( Photo Credit: Jackson Sokoloski / AHL Bridgeport Islanders )

By: Mark Allred | Follow me on Twitter / X @BlackAndGold277

The American Hockey League’s Providence Bruins kicked off their 2025-26 season on the right foot last night, beating the Bridgeport Islanders at the Total Mortgage Arena in downtown Bridgeport, Connecticut, by the score of 3-2 in overtime. The game-winner came via the first goal of the season from forward Matej Blumel, who ended the night on the road in the Nutmeg State with a multi-point contest and captured the game’s first star.

Speaking of multi-point games, three other Providence Bruins players ended the season-opening match against Bridgeport with multiple digits on the scoresheet. Leading the way offensively was forward Georgii Merkulov, who contributed a goal and two assists on the night, while blueliners Frederic Brunet (1 Goal, 1 Assist) and Victor Soderstrom (2 Assists) also posted double digits on the scoresheet.

New Providence netminder Simon Zajicek got the start in goal for the B’s, turning away 23 of 25 Islanders shots for his first career North American professional victory of the season. The 24-year-old AHL rookie signed a one-year, entry-level contract over the 2025 summer offseason, and although he looked shaky in the opening frame in Bridgeport, he settled in nicely, making some key point-blank saves, keeping his B’s team in the game.

Providence’s special teams were on par last night, going 1/3 on the power play and killing all four Islanders ‘ man-advantage opportunities. Bridgeport outshot the Bruins in the game, 25 to 23, and definitely showed improvements in this first game over a year ago, when the team lost an AHL record 50 games.

The Providence Bruins are back at it this afternoon as the National Hockey League’s Boston Bruins top minor-pro affiliate prepares to play their home opener at the Amica Mutual Pavilion against the Charlotte Checkers. Puck drop from the downtown Providence, Rhode Island venue is set for 3 P.M. as the Bruins look to create a winning streak, keeping the season’s good vibes going, and hopefully play well in front of a packed house on Lasalle Street.

If you’s like to be in attendance for the Providence home opener this afternoon, please consider using our StubHub affiliated link HERE for all your home and away AHL Bruins hockey tickets.