Islanders, Rangers To Meet in Preseason Contest in Bridgeport

By Bob Phillips

Homecoming: Captain John Tavares (91) is one of 12 Islanders
who have played for the Sound Tigers.

BRIDGEPORT – Friday, Sept. 22 will be what is known as the Autumnal Equinox—otherwise known as the first day of fall. But this year, at least, it will have an entirely different meaning for hockey fans in the Nutmeg State (and New York, for that matter).

On Tuesday, it was announced that the New York Islanders and New York Rangers—arguably the biggest rivalry in the NHL—will come to Bridgeport when the two local NHL teams face-off in a preseason contest at the Webster Bank Arena. It will be the first-ever meeting between the Islanders and Rangers in the Park City. First puck will drop at 7:30 p.m.

The WBA is, of course, home for the Islander’s top minor league affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League. Indeed, 12 members of the current Islanders’ roster were “born in Bridgeport,” as the saying goes.

The Webster Bank Arena has hosted five other NHL preseason games—including last season, when the Islanders faced the Washington Capitals, and 2014 and 2011, when the Isles faced the Boston Bruins. These NHL preseason contests usually draw sell-out crowds to the 8,000-seat venue.

Tickets will go on sale Friday, June 2 at 10 a.m. Tickets will be available at Ticketmaster, by calling 1-800-745-3000, or in person at the Webster Bank Arena box office. Group ticket information is available by calling 203-345-2300 ext. 7. Executive suites and premium seat packages are also available. For more information, call 203-345-4841.

—With Staff Reports