Hammers seek first win over Marlies on Thanksgiving Sunday
Hamilton wraps Home Opener Weekend against Toronto, the third meeting between the rivals in eight days.
The Hamilton Hammers (1-1-0-1) host the Toronto Marlies (2-1-0-0) at TD Coliseum on Thanksgiving Sunday, with puck drop shortly after 3:00 p.m. ET. This is their third regular-season meeting in eight days. Toronto won the previous two league games and their preseason matchup.
Friday brought AHL hockey back to Hamilton for the first time since 2015. The Marlies spoiled the night with a 5-4 shootout win. Vinni Lettieri scored twice in regulation for Toronto, including the third-period equalizer that erased a 4-3 Hamilton lead.
"It's a great feeling to come back to this type of fan support," Hammers head coach Jay McKee said after the game. He added that the players and coaching staff could feel the energy in the building from start to finish.
The preseason meeting also went to a shootout. In the two regular-season games, Toronto holds a 66-59 edge in shots, and the teams have combined for 58 penalty minutes. Liam Foudy has two goals and an assist for Hamilton in those games. Brendan Brisson scored twice in Toronto's win on October 3.
Mitchell Chaffee has four goals in three games, including the first hat trick in Hammers history in the season opener. He scored again Friday and is tied for second in the AHL in goals and tied for sixth in points with five.
Special teams could decide it. Hamilton scored on three of its first 13 power plays to open the season and added another goal on four chances Friday. Toronto scored once on three power plays Friday after converting twice in its first two games.
The game airs on Cable14 and AHLTV on FloHockey. Hamilton's four-game homestand continues against Rochester on October 16 and Syracuse on October 18, followed by three straight road games.