The AHL, like the NHL, paused its season on March 12 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But while the NHL continues to move toward a resumption of play, its top minor league affiliate cancelled the rest of its season on May 11.
“Every player you talk to is disappointed,” Bridgeport coach Brent Thompson told Newsday in a recent telephone conversation. “Those players wanted to continue to show what they could do to help the organization. We understand it’s a terrible time. Safety first.”
The Islanders’ affiliate finished last in the eight-team Atlantic Division at 23-33-5-2, though they won their last two games before the season was halted.