PREVIEW: HAMMERS FACE MARLIES IN MIDWEEK MATCHUP
Oct 21, 2026
On a busy Wednesday night around the American Hockey League, the Hamilton Hammers (1-4-0-1) open a three-game road trip with another divisional matchup against the Toronto Marlies (4-2-0-0).
It's the first of three games in four nights for Hamilton and the fourth meeting between these two teams already this season.
Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET at Cola-Cola Coliseum. Fans can catch the action live AHLTV on FloHockey.
Here’s what you need to know prior to puck drop:
TIME TO TURN THE TIDE
Hamilton looks to get back in the win column after dropping its last five games, including a 4-3 loss to Syracuse on Sunday. The Hammers showed plenty of fight, battling back from a three-goal deficit with goals from Cam Thiesing, Daylan Kuefler and Liam Foudy to even the score in the third period before Syracuse found the winner. Hamilton will look to build on that late-game push and carry the momentum into its upcoming road swing.
Hamilton and Toronto have already met multiple times this season, with the Marlies winning all three games, including a narrow 5-4 shootout decision at TD Coliseum on October 9 in the Hammers’ home opener.
LOOKING FOR THE NEXT SPARK
Hamilton's lineup has seen some changes since their last time out, creating opportunities for others to step up and make an impact.
The New York Islanders recalled forward Mitchell Chaffee on Monday morning after he recorded four goals and two assists for six points in six games with the Hammers to open the season. On Tuesday, the Islanders reassigned defenceman Jesse Pulkkinen from Hamilton to the Trenton Ironhawks, while the Hammers recalled Chas Sharpe from Trenton. Sharpe, who won a Calder Cup with the Marlies last season, adds another option to Hamilton's blue line.
Up front, Liam Foudy, Pierre Engvall and Cole Eiserman have all shown their ability to contribute offensively, with Foudy leading the way with three goals and four assists for seven points in five games.
Quinn Finley is another player to watch after making his professional debut against Rochester on Friday and picking up an assist for his first career pro point.
The Hammers will look for players to seize the opportunity, contribute offensively and make an impact in expanded roles.
VETERANS ON MILESTONE WATCH
Two Hammers veterans are closing in on significant career milestones as Hamilton begins its three-game road trip.
Pierre Engvall reached 100 career professional assists on Sunday against Syracuse and is now just two goals shy of 100 career professional goals and two points away from 200 career professional points.
Defenceman Ethan Bear is also nearing two milestones, sitting two assists away from 100 career AHL assists and three games shy of 200 career AHL games played. Bear leads Hamilton's blueline with four points this season, including a goal against the Marlies on October 3.
MARLIES FIREPOWER
Toronto had their four-game winning streak snapped by the Belleville Senators on Sunday, but they've remained one of the AHL's most productive teams early in the season. Toronto sits third in the North Division and ranks eighth in the league with 23 goals through six games.
The Marlies have also scored five goals in each of their three meetings with Hamilton this season, giving the Hammers a tough offensive challenge to solve.
Brendan Brisson has been a major part of Toronto's attack, scoring seven goals to open the campaign. The forward recorded his first career professional hat trick against Hamilton on October 11, with five of his goals this season coming against the Hammers.
Hamilton will look to tighten up defensively against the Marlies while capitalizing on its own scoring chances to keep pace with Toronto's high-powered offence.
OFF TO LAVAL
Following Wednesday’s game, the Hammers trip continues east traveling to Laval for a pair of games against the Rocket on Friday and Saturday. Both can be watched live on AHLTV on FloHockey.
Hamilton will return home October 29 to face the Hartford Wolf Pack at TD Coliseum for their Halloween Game. Tickets are available now at HamiltonHammers.com.