Islanders Move AHL Team to Hamilton, Pending League Approval

0:00For the NHL, it's March 19th. Here's what's happening. The New York Islanders are moving their American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders, to Hamilton, Ontario, starting with the 20. 26-27 season. This comes pending approval from the League's Board of Governors. It's big news for Hamilton, which hasn't had an AHL team since 2015. Bridgeport will lose its pro hockey squad after 25 years in the city. The team has drawn an average of 4,292 fans this season, ranking 24th out of 32 teams. Islanders' business president Kelly Cheezman thanked the local fans in city for their support over the years. Meanwhile, Hamilton's TD Coliseum just wrapped up a $300 million renovation and seats 18,000 people. Oak View Group runs the arena and struck a long-term deal with the Islanders to host the team. Coliseum General Manager Nick Delucco called it an exciting chapter for the city and fans.

1:02Hamilton has a rich hockey past, hosting the AHL Bulldogs from 1996 to 2015. That team won the Calder Cup in 2007, while linked to the Emmington Oilers and later the Montreal Canadians. The city went without pro hockey after that, until this move. Mayor Andrea Horwath praised the return, saying it boosts families, local businesses, and the areas hockey tradition. All eyes are now on the league's approval to make this official and get hockey back in Hamilton. This DNN story comes to you thanks to our sponsor. Some travel miles to find peace. I just climb into bed and listen. S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.