The Bridgeport Report: Week 1

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers (1-1-0-0), proud AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders, opened their 2018-19 season last weekend with a two-game split in Pennsylvania. Former first-round pick Michael Dal Colle (2014) paved the way offensively with a team-high four points (one goal, three assists), while several other first-rounders also made an impact.

Islanders' 2016 first-round selection Kieffer Bellows scored a goal in his professional debut on Saturday, but it wasn't enough in a 6-3 setback to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in Bridgeport's season opener at PPL Center. Dal Colle (one goal, one assist) and Mitch Vande Sompel (one goal, one assist) also scored 17 seconds apart midway through the third period, while first-rounder Josh Ho-Sang (2014) notched two assists. Two of Bridgeport's three goals came on the power play.

Less than 24 hours later, the Sound Tigers continued that trend and scored twice on the power play for the second straight night, defeating the Hershey Bears on Sunday at Giant Center. Former Bear Chris Bourque, who signed with Bridgeport on July 9, notched his first goal with the Sound Tigers and Steve Bernier also collected the game-winner early in the third period, while Jeremy Smith (1-0-0) backstopped the winning effort with 20 saves in his team debut. Dal Colle chipped in two assists for his second consecutive two-point night.

The Sound Tigers return to Webster Bank Arena this weekend with a pair of matchups against the Rochester Americans, including their 2018-19 home opener on Saturday at 1 p.m. Fans can follow all of the action online through AHLTV.
The week ahead:
Saturday, Oct. 13 vs. Rochester Americans (1 p.m.):The Sound Tigers celebrate their home opener this Saturday by giving away free backpacks to the first 2,500 kids (14 years of age or younger) courtesy of All Electric Construction and Communication. Added family fun will be provided in the Kids Zone on the outdoor plaza, presented by Big Y, which includes inflatables and food and beverage specials. In addition, all students who participate in the CHET summer reading program will receive a FREE ticket to the game. Click here for details .

Sunday, Oct. 14 vs. Rochester Americans (3 p.m.):The Sound Tigers will host their first-ever Car Cruise and Elvis Tribute Day this Sunday prior to the team's matchup against Rochester. Beginning at noon, the plaza will come to life with a magnificent showcase of automobiles, featuring hot rods from the past and present. In addition, Elvis Tribute Artist Jeff Krick will rock the plaza with a must-see concert at 1:30 p.m., highlighted by food and beverage specials during pre-game party. "Elvis" will also perform during the second intermission and the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a pair of Elvis sunglasses at the door. Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com or the Webster Bank Arena Click It or Ticket Box Office.
News and Notes:

A Night To Remember:Kieffer Bellows made his highly-anticipated professional debut Saturday night in Allentown, Penn. and it took him less than two periods to score his first goal. The Islanders' 19th overall pick in 2016 deflected Chris Bourque's centering feed while on the power play, which snuck past goaltender Carter Hart late in the middle frame. Bellows, the son of former Stanley Cup Champion Brian Bellows, also scored two power-play goals during NHL preseason play this year which co-led all first-year players.

Inching Closer to History: Six-time AHL All-Star Chris Bourque played parts of nine seasons with the Hershey Bears, but on Sunday, he returned to Giant Center on the opposite bench and scored his first goal with the Sound Tigers. It was his 237th career AHL goal (which ties him with Paul Gladu for 50th all-time) and his 694th career point (24th all-time). Bourque, a two-time AHL scoring champion and former MVP, is currently the League's active leading scorer.
Power Up: The Sound Tigers are 4-for-11 (36.4%) on the power play to begin the season and are one of only four teams with four goals on the man advantage. Michael Dal Colle leads the way with three power-play points (one goal, two assists) after recording just seven total a year ago. On the flip side of special teams, Bridgeport's penalty kill has also been superb, beginning the season 8-for-8.

Quick Hits:Kieffer Bellows was the only Sound Tiger to make his professional debut last weekend… Otto Koivula made his North American debut on Saturday night… Ben Holmstrom sat out Saturday's game as a healthy scratch, ending his streak of 228 consecutive games played, which was the AHL's longest active streak… It was the first time Holmstrom has missed a game with Bridgeport… The Sound Tigers roster includes 4,470 games of AHL experience and 883 games of NHL experience.

Team LeadersGoals: Five tied (1)
Assists:Michael Dal Colle (3)
Points:Michael Dal Colle (4)
Plus/Minus: Five tied (Even)
Penalty Minutes:Connor Jones, Sebastian Aho (4)
Power-play goals:Four tied (1)
Shots:Michael Dal Colle, Sebastian Aho (6)