Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath excitedly unveiled the Hamilton Hammers as the name of the city’s new American Hockey League (AHL) team at TD Coliseum. The announcement, made during a news conference, was met with enthusiastic cheers from attendees, including youth from various hockey associations.
The team, formerly the Bridgeport Islanders, will relocate to Hamilton this October, maintaining its orange and blue colors. The logo was described as representing the community’s strength and unity, reflecting the city’s industrial heritage and the essence of the sport.
The Hammers will train at the renovated Harry Howell Twin Pad Arena in Flamborough, with expectations of benefiting both players and the city. While some online critics have expressed reservations about the name and logo, others believe it resonates well locally and ties in with the Islanders’ brand.
New York Islanders president, Kelly Cheeseman, expressed optimism about Hamilton as a market for the team, highlighting its proximity to New York and potential rivalry with the Toronto Marlies. AHL president Scott Howson also shared his excitement for having a Canadian team in Hamilton.
The Hammers’ website was updated to reflect the new branding, announcing the official start of the season in October. Additionally, a new PWHL team will join the arena in the fall, further enhancing the city’s hockey presence. Ticket sales and premium seat reservations are already underway, with high demand reported for the upcoming season.