Islanders' AHL Team Relocation: A New Chapter for the Islanders and Bridgeport
The New York Islanders' AHL affiliate is reportedly moving to Hamilton, Ontario, a development that comes as the team welcomes back Bo Horvat. This potential relocation has been a topic of discussion since the offseason, with organizational staffers aware of the possibility.
According to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, the Islanders will relocate their AHL affiliate from Bridgeport to Hamilton, with the new location set to begin play next season. The Islanders have been in Bridgeport since the 2001-02 season, qualifying for the AHL playoffs 10 times, most recently in 2021-22. As of Friday night, they were in sixth place in the AHL's Atlantic Division.
The Islanders' AHL team will reportedly play in the recently refurbished TD Coliseum, which underwent a $300 million overhaul. This move is significant for the development of players, as many current Islanders, including Anders Lee, Scott Mayfield, Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock, Casey Cizikas, Simon Holmstrom, and Cal Ritchie, have honed their skills in Bridgeport.
Mayfield, for instance, shared, 'It's kind of where I learned to play pro hockey. Look at me, [Pelech and Pulock], we all came together. Anders is there. [Anders and I] played a little bit together there. [Cizikas] was up right when I got there ... Obviously, you know it is a feeder league. It’s to develop players, and that’s exactly what they use it for.'
The relocation is a strategic move, as the Islanders aim to continue developing their players and preparing for future success. Meanwhile, the return of Horvat, who missed the previous nine games due to a lower-body injury, brings a sense of optimism to the team. Horvat, who has 21 goals and 12 assists in 36 games this season, is set to play Saturday afternoon against the Sabres, marking a significant return for the team.
As the Islanders navigate this transition, the relocation to Hamilton presents an opportunity for growth and development, both for the team and the players. The organization's focus on player development and the apparent return of Horvat create a compelling narrative for the upcoming season.
