Islanders narrow down new AHL team name to 3 options for Hamilton

The New York Islanders are preparing for their new AHL affiliate. 

It'll be based on Hamilton, Ontario, and it needs a new name.

The team is being moved from Bridgeport, Connecticut, and it's a big change for the organization.

Hamilton is a big hockey community, and the team is expected to be well-received.

But it needs a name. And apparently, there are three in consideration.

Reporter Ben Lypka was on top of the options by keeping an eye on trademark filings.

The Islanders have filed trademarks for three team names:

• Hamilton Hammers
• Hamilton Havoc
• Hamilton Mustangs

Havoc is an awesome possibility. It has the 'H-H' sound while also getting that cool team name that doesn't have an 's' at the end. And shoot, Havoc is just a cool word with both a solid sound and a strong definition.

Hammers keeps the alliteration thing going.

Mustangs would have ties to the fictional Ontario Hockey League team that was in the film Youngblood. The Hamilton Mustangs were the team in that movie.

All three options seem to have some merit, but it's not yet clear when a choice will be made.

Stay tuned, because it's a big deal for Hamilton and for the AHL.

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