In March of 2000, the American Hockey League announced that they would be expanding to Bridgeport, CT. Located 50 miles northeast of New York City and just a stone’s throw across the Long Island Sound from the Island, Bridgeport was a destination in waiting for a hockey team. The plan was that Bridgeport Pro Sports LLC., led by Roy Boe, the man who also founded the New York Islanders, would build a 9,500 seat facility right next door to the Ballpark At Harbor Yard, home of the Atlantic League’s Bridgeport Bluefish.

In order for the name to be finalized, a “Name the Team” contest was held, and on Sep. 20, 2000, exactly 20 years ago today, the unveiling was held at Barnum Museum, just blocks from the site of the team’s future arena. Among the dignitaries in attendance included Boe, AHL President David Andrews, Islanders assistant General Manager Gordie Clark and Mayor Joseph Ganim.

At that unveiling, it was revealed that the team’s name would be the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The following is a release from the team about the meaning of the name.

“Most everyone who submitted entries wanted a name unique to the regions geography and/or history. Many liked either the ‘shore’ reference or the ‘beach’ reference in two of the listed options. Others had names that referenced ‘harbor’, a context that is set to become an integral part of the new arena’s name. However, overwhelmingly, most felt strongly that the coastal reference should not ignore the region” history specifically with the Long Island Sound. References were made to the impact of the Sound on the regions economic history and the recreational activities of its residents. Many alluded to the impending relationship with our neighbor on the Sound, the New York Islanders. Still others commented on how unique it was to have a beautiful new arena built directly along the coast. Hence “Sound’ was an obvious choice to be included in the team name.

Bridgeport’s long and storied relationship with the circus was referenced in hundreds and hundreds of contest entries. So much so, that the team chose to unveil its team name, colors, and logo at the historic Barnum Museum in downtown Bridgeport. ‘Tigers’ were, by far the most-referred-to animal, in large part due to your fascination with this circus favorite.

The informal focus groups involved in the process shared the desire of the throngs of contest respondents who asked for a unique name that could result in a logo that could become a symbol of the ‘take charge attitude of the new Bridgeport.’ Hence, the name ‘Bridgeport Sound Tigers’ became a reality accompanied by a ‘definition’ that explains the moniker to those not yet ‘in the know.’ The Tiger’s colors also symbolize the ‘proud to be different’ feelings that accompany the city’s resurgence. Not just anybody’s tiger, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers are ready to take to the ice in a manner that’s uniquely theirs… exciting, competitive, ready to make a difference and proud of it.”

The logo was designed by Silverman Group, a New Haven-based design firm, who has since gone on to create branding for the NBA, NFL, NHL, NFLPA, Philadelphia Union (MLS), MLB and ESPN, among others.

The logo included a feisty Blue Tiger roaring out of water, portraying the Long Island Sound, with the main colors being blue, yellow and black.

The logo received great reviews, and with it came the introduction of Soundtigers.com, which still is the team’s website. Season tickets were next on sale, and Cheryl Chizmadia, along with her partner Maryanne Piorek, were the first two season ticket holders in team history. Cheryl sadly passed away on Christmas Eve of 2015 after a long and courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

Other logos would be subsequently announced, including a shoulder patch that had a Tiger’s Paw and read “BST”.

The logos were a big hit with the fans and members of the community.

“I think the actual logo is very attractive,” Ganim said. “It all goes together well. I think it’s great.”

The color scheme was unique, as only one other AHL team used the same set, but with a different blue.

“We are honored and extremely proud to be coming to Bridgeport,” Andrews said. “Bridgeport is going to be a great addition to the league.”

Twenty years later, the Sound Tigers are celebrating their 20th anniversary at the same arena. While the colors are different, closely resembling the Islanders, the logo has not changed.

Over the next few months, we will be releasing more articles about the Bridgeport Sound Tigers’ 20th anniversary, and how not only the team, but the players who have worn the Sound Tigers jersey, have made an impact on not only the NHL and AHL, but beyond.

Christian Gardecki

A Native of Danbury, CT. Christian is one of the longest tenured Drive4Five writers, Christian Gardecki began writing for Drive4five In May of 2017. Christian covers Minor League Hockey and the Bridgeport Islanders for Drive4Five. Outside of Drive4Five, Christian was the captain of his High School Hockey team and currently attends Hofstra University with a major in journalism. Christian was the play by play broadcaster for the Danbury Westerners summer collegiate baseball team during their 2021 NECBL Championship. Christian also was the Public Address Announcer for the Danbury Hat Tricks Minor Pro Hockey team in the Federal Prospects Hockey League and NAHL Junior team from 2019-21.