NY Islanders AHL club strengthens goaltending ahead of inaugural season

The Hamilton Hammers are adding another experienced goaltender to their organization.

According to Tony Androckitis of Inside AHL Hockey, the Hammers have agreed to terms with Ryan Fanti on an American Hockey League contract for the 2026-27 season.

The 25-year-old spent last season with the Syracuse Crunch, where he appeared in 27 games and posted a 13-12-1 record with a 2.41 goals-against average, a .905 save percentage and two shutouts. It was the largest workload of his professional career and further established him as a reliable option at the AHL level.

Before turning pro, Fanti starred at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where he compiled a 31-19-6 record over 57 games. He finished his collegiate career with a stellar .921 save percentage, a 2.02 goals-against average and seven shutouts, earning recognition as one of the top goaltenders in college hockey.

Fanti has since appeared in 43 AHL games between the Bakersfield Condors and Syracuse Crunch, posting a 17-18-2 record with a 2.56 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage. He has also logged significant time in the ECHL, where he owns a 42-35-6 record with the Fort Wayne Komets and Orlando Solar Bears.

While with the Komets, his two most notable highlights didn't have anything to do with making it save; it was him scoring a goal, and throwing down and pummeling his opponent in a goalie fight.

His postseason résumé may be even more impressive. In 10 Kelly Cup Playoff appearances, Fanti recorded a 1.61 goals-against average, a .950 save percentage and two shutouts.

The addition gives Hamilton another experienced netminder as the New York Islanders' new AHL affiliate prepares for its inaugural season. Fanti is expected to compete for playing time alongside Henrik Tikkanen as the Hammers look to build on Bridgeport's playoff appearance from last season

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