The New York Islanders and Oak View Group officially announced [https://www.bridgeportislanders.com/news/detail/nyi-official-statement] their intention to relocate their AHL affiliate Bridgeport Islanders to Hamilton, Ontario, for the beginning of the 2026-27 AHL season. The move is pending approval from the AHL Board of Governors. Canadian playoff teams Frank Seravalli originally reported [https://x.com/frank_seravalli/status/1939706112002887869?s=20] plans for Bridgeport to move to Hamilton in June, 2025. Owned and operated by the Oak View Group [https://thehockeynews.com/ahl/latest-news/nine-years-after-forming-oak-view-group-maintains-a-close-relationship-with-the-ahl] - who operate seven additional arenas that host AHL teams - Hamilton's TD Coliseum will host the new AHL team after recently undergoing $300 million in renovations. It has a capacity up to 18,000. “Bringing professional hockey back to TD Coliseum means more opportunities for families to come together and increased support for local businesses. It strengthens our city’s proud hockey tradition while creating new opportunities for young players and fans alike to connect with the game," Hamilton mayor Andrew Horwath said in a statement. Hamilton was host to the Vancouver's AHL affiliate Hamilton Canucks from 1992- 1994 and the Hamilton Bulldogs from 1996-2015. The Bulldogs served as AHL affiliate for the Edmonton Oilers from 1996-2002 and for the Montreal Canadiens from 2002-2015. The team won the Calder Cup in 2006-07 season. Then owner Michael Andlauer sold the team in 2015 as the Canadiens planned to move the team to St. John's. Andlauer then purchased the OHL's Belleville Bulls and relocated them to Hamilton. The OHL's Hamilton Bulldogs then relocated to Brantford during the renovations to TD Coliseum for the 2023-24 OHL season, where they are now permanently staying after Andlauer sold the team to Zach Hyman and family [https://thehockeynews.com/news/news/go-dogs-ohl-approves-transfer-of-brantford-bulldogs-to-zach-hyman-and-family]. Branding for the new Hamilton AHL has not yet been announced.
