Chaffee hat trick gives Hammers a 5-2 win in first game

Mitchell Chaffee scored three goals as the Hamilton Hammers opened their inaugural AHL season with a 5-2 victory at Belleville on Friday, Oct. 2.

Chaffee scored the club’s first goal less than three minutes into the game, then added two in the third period. His last goal restored a two-goal cushion with just over three minutes remaining; Hamilton added an empty-net goal in the final minute.

Liam Foudy assisted on all three Chaffee goals. Vitek Vanecek made 25 saves on 27 shots for the Hammers.

Hamilton continues its opening weekend with a game at Toronto on Saturday.