Hamilton\u2019s incoming American Hockey League team will be known as the Hamilton Hammers, the club announced Thursday at a news conference held at TD Coliseum, where they will start playing this October.<\/p>\n
The announcement drew cheers from the crowd, including children and youth players from local minor hockey associations like Hamilton Steel, Burlington Bulldogs, Stoney Creek, Thorold, Flamborough, Chedoke, and Kitchener.<\/p>\n
The AHL board of governors gave unanimous approval in late March for the Bridgeport Islanders\u2019 relocation from Connecticut to Hamilton. The team will keep their signature orange and blue colors.<\/p>\n
The new logo reflects the strength, grit, and unity of the Hamilton community, drawing on the city\u2019s steel-working heritage as well as the spirit of hockey, said Oakview Group, which manages the renovated arena, and the New York Islanders, the NHL team that owns the Hammers.<\/p>\n
As an AHL affiliate, the Hammers will serve as a development team for the New York Islanders’ prospects.<\/p>\n
The team will train at the renovated Harry Howell Twin Pad Arena in Hamilton\u2019s Flamborough area. Mitchell Payne, general manager of the Wentworth Gryphins who play at that arena, said it will be exciting for players and local hockey families to see the potential impact of having a pro team there.<\/p>\n
Mayor Andrea Horwath highlighted that investments in the arena tied to the team will bring long-lasting benefits for Hamilton.<\/p>\n
While some online critics called the name and logo \u201con-the-nose\u201d or generic, TD Coliseum general manager Nick DeLuco remains optimistic. He said he believes the brand and colors tied to the Islanders create a unique identity that local fans can get behind.<\/p>\n
Matt Lupal of Queer Hockey Hamilton praised the name, saying it connects well with the city\u2019s nickname, \u201cthe Hammer.\u201d He joked that rapper MC Hammer could even perform at a big game, calling it a smart marketing move for professional hockey in Hamilton.<\/p>\n
New York Islanders president Kelly Cheeseman called Hamilton a \u201cfantastic market,\u201d noting its close proximity to New York for player travel and the potential to develop a rivalry with the Toronto Marlies.<\/p>\n
AHL president Scott Howson, who lived in Hamilton for several years, expressed excitement about expanding the league\u2019s Canadian presence with the new team.<\/p>\n
The Hammers updated their website Thursday to unveil their branding and announce the season kickoff in October.<\/p>\n
In addition to the AHL team, TD Coliseum will also host a new Hamilton franchise in the Professional Women\u2019s Hockey League, set to begin play this fall as well. The arena expects to release schedules for both teams in the summer.<\/p>\n
Oakview Group Canada president Tom Pistore revealed that premium season seats for the AHL team are already 95 percent sold. Single-game tickets are expected to cost roughly $30 each, with deposits available now for private suites and premium seating.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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