Thursday, October 31, 2019

Bridgeport's Koivula Earns First NHL Recall


BRIDGEPORT—The New York Islanders announced on Wednesday that forward Otto Koivula has been recalled from the team's American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Koivula, 21, has 48 points (21 goals, 27 assists) in 75 career AHL games. During his rookie campaign last season, Koivula ranked second on the Sound Tigers in goals (21) and points (46). He finished fourth among all AHL rookies in goal-scoring and co-led all Sound Tigers with plus-14 rating. Koivula has two assists through six games this season.

Prior to making his North American debut, the Nokia, Finland native recorded 57 career points (19 goals, 38 assists) in 104 games with Ilves of the Finnish Elite League. He was named the Liiga Rookie of the Year in 2017.  On the international stage, Koivula represented Finland at the 2018 (Buffalo) and 2017 (Montreal/Toronto) World Junior Championships.

The Islanders drafted Koivula in the fourth round (120th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft. This marks his first NHL call up.

On the Road Again

The Sound Tigers return to the road on Friday for a 7 p.m. puck drop against the Syracuse Crunch in Syracuse, N.Y. It’s Bridgeport’s first game outside of the Atlantic Division this season, which also begins another “3-in-3” weekend series. Fans can follow all of the live action via the Sound Tigers Radio Network and AHLTV, beginning with the pre-game show at 6:45 p.m.  The team then returns home for games on Saturday and Sunday at the Webster Bank Arena vs. the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. For tickets, visit the Webster Bank Arena box office, or click HERE.

Sound Tigers season tickets and flex plans are on sale now for the 2019-20 campaign. Twenty- and 10-game plans are currently available, offering exclusive benefits, including the ticket holder exchange policy. For more information, contact Brad Dworin at 203-345-4813 or via email at brad.dworin@harboryardse.com.

Wounded Vets To Be Honored

The Sound Tigers will to host their first-ever Purple Heart Night on Sat., Nov. 9, but the team needs your help in finding these home-grown heroes. Any local fan who has been honored with the Purple Heart Medal is asked to contact Sarah Rodrigues at 203-345-4823 or Sarah.Rodrigues@harboryardse.com. You can also fill out a online form HERE. Along with your name, please include any photographs or written accounts you have of your military service, including information about when and where you served. The Sound Tigers will use this information to create a booklet honoring Purple Heart recipients.

Each Purple Heart recipient will get a free ticket to the Nov. 9 game against the Providence Bruins and families can also purchase discounted seats at nearly 50 percent off. This offer is valid in advance of the game until Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. by contacting Sarah Rodrigues at 203-345-4823.  This offer is not valid at the Webster Bank Arena Click It or Ticket Box Office.

This event will be a key part in the Sound Tigers becoming an official Purple Heart team—the second American Hockey League club to earn the distinction by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Sound Tigers will announce an official proclamation for this distinction during their game on Sun., Jan. 12, at 3 p.m. as part of Military Appreciation Weekend.

In becoming a Purple Heart Team, the Sound Tigers continue to acknowledge the bravery and heroism of wounded warriors, and the sacrifices they have made. The Purple Heart Medal was first established as a badge of merit by Gen. George Washington in 1782 and recognizes soldiers who are either killed or wounded in combat.

In addition, the Sound Tigers will designate a specific, labeled parking spot to Purple Heart recipients for the remainder of the 2019-20 season and beyond.
—Staff Reports
#soundtigers / @TheSoundTigers / #AHL / @TheAHL

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