Professional Hockey Returns to Hamilton with AHL Relocation
According to a report from NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the city of Hamilton is poised to welcome professional hockey back to its newly renovated arena. The Bridgeport Islanders, the American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders, are expected to relocate from Connecticut to Hamilton, Ontario, for the 2026-27 season.
Insider Confirms Move to TD Coliseum
Seravalli updated his initial report from June 2025, confirming on social media platform X that the move is definitively happening. "They are moving to Hamilton. It's happening," Seravalli posted in response to user inquiries about the rumored relocation. This announcement follows his earlier prediction that Hamilton would see the AHL return after the completion of a substantial $300-million renovation to the TD Coliseum.
The renovated venue, which recently reopened with a performance by Paul McCartney, now boasts a maximum capacity of 18,000 seats. This upgrade is designed to attract larger events and acts to the growing city, making it an ideal home for a professional sports franchise.
Hamilton's Rich Hockey History
This move represents a significant step in reviving Hamilton's professional hockey scene. The city previously hosted an AHL team, the Hamilton Bulldogs, from 1996 to 2015. That franchise served as the affiliate for the Edmonton Oilers and later the Montreal Canadiens before relocating to St. John's and eventually Laval.
More recently, Hamilton's Ontario Hockey League team, also named the Bulldogs, moved to Brantford in 2023 to accommodate the arena's renovation plans. The arrival of the Bridgeport Islanders would fill the void left by these departures, reestablishing Hamilton as a hub for high-level hockey development.
Logistical Challenges for the Islanders Organization
While the relocation brings excitement to Hamilton fans, it introduces several logistical hurdles for the New York Islanders organization:
- Increased Travel Time: Call-ups from the AHL to the NHL will now require flights from Hamilton instead of the relatively short drive from Bridgeport, which can take as little as an hour under ideal conditions.
- Border Complications: The cross-border move will necessitate additional passport and visa arrangements for players moving between the AHL and NHL rosters, adding administrative complexity.
- Lease Considerations: The Bridgeport Islanders reportedly signed a 10-year lease with their current arena in 2021, though both venues are operated by the Oak View Group, which may facilitate the transition.
The New York Islanders have not yet issued an official comment regarding Seravalli's report. However, the insider's confident statements suggest that hockey fans in Hamilton can look forward to cheering on their new AHL team starting in the fall of 2026.
