This Day in Isles History: July 22

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July 22, 2004 -The New York Islanders purchased the franchise rights to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate in Bridgeport, Connecticut, taking full control of the Bridgeport Islanders, then known as the Sound Tigers.
The Sound Tigers had been affiliated with the Islanders ever since their inception, but the club was previously owned by Roy L.M. Boe, who led the charge in bringing the Sound Tigers to Fairfield County, less than 15 minutes from his own backyard.
Boe previously helped bring the NHL to Long Island in 1972 and was an Islanders owner until 1978. Boe also hired legendary General Manager Bill Torrey.
The 17th anniversary of the Isles acquiring their top farm team, calls for a look back at an early sequence of events in Sound Tigers' history:

Oct. 19, 1999:Groundbreaking ceremonies represent the first stage of construction for the new state-of-the-art "Arena at Harbor Yard," the Sound Tigers' home venue that is now known as Webster Bank Arena.
Jul. 2, 2000:Bridgeport's AHL team, which began play during the 2001-02 season, is officially introduced as the top affiliate of the New York Islanders.
Sept. 20, 2000:After a very successful "Name the Team" contest conducted with the Connecticut Post, the franchise officially unveils its first team name, its logo and its website (www.soundtigers.com).
Jun. 17, 2001:"Storm" is introduced as the official mascot of the organization following a regional contest to name everyone's favorite blue tiger.
Jun. 27, 2001:The Islanders announce Gordie Clark as the Director of Hockey Operations and Steve Stirling is named Bridgeport's first-ever head coach exactly one month later (July 26).
Oct. 5, 2001: The Sound Tigers earn a 3-0 win in their first-ever game against the Rochester Americans, in which Dave Morisset scored the first goal in franchise history and Rick DiPietro posted a shutout.