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Prior to the 2001–02 season, the New York Islanders cycled through a series of minor league affiliates without settling in one place for long. Stops included New Haven, Springfield, the Capital District, Lowell and, again, Springfield — a nomadic stretch that made long-term player development more complicated than ideal.
That changed ahead of the 2001–02 season, when New York Islanders original owner Roy Boe, who brought NHL hockey to Long Island in 1972, helped secure an American Hockey League franchise in Bridgeport, Conn.
The Bridgeport Sound Tigers were born — known today as the Bridgeport Islanders — creating a stable, nearby pipeline for future Islanders.
For the next 25 years, Islanders prospects developed in Bridgeport. That run now appears to be nearing its end.
Multiple reports indicate the team, now owned by the New York Islanders, will relocate after this season to the refurbished 18,000-seat TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario.
Attendance at Total Mortgage Arena has lagged in recent years, and the move is widely viewed as a business decision.
“One part of sports that often gets overlooked is that it is a business,” said Todd Boe, the son of the late Roy Boe. “In this case, it made more economic sense for the Islanders to move to Hamilton than to remain in Bridgeport.”
How it began
When the AHL awarded a franchise to Boe in the late 1990s, several Connecticut locations were considered, including Stamford. Bridgeport emerged as the strongest candidate, as city leaders were actively seeking economic revitalization. The Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League had already opened a new ballpark near the Port Jefferson ferry terminal, and plans followed to construct a neighboring arena.
“My dad lived in Fairfield, so Bridgeport was truly his backyard,” Todd Boe said. “Founding the team there wasn’t just a business decision — it was personal. He believed deeply in the city and was proud to bring professional hockey to a community he felt connected to every day.”
Soon after, the new Bridgeport franchise became the Islanders’ primary AHL affiliate.
“When we secured the affiliation with the Islanders, he was ecstatic,” Boe said. “It really felt like life coming full circle for him.”
The arrangement benefited both organizations. Islanders fans could make an easy trip across Long Island Sound to watch developing players, and call-ups were just a short ferry ride or drive away.
Born in Bridgeport
Years later, the Sound Tigers adopted the slogan “Born in Bridgeport,” highlighting the many players who developed there before reaching the NHL.
That list includes current Islanders captain Anders Lee, who began his professional career in Bridgeport after playing college hockey at Notre Dame. A sixth-round pick in 2009, Lee scored 25 goals in 59 AHL games from 2013 to 2015.
“My time in Bridgeport was extremely important for me and my career,” Lee said. “It allowed me to get ready for the pro game. I had some great teammates and learned a lot in that time.”
Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield followed a similar path, joining Bridgeport after his collegiate career at the University of Denver. A second-round pick in 2011, Mayfield spent parts of four seasons with the Sound Tigers before becoming a full-time NHL player in 2017–18.
“I spent a good amount of time there, so it’s got a special place in my heart,” Mayfield said. “They’ve been there for a long time.”
While crowds were often modest, Mayfield said the fan base was consistent.
“They don’t get a ton of fans, but there’s a faithful group there that supports them,” he said. “The travel is easy, and it’s a good place to play in the American Hockey League.”
Other players who moved from Bridgeport to the Islanders over the years include Casey Cizikas, Adam Pelech, Ryan Pulock, Kyle MacLean and Simon Holmstrom. Former Islanders who made the same jump include Rick DiPietro, Kyle Okposo, Wade Dubielewicz, Blake Comeau and Trent Hunter.
Fan frustration
Speculation about a possible relocation has circulated for years, largely due to attendance challenges. Recent arena renovations and a new 10-year lease had appeared to signal long-term stability.
In June, however, hockey insider Frank Seravalli reported that a move to Hamilton was being explored. On Thursday, he reiterated that claim on social media, writing that the relocation was moving forward.
The lack of official confirmation from the organization has frustrated fans, particularly season ticket holders with multi-year commitments.
“As a season ticket holder and Booster Club officer, the news has been very disheartening,” said Mike Carrello of Trumbull, Connecticut. “Especially since the organization will not come forward to confirm or rebuff the news. Many in the fan base feel betrayed.”
It remains unclear why the team has not publicly addressed the reports, especially during a season that also marks the 25th anniversary of the franchise and the return of the Sound Tigers name for select home games.
If the relocation is finalized, it will mark the end of a significant chapter in Bridgeport hockey history.
“I’m incredibly proud of what we built in Bridgeport and grateful to the fans and community who made it meaningful,” Todd Boe said. “The legacy of that work and what the team represented to the city will always endure.”
Even with the move, Islanders prospects will continue to play relatively close to home, with AHL road games in cities such as Hartford, Springfield, Hershey and Scranton.
For Bridgeport, however, the likely departure underscores a familiar reality in professional sports: development teams can be deeply rooted in a community, but they remain subject to business decisions that ultimately shape their future.
Top: Attendance at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport has lagged in recent years, and the reported move of the Bridgeport Islanders after some 25 years in Connecticut is widely viewed as a business decision. (Credit: Peter Schwartz/file)
