GAME PREVIEW: HAMMERS HOST TORONTO IN PRESEASON ACTION
Sep 27, 2026
The wait is almost over.
For the first time, the Hamilton Hammers will take the ice at TD Coliseum when they host the Toronto Marlies in a preseason matchup Sunday, with puck drop shortly after 4:00 p.m. ET.
If eight regular-season meetings against the defending Calder Cup champions and QEW neighbours weren’t enough, Sunday’s preseason contest offers an added preview of what is to come.
The game will be exclusively available to Hammers Season Ticket Members, package holders and partners, offering a first glimpse of the American Hockey League’s return to Hamilton.
A FIRST LOOK AT THE HAMMERS
The Hammers officially opened training camp Thursday at TD Coliseum, with the club’s inaugural roster taking shape as preparations continue.
The initial training camp roster featured 11 forwards, nine defencemen and two goaltenders. Among them are a pair of names for fans to get familiar with: Hamilton’s own Brandon Scanlin and veteran Ethan Bear.
Scanlin, who grew up in the city and played minor hockey with the Hamilton Huskies organization, spent the previous five seasons in the New York Rangers organization with the Hartford Wolf Pack before signing with his hometown club.
Bear, an NHL veteran of 275 games, adds an experienced presence to the Hammers blue line. The Regina, Saskatchewan product recorded 27 points, including four goals and 23 assists, in 40 games with Bridgeport a season ago.
On Saturday, the New York Islanders assigned four skaters and one goaltender to Hamilton, while five additional players were placed on waivers for the purpose of assignment to the Hammers.
A PREVIEW OF WHAT’S TO COME
While Sunday’s result won’t count in the standings, the game offers an early glimpse of what awaits the Hammers this season.
The visiting Toronto Marlies will be no strangers to Hamilton fans. The two squads are scheduled to meet four times in the opening month of the regular season, including a pair of games at TD Coliseum during the Hammers inaugural Home Opener Weekend on October 9 and 11.
Hamilton will officially begin its regular season on the road October 2 against the Belleville Senators before travelling to Toronto on October 3.
For the organization, Sunday is about preparation. For the players, it is another opportunity to earn a place in the lineup. And for the club’s founding supporters, it is a chance to see the Hammers take the ice at TD Coliseum for the very first time.
The inaugural season is almost here.