NY Islanders prospect’s injury casts a shadow over historic Hamilton home opener

It was a historic night in Hamilton. More than 14,000 fans packed TD Coliseum on Friday for the Hammers’ first home game as the American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders, welcoming the league back to a city that knows how to celebrate hockey.

There were goals worth remembering, a hometown moment and plenty of noise. But there was also an injury that took some of the shine off the occasion.

Defenseman Isaiah George left in the second period, and head coach Jay McKee said afterward that the team doesn’t expect him back anytime soon.

That’s a tough development for George, who battled injuries much of last season. The timing makes it sting even more. Alexander Romanov’s season-ending injury had cracked the door a little wider at the NHL level, creating a potential opportunity for defensemen in Hamilton. Now George faces another interruption just as that opportunity emerged.

On the ice, the Hammers gave their new home crowd plenty to cheer about before falling 5-4 to the Toronto Marlies in a shootout.

Kashawn Aitcheson brought the early physical presence, and Cole Eiserman scored the first Hammers goal at TD Coliseum. Michael Pezzetta answered 39 seconds later, before Mitchell Chaffee and Toronto’s Ryan Tverberg traded goals to make it 2-2.

Vinni Lettieri put the Marlies ahead early in the second, but Liam Foudy responded. Then Hamilton native Brandon Scanlin delivered the night’s signature moment, scoring to give the Hammers a 4-3 lead and sending the building into a frenzy.

Lettieri tied it in the third and scored the deciding shootout goal.

Hamilton earned a point and introduced its fans to an entertaining team. Still, George’s injury leaves a concern that will linger beyond the celebration. For a young defenseman looking to build momentum, another extended absence would be especially frustrating.

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