New York Islanders affiliate coming to Hamilton

AHL team will begin play at TD Coliseum next season. 

Hamilton is getting an NHL affiliate for the next hockey season.

The New York Islanders’ AHL team will move from Bridgeport, Connecticut to TD Coliseum for the 2026-2027 hockey season, the team and Oak View Group announced Thursday. 

The relocation requires approval by the AHL Board of Governors.

“The historic return of professional hockey to Hamilton centers on a long-term agreement with the state-of-the-art TD Coliseum, operated by OVG. The 18,000-seat venue recently underwent a $300 million transformation,” reads a press release.

“We are excited to make Hamilton our primary affiliate in the American Hockey League,” said Mathieu Darche, general manager and executive vice president of the Islanders. “The support the city has shown our organization throughout this transition has been incredible. We look forward to having our top young talent play in front of such a strong fanbase inside the newly renovated, world-class TD Coliseum and we are committed to establishing ourselves in the community to engage a new generation of hockey fans.” 

“The return of professional hockey to Hamilton marks an exciting new chapter for our city and sports fans across the region,” said Nick DeLuco, senior vice president and general manager of TD Coliseum. “TD Coliseum is proud to play a role in energizing downtown, supporting a passionate fan base and strengthening our connection to the community.”

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath welcomed the news of a hockey tenant for the downtown arena that opened in November.

“Hamilton is thrilled to welcome an AHL team to our city,” she said. 

“This is an exciting moment for Hamiltonians and a major step forward in building on the momentum we’re seeing in our downtown. 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.”

Pending AHL approval, the team name, official team logo and ticketing information for the Hamilton market will be announced at a later date.