RECAP: KOTAI SHINES AS HAMMERS PUSH COMETS TO SHOOTOUT
Nov 1, 2026
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Behind a stellar 35-save performance from Josh Kotai, the Hamilton Hammers (3-7-0-2) pushed the Utica Comets (6-2-0-0) to a shootout before falling 3-2 on Sunday afternoon.
Matt Luff opened the scoring just under three minutes into the contest, while Joey Larson buried a late equalizer to force overtime and help Hamilton earn a point in its first visit to Utica this season.
Here’s how it happened:
THE SUMMARY
The Hammers struck early as rookie defenceman Ryan Healey flipped the puck down the length of the ice, where Luff (2) collected it and ripped a shot past Jakub Málek to open the scoring just under three minutes into the contest. Max Ellis picked up the secondary assist on the play, marking his first point of the season.
Utica responded with a flurry of chances in the opening frame, outshooting Hamilton 13-3, but Kotai stood tall between the pipes to keep the Comets off the board and preserve the early lead.
The Comets continued to press in the second period, keeping Kotai busy with seven shots through the opening half of the frame. Hamilton’s penalty kill came up big, successfully navigating a five-on-three power play to keep Utica off the scoreboard.
However, the Comets eventually broke through when Colin White (1) capitalized on a scramble in front of the net, burying the loose puck to even the score at one. Neither side found the back of the net again before the second-period buzzer, sending the teams into the intermission deadlocked at 1-1.
Hamilton came close to regaining the lead just minutes into the third period as Cameron Berg wired a wrist shot off the crossbar. Utica eventually took its first lead of the afternoon on the power play, with Ben Steeves (3) finding the back of the net with just over six minutes remaining in regulation.
The Hammers had an answer, as Ethan Bear sent a stretch pass through the neutral zone to Larson (2), who broke in and beat Málek to tie the game at two with just 3:04 left in regulation. The assist marked Bear’s 100th career AHL assist. Luff picked up the secondary assist, earning his second multi-point performance of the season.
For the second time in three games, the Hammers found themselves headed to overtime.
Neither team could find a winner in the extra frame, sending the contest to a shootout to decide the outcome.
Both goaltenders came up with key stops through the opening rounds, with neither side converting until the third round. Topias Vilen beat Kotai in the fifth round for Utica to put the pressure on Healey, who came within inches of extending the shootout but rang his attempt off the post. Utica held on for the 3-2 shootout victory.
Kotai finished the afternoon with 35 saves on 37 shots, keeping the Hammers within striking distance throughout the contest. At the other end, Málek turned aside nine of the 11 shots he faced.
Hamilton was unable to capitalize on three power-play opportunities, while Utica converted once on four chances.
KOTAI DELIVERS ANOTHER STRONG OUTING
Kotai continued to shoulder a heavy workload for the Hammers, making his third start in four games. The 23-year-old has now recorded 30 or more saves in three of his five starts this season, carrying a 2.73 goals-against average and .911 save percentage through seven appearances.
FIRST ON THE BOARD
With Luff’s first-period marker, the Hammers have now opened the scoring in four games this season.
Hamilton entered Sunday having collected at least a point in each of its previous three games when scoring first, posting two wins and a shootout loss to Toronto on October 9.
The trend continued against Utica, as Hamilton secured another point after striking first, bringing its record to 2-0-0-2 when opening the scoring this season.
ROSTER NOTES
Captain Matthew Highmore returned to the lineup Sunday after missing Friday’s contest in Syracuse, while defenceman Isaiah George was back with the Hammers after being returned on loan by the New York Islanders earlier in the day.
THREE-GAME HOMESTAND AHEAD
Hamilton returns to action Wednesday when they host the Toronto Marlies at TD Coliseum for Student Night presented by Mohawk College. The Hammers open a three-game homestand that continues with matchups against Providence and Lehigh Valley. Tickets are available at HamiltonHammers.com.