Two NY Islanders goaltenders are assigned to ECHL, solidifying Bridgeport tandem

The goaltending picture for the New York Islanders AHL affiliate is now set — and that alone is progress. After a season where the club struggled to get timely saves, the Bridgeport Islanders will open the year with Marcus Högberg and Parker Gahagen as their tandem, signaling a push toward greater stability in net. To make room, the organization reassigned goaltenders Henrik Tikkanen and Tristan Lennox to Worcester of the ECHL on Friday.

For Bridgeport, the move represents a clear effort to tighten one of the biggest problem areas from last season. A steady presence in goal is seen as a must if the team hopes to be competitive in a retooled Atlantic Division.

Tikkanen, 25, returns to Worcester as one of the club’s all-time leaders between the pipes. The 6-foot-9 native of Lohja, Finland, ranks second in franchise history in wins (31), shutouts (4), minutes played (3,794), and saves (1,889), while sitting third in games played (65). He spent most of last season with AHL Bridgeport, going 14-24-6 with a 3.32 goals-against average and a .890 save percentage across his AHL career.

Lennox, 22, also heads back to Worcester, where he impressed in limited action last year. The 2021 third-round pick by the Islanders (93rd overall) posted a 2.94 GAA and a .909 save percentage in 13 ECHL appearances. The Ottawa native made his NHL debut on April 10 against the Rangers, becoming the third former Railer to reach the NHL.

Both goalies now rejoin Head Coach and General Manager Nick Tuzzolino’s squad in Worcester, which begins its ECHL campaign later this month.