Oak View Group (OVG) & TD Coliseum, together with the New York Islanders, today announced the new name and brand identity of their American Hockey League team: Hamilton Hammers.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Rooted in Hamilton\u2019s history as a resilient steel town, the team\u2019s logo features crossed hammers symbolizing the strength, grit, and togetherness of the community, embodying both the city\u2019s steelworking heritage and the spirit of the game. The design reflects Hamilton\u2019s pride and determination, showcasing the unique character that defines the city, while bold, angular lettering evokes the spirit of Steel Town.<\/p>\n
Subtle hockey puck details on the hammer knobs pay homage to the iconic puck in the New York Islanders logo, linking the sport\u2019s identity with the craftsmanship of the tools and nodding to the franchise\u2019s origins, including the fisherman logo era. The orange and blue\u00a0colour palette is also drawn from the Islanders\u2019 classic team colours, reinforcing the connection to the club\u2019s history and evolution. The logo was created by the New York Islanders, while the broader brand identity was developed by Canadian creative agency Recess Creative.<\/p>\n
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath, alongside Kelly Cheeseman, President, New York Islanders; Matt Martin, Special Assistant to the General Manager, New York Islanders; Nick DeLuco, Senior Vice President and General Manager, TD Coliseum; \u00a0Peter Luukko, Co-Chairman, OVG, Scott Howson, President & CEO, AHL; and Tom Pistore, President, OVG Canada attended this afternoon\u2019s event to unveil the brand identity and usher in a new era of Hamilton hockey. Local community members and season ticket deposit holders were also present for the unveiling.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe city of Hamilton can now unite as Hammers fans. We look forward to seeing the Hammers logo proudly represented across the city as we head into the season this fall,\u201d said Nick DeLuco, Senior Vice President and General Manager of TD Coliseum. \u201cWe\u2019re excited for the energy and atmosphere this team will bring to TD Coliseum night after night,\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an exciting new chapter for Hamilton and another major milestone in our city\u2019s growing reputation as a premier destination for sports and entertainment,\u201d said Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath. \u201cToday\u2019s announcement officially launches the identity of Hamilton\u2019s new AHL franchise and sets the stage for the inaugural season at TD Coliseum. The Hamilton Hammers brand reflects our city\u2019s industrial heritage, resilience, and community pride while embracing the future of professional hockey in Hamilton. We are proud to welcome the Hamilton Hammers to our city and look forward to the energy, visitors, and opportunities this team will bring to Hamiltonians, local businesses, and our downtown community.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cWe look forward to building on the progression and foundation established this past season in the AHL and bringing that momentum to Hamilton,\u201d said Mathieu Darche, Islanders GM and Executive Vice President. \u201cThe Hamilton Hammers will embody the city\u2019s hard-working spirit \u2014 built on heart, work ethic, and a community identity that never backs down. We are proud to have our top organizational prospects playing as the Hamilton Hammers.\u201d<\/p>\n
“We are excited to begin a new era of AHL hockey in the City of Hamilton,” said Scott Howson, AHL President and CEO. “TD Coliseum is a first-class venue, and the partnership between the New York Islanders and Oak View Group \u2013 combined with the passionate support of the community \u2013 is sure to make the Hammers a success for years to come.”<\/p>\n
\u201cThe excitement continues to build as we ramp up for the launch of the Hamilton Hammers at TD Coliseum this fall,\u201d said Tom\u00a0Pistore, President, OVG Canada. \u201cThe buzz has been incredible. Our existing partners, new sponsors and season members are all eager to be part of this exciting new chapter of professional hockey in Hamilton and the southwest region.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fans won\u2019t have to wait much longer to suit themselves up in official merchandise. The team\u2019s jersey is set to be revealed in the coming weeks alongside the launch of the team\u2019s official ecommerce store, and the opening of jersey pre-orders.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The identity announcement comes a few weeks after the New York Islanders announced plans to relocate its American Hockey League affiliate from Bridgeport, Connecticut to Hamilton, Ontario, beginning with the 2026\u201327 season. The team will play in the AHL\u2019s North Division. The move was anchored by a long-term agreement at the newly revitalized TD Coliseum. Operated by OVG, the 18,000-seat venue recently completed a $300 million transformation, positioning it as a premier destination for sports and live entertainment.<\/p>\n