Hey, Stefen here. I’m so proud to announce that The Elmonters is expanding its coverage to the Hamilton Hammers.
Rick Boccaccio will be our beat reporter in Hamilton, bringing you the latest from the rink. Kenny Kaminsky, who worked tirelessly covering this team in Bridgeport through Isles in the Sound, is joining us too. When the team moved, I wanted Kenny to have a place to continue the work he’s built, and I’m thrilled that place is here.
You can follow Kenny at @kennykaminsky and Rick at @HSCentralYT.
Hamilton coverage is included with a paid subscription to The Elmonters. This is our first Hamilton story [Free], and Rick and Kenny have plenty more coming.
HAMILTON, ON — Waking up on the first day of training camp feels familiar.
It almost feels like the first day of school.
There’s excitement, anticipation, and, for some players, a little uncertainty about what the days ahead might bring.
Except this time, the classroom is the ice, the lessons are taught through drills and competition, and the final exam could determine where a player begins the season.
For the Hamilton Hammers, that day arrived today at the TD Coliseum as the team opened its first training camp.
There Is No Time To Waste
With more players arriving from Long Island in the coming days, the competition for roster spots will intensify.
Head coach Jay McKee knows exactly what players are going through.
McKee said the biggest thing he wants to see is how players respond.
“I believe attitude is everything.”
McKee also acknowledged that being sent down can be difficult for players whose ultimate goal is to play in the NHL.
But he was encouraged by the group's attitude on opening day of camp.
“We’ve got a lot of character guys in there. The way they came in and the attitudes are high. Even though maybe there’s a little bit of disappointment in being sent down.”
Ethan Bear Brings Experience To The Hammers
One player who can help provide that identity is veteran defenceman Ethan Bear.
McKee described Bear as someone who can help establish the culture the organization wants to build.
“He’s a team builder, a culture setter. We’re grateful to have a guy like him.”
A Familiar System Between New York & Hamilton
Another challenge for the Hammers is moving players between Islanders camp and Hamilton.
Ideally, a coaching staff would have several weeks with its entire roster to establish systems and build chemistry.
McKee understands the challenge, but believes the similarities between the two organizations’ systems should make the transition easier.
“Ideally, any coach would like to have his group and have a couple of weeks to work on things.”
At the same time, McKee said the players in New York are learning many of the same concepts.
“They’ll be learning the same things, and it should be fairly seamless. They should be able to jump into games with a full understanding of what the whole team is looking for.”
That could become an important advantage as the Hammers’ roster takes shape.
The First Day On The Ice
The opening practice gave players their first opportunity to show McKee and his coaching staff what they could bring to the team.
The session featured a variety of drills, including 3-on-1 situations, corner battles, and special-teams work featuring 5-on-3 situations.
There was plenty of competition and plenty of intensity.
McKee said he had already seen the players’ tempo and competitive level while they were around the Islanders organization.
Now he wants to see that same level of focus in Hamilton.
“I’d like to see that compete and that focus and attention to detail that they had when they were in New York.”
The first day provided an encouraging start.
“I thought the tempo was great. The attitudes were great.”
But plenty of work remains.
Every Shift Matters
With more players potentially joining the team over the next several days, the competition will only increase.
That means there is no time for players to settle into camp and wait for their opportunity.
And every opportunity to make an impression matters.
The Hammers are preparing for their upcoming matchup with the Toronto Marlies, but the games aren’t the only evaluation taking place.
After a long day of drills, battles, and competition, that bell finally rang at TD Coliseum.
But this isn’t the end of class.
In many ways, the final exam has just begun.
Benoit Desrosiers Hire Smart! He has a bright future!