Islanders To Begin Brooklyn Era Against Blackhawks

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The New York Islanders will begin play at their new home on Oct. 9 against the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.

The team announced details of its 2015-16 season opener on Wednesday. The Islanders are moving to Brooklyn's Barclays Center after a 43-year run at Nassau Coliseum.

"Opening night for the Islanders at Barclays Center represents an historic event for Brooklyn," the arena's CEO, Brett Yormark, said in a statement. "We are proud to welcome the Islanders to their new home and to host the first-ever regular season NHL game in the borough. There's great anticipation for the team's inaugural season and we are ready to offer fans a memorable experience on opening night."

The New Jersey Devils said they would open the season on the same night, hosting Winnipeg at the Prudential Center.

The New York Rangers start at Chicago on Oct. 7, when the Blackhawks will raise their championship banner. The Blueshirts' home opener is slated for Oct. 10 against Columbus.

The NHL will announce its entire 2015-16 schedule Thursday.