A New Chapter for a Historic Franchise
After a quarter‑century in Bridgeport, the minor‑league hockey franchise known as the Bridgeport Islanders is packing up its storied history and heading north of the border.
The team will soon take the ice as the Hamilton Hammers, and in the process it is auctioning off or selling a trove of old uniforms, equipment and other memorabilia that have been part of its identity.
While some of those pieces will receive a fresh coat of paint bearing the new Hammers crest, many will be offered to collectors, with game‑used gear expected to fetch particular interest.
The transition is being overseen by Kelly Cheeseman, who serves as president of business operations for the parent organization, the New York Islanders, guiding the logistical and branding aspects of the move.
Among the items slated for preservation is the mascot Storm’s blue cat costume, which will be archived for posterity, ensuring that the visual legacy of the franchise endures beyond its physical assets.
Long‑time supporters have weighed in on the sale; Kenny Kaminsky, who chronicled the Isles’ final season for the Sound substack, notes that pro‑stock hockey equipment commands strong demand regardless of team allegiance, while former Bridgeport City Councilman Scott Burns argues that there remains a market for Islanders memorabilia among fans.
Josh Goldin, a member of the team’s official booster club, brings a sizeable personal collection to the conversation, and Lori Uilecan, president of the Booster Club, admits a preference for Sound Tigers memorabilia but acknowledges the broader appeal of the Islanders’ artifacts.