PREVIEW: HAMMERS LOOK TO FINISH HOMESTAND STRONG AGAINST SYRACUSE
Oct 18, 2026
The Hamilton Hammers (1-3-0-1) close out their four-game homestand Sunday afternoon against the Syracuse Crunch (2-3-0-0), AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Hammers look to close out their homestand on a high note against a Crunch team playing the second half of a back-to-back.
Puck drop is set for shortly after 3:00 p.m. ET at TD Coliseum. Tickets are available at HamiltonHammers.com. Fans can catch the action live on Cable14 and AHLTV on FloHockey.
CLOSE OUT THE HOMESTAND STRONG
Hamilton looks to snap a four-game winless streak after falling 4-1 to Rochester on Friday. The Hammers opened the season with a 5-2 win in Belleville and will look to recapture that form against Syracuse on Sunday.
With a three-game road trip ahead, the Hammers have an opportunity to finish their homestand on a positive note before visiting Toronto and Laval next week.
YOUNG PLAYERS MAKING THEIR MARK
Hamilton’s young talent is beginning to make an impact, with 19-year-old Daniil Prokhorov and 22-year-old Quinn Finley providing a bright spot in Friday’s loss to Rochester. Prokhorov scored his first AHL goal late in the third period, while Finley recorded his first professional point with an assist in his debut.
The Hammers will look for their young players to continue gaining experience and contributing as they close out their homestand. Forward Max Ellis also joins the lineup after being recalled from Trenton on Saturday, following a two-goal performance in the Ironhawks’ season opener.
LOOKING TO BREAK THROUGH
Vítek Vaněček stopped 38 shots Friday against Rochester, while the Hammers recorded 25 shots on goal. Hamilton will look to create more scoring opportunities against Syracuse by spending more time in the offensive zone, getting pucks to the net and generating second-chance chances.
The Hammers have scored four or more goals in three of their first five games this season, showcasing their offensive potential. Syracuse, meanwhile, has scored 10 goals through five games, giving Hamilton an opportunity to capitalize offensively and build momentum heading into its upcoming road trip.
CRUNCH ARRIVE WITH MOMENTUM
Syracuse visits TD Coliseum after rallying from a 2-0 first-period deficit to defeat Rochester 4-2 on Saturday, snapping a three-game losing streak. Lucas Mercuri got the Crunch on the board in the second period before Sam O'Reilly scored his first professional goal to tie the game. Jansen Harkins and Clark Bishop added third-period goals to seal the comeback.
The Crunch went 2-for-5 on the power play and killed four of Rochester's five opportunities with the man advantage. Goaltender Mads Søgaard stopped 15 of 17 shots in the win as Syracuse looks to carry that momentum into Sunday's matchup with the Hammers.
ON THE ROAD WE GO
The Hammers kick off a three-game road trip Wednesday night with a visit to the Toronto Marlies before heading to Laval for back-to-back games against the Rocket on October 23 and 24. All three matchups can be watched live on AHLTV on FloHockey.
Hamilton returns home October 29 to face the Hartford Wolf Pack at TD Coliseum for their Halloween Game. Tickets are available now at HamiltonHammers.com.