As Hamilton’s upcoming American Hockey League team prepares for its debut this fall, local hockey enthusiasts, including those sharing a practice facility with the AHL squad, are already embracing the excitement of professional hockey returning to the city. Mitchell Payne, the general manager of the Wentworth Gryphins, a senior AAA hockey club based at the Harry Howell Twin Pad Arena, expressed enthusiasm for the proximity and potential collaboration with the AHL team during their shared use of the training facility.
Payne, along with other eager fans, eagerly anticipates the official team name announcement scheduled for May 21 by TD Coliseum general manager Nick DeLuco. The AHL team, affiliated with the New York Islanders, is considering trademarked names like Hamilton Havoc, Hamilton Mustangs, and Hamilton Hammers, sparking speculation on the final selection. Previously known as the Bridgeport Islanders in Connecticut, the team is transitioning to the Hamilton market.
Excited spectator Matt Lupal shared his preference for an alliteration-based team name, favoring options like Hammers or Havoc. Regardless of the chosen name, Lupal, a devoted Toronto Maple Leafs fan, is thrilled about the return of professional hockey to Hamilton.
DeLuco mentioned the overwhelming fan response, with over 1,000 season seat deposits at $100 each, highlighting the community’s eagerness for hockey’s resurgence. Single-game tickets are expected to be priced around $30, aiming to make games accessible to a broad audience.
Drawing inspiration from successful models like the Vegas Golden Knights, DeLuco emphasized community engagement strategies to enhance the game-day experience and fill the 18,000-seat venue. The City of Hamilton also pledged enhanced public interaction opportunities at the Harry Howell arena, ensuring minimal disruption to current users while offering community-focused events and practices with the AHL team.
Construction for an AHL-exclusive training facility at the arena has commenced, featuring modern amenities such as a gym, kitchen, and media area. Payne confirmed that the AHL team will have dedicated ice time daily in the mornings, avoiding conflicts with other users like the Flamborough Hockey Association, whose youth players are in school during the AHL team’s practice hours. Dawn Nikita, the director of community and public relations for the Flamborough Hockey Association, expressed excitement about the positive impact the AHL team’s presence will bring to the local hockey community.