Sabres’ Tage Thompson Details How Bridgeport Shaped His Career Amid AHL Relocation
Buffalo Sabres star Tage Thompson reflects on his childhood ties to Bridgeport, growing up around the Islanders organization, and how those early experiences in Bridgeport shaped his NHL journey.
BUFFALO, NY — On Tuesday, the AHL’s Board of Governors approved the New York Islanders’ plan to relocate their AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders, to Hamilton, Ontario, beginning in 2026-27.
Bridgeport had been the Islanders’ AHL home for the last 25 years.
For decades, it wasn’t just a development hub for players climbing to the NHL—it was a place where future pros first experienced the game up close.
One of those players was Buffalo Sabers star Tage Thompson, who spent time around the organization as a kid. His father, Brent, served as Bridgeport’s coach for the 2011-12 season. After two seasons as an assistant coach on Jack Capuano’s staff, Thompson returned to Bridgeport’s bench, coaching them from 2014 to 2023.
Those early experiences left a lasting impact on Tage. He spoke exclusively with The Elmonters about it.