New York Islanders Purchase Sound Tigers
July 22, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Bridgeport Islanders News Release
The New York Islanders are now the majority owners of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers â a victory for both franchises. As a result of the deal, the Islanders now have the rare and rewarding benefit of having complete control of their minor league affiliate on and off the ice. The Sound Tigers will continue their quest for a Calder Cup for Bridgeport with an ownership committed to bringing winning hockey and a first-class experience to Sound Tigers fans.
"We look forward to continuing the Sound Tigers' winning ways and bringing the Islanders Experience to the fans in Connecticut," said Islanders co-owner Charles B. Wang. "Our Islanders staff will work with the Sound Tigers to make sure everything is top-quality. This is a perfect scenario for a franchise like ours that is determined to develop players for the long-term."
Said Islanders general manager Mike Milbury: "[Sound Tigers head coach] Greg Cronin and I will work hard to give the great hockey fans in Bridgeport a championship and a team that will be dedicated to its community. And for the Islanders, we could not ask for a more ideal situation for developing our prospects."
The former Sound Tigers ownership group â including managing partner Roy Boe â retain a minority interest in the team.
The Bridgeport Sound Tigers created a tradition of success in their first three years of existence. The team was the regular season champions and advanced to the Calder Cup Final in its inaugural season of 2001-02. In the last three years more than 30 Sound Tigers players have gone on to play in the NHL, including 2003-04 NHL Calder Trophy Finalist Trent Hunter, emerging star and Team USA goaltender Rick DiPietro and Wade Dubielewicz, who last season posted the lowest goals-against average in AHL history (1.38) and was named the league's Rookie of the Year. Islanders coach Steve Stirling was Bridgeport's first coach and was named by The Hockey News as the Minor Pro Coach of the Year in 2001-2002.
The team has won at least 40 games in each of its first three seasons and the fans have responded. Last season the club averaged 4,864 at the Arena at Harbor Yard, setting a franchise record. More than a half-million fans have been to a Sound Tigers game in the team's first three years.
The Arena at Harbor Yard is one of Connecticut's premier venues for sports and entertainment. Opened in 2001 with the Sound Tigers' first-ever home game, the state-of-the-art facility boasts executive suites, clubs seats, unique "Attack Zone" barstool seating, a fan lounge, wide concourses with complete amenities and spacious and first-class dressing rooms and team areas. In addition to Sound Tigers hockey, the arena hosts NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament games, Fairfield University sports events, NIT basketball, concerts and trade shows.
The Bridgeport Sound Tigers begin the 2004-05 AHL season in October. Information regarding 2004-05 Sound Tigers season tickets and sponsorship opportunities is available by calling 203-334-GOAL or logging on to www.soundtigers.com.
American Hockey League Stories from July 22, 2004
- Predators Announce Singings - Milwaukee Admirals
- Scoville Exercises Option - Syracuse Crunch
- Jr. Coyotes change name to Jr. Falcons - Springfield Falcons
- Helmer, Manlow headline Motor City quartet - Grand Rapids Griffins
- 'Crunch Into Reading' Returns - Syracuse Crunch
- New York Islanders Purchase Sound Tigers - Bridgeport Islanders
- Admirals and Fox Sports 1050 AM announce partnership - Norfolk Admirals
- Admirals unveil new logo - Norfolk Admirals
- Avs sign Hinote along with McLean and Savage - Hershey Bears
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
