the team's inaugural season in the Canadian city.
The takeaway
This AHL relocation is a win-win, bringing high-level professional hockey back to Hamilton while also enhancing the Islanders' ability to groom their top prospects close to home in a passionate hockey market.
