Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath expressed her excitement as she announced the official name of the city’s new American Hockey League (AHL) team, the Hamilton Hammers, at TD Coliseum. The team, which will begin playing in October, was unveiled during a news conference attended by numerous individuals, including members of local hockey teams and associations.
The AHL board of governors recently approved the relocation of the Bridgeport Islanders to Hamilton, where the team will retain its orange and blue colors. The logo of the Hamilton Hammers reflects the strength and unity of the community, paying homage to the city’s steel-working heritage and the essence of the sport.
The Hammers will conduct their training sessions at the renovated Harry Howell Twin Pad Arena in Flamborough. This move has generated anticipation among players and the community, with Mitchell Payne, general manager of the Wentworth Gryphins, expressing enthusiasm about the upcoming collaboration.
Despite some initial skepticism online about the team’s name and logo, the general manager of TD Coliseum, Nick DeLuco, remains optimistic that the branding will resonate positively with fans over time. The team’s connection to the Islanders’ colors and the local identity of Hamilton are seen as key elements that fans can rally around.
In addition to the AHL team, a new PWHL franchise will also call the arena home. New York Islanders president Kelly Cheeseman praised Hamilton as an ideal market for hockey, citing its proximity to New York and the potential for a rivalry with the Toronto Marlies. AHL president Scott Howson expressed his excitement about having another Canadian team in the league, particularly in Hamilton.
The Hamilton Hammers website has been updated to reflect the new branding, with the official start of the season scheduled for October. The arena is currently accepting deposits for private suites and premium seats, with season tickets already on sale. Premium AHL seats are reportedly selling fast, while single-game tickets are expected to be priced at around $30 each.