Hamilton Hammers
American Hockey League team in Hamilton, Ontario
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The Hamilton Hammers are a professional ice hockey team based in Hamilton, Ontario. They are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the National Hockey League's New York Islanders, who own the franchise. The team was created after the relocation of the Bridgeport Islanders to Hamilton for the 2026–2027 season.[2] The Hammers are set to play their home games at the TD Coliseum, with the home opener scheduled for October 9.[3]
| Hamilton Hammers | |
|---|---|
| |
| City | Hamilton, Ontario |
| League | American Hockey League |
| Conference | Eastern |
| Division | North |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Home arena | TD Coliseum |
| Colours | Blue, orange, white[1] |
| Owner | Jon Ledecky |
| General manager | Vacant |
| Head coach | Jay McKee |
| Captain | Vacant |
| Affiliates | New York Islanders (NHL) Trenton Ironhawks (ECHL) |
| Franchise history | |
| 2001–2021 | Bridgeport Sound Tigers |
| 2021–2026 | Bridgeport Islanders |
| 2026–present | Hamilton Hammers |
| Championships | |
| Regular season titles | 0 |
| Division titles | 0 |
| Conference titles | 0 |
| Calder Cups | 0 |
History
The Hammers trace their history back to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, who joined the American Hockey League (AHL) as an expansion franchise in 2001.
The Bridgeport Islanders team relocated to Hamilton, Ontario, for the 2026–2027 season, and will play at the renovated TD Coliseum, following unanimous approval by the AHL Board of Governors.[4][5]
Jay McKee was named as head coach on May 29, 2026. On June 18, 2026, Vince Laise was brought in as assistant coach, and Kain Tisi as goalie coach. [6][7][8]
On June 1, 2026, the Hammers signed their first player, forward Matthew Highmore, to a two-year contract.[9]
The Hamilton Hammers will play the first regular-season home game in team history on October 9, 2026, at TD Coliseum.[3]
Team identity
Name, logo and colours
On May 21, 2026, the Hamilton Hammers name, logo and colours were officially unveiled. The name and logo is a reference to Hamilton's heritage as a major steel production city, and the colour scheme is that of the Islanders.[1]
Players
Current roster
Updated July 10, 2026.
| No. | Nat | Player | Pos | S/G | Age | Acquired | Birthplace | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 |  |
Matthew Highmore | C | L | 30 | 2026 | Halifax, Nova Scotia | Hammers |
| 24 |  |
Luke Rowe | D | R | 27 | 2026 | Succasunna, New Jersey | Hammers |
| 15 | |
Cam Thiesing | C | R | 25 | 2026 | Franklin, Tennessee | Hammers |