Hamilton Is Getting An AHL Team. How About Bringing Back A Historic Name?

The New York Islanders are planning to move their AHL affiliate Bridgeport Islanders to Hamilton, Ontario in time for the 2026-27 season. The team will play at the recently renovated TD Coliseum. Hamilton last had an AHL team in 2014-15 when they were known as the Hamilton Bulldogs. The Hamilton Bulldogs name transitioned to the junior OHL, until the arena renovation prompted a relocation to Brantford as the Brantford Bulldogs. 

So what name will the franchise be given? How about the Tigers? The name has historic history in the city, as the Hamilton Tigers played in the NHL from 1920 to 1925. While it would be close in name to the city's pro football franchise (the Hamilton Tiger-Cats were established in 1950 when the Hamilton Tigers and Hamilton Wildcats franchises merged), it would bring back a historic hockey name that has great significance in the city. 

You can find out more about the AHL's Hamilton return here.