Marlies rally past Hamilton Hammers in shootout thriller
AHL regular season · Friday, October 9, 2026 · TD Coliseum, Hamilton, Ontario
The Toronto Marlies battled back from a high-scoring contest to defeat the Hamilton Hammers in a shootout after regulation and overtime failed to separate the two clubs.
The teams finished tied 4-4, with Toronto ultimately prevailing in the shootout
Vinni Lettieri scored twice for the Marlies, while Michael Pezzetta and Ryan Tverberg also found the net in regulation.
First period: Toronto and Hamilton trade goals
Toronto opened the scoring at 8:51 when Michael Pezzetta found the back of the net. Hamilton answered at 8:12 in the period’s scoring sequence, with Cole Eiserman getting the Hammers on the board.
The opening frame developed into an entertaining offensive exchange. Matt Chaffee scored for Hamilton at 15:36, but Ryan Tverberg responded for Toronto at 17:00 to keep the Marlies within striking distance.
Both teams entered the intermission tied 2-2, setting up a competitive second period.
Second period: Hamilton takes control
The Hammers struck early in the second period through Lias Foudy at 1:58, moving Hamilton ahead 3-2.
Blake Scanlin added another goal at 8:07, extending the home side’s advantage to 4-2.
Toronto faced a two-goal deficit and needed a response to avoid letting the game slip away.
The Marlies continued pushing offensively, setting the stage for a determined third-period comeback.
Third period: Lettieri leads the comeback
Vinni Lettieri delivered the crucial goals for Toronto.
At 8:38 of the third period, Lettieri scored his second goal of the game to bring the Marlies level at 4-4.
His finishing ability proved vital in a contest where neither team could establish lasting control.
The late equalizer forced overtime, with both teams searching for the decisive goal.
Neither side found a winner in the extra period, sending the game to a shootout.
Shootout: Marlies finish the job
Toronto held its nerve in the shootout, winning the tiebreaker 1-0 to secure a 5-4 victory.
After surrendering the two-goal lead, the Marlies showed resilience to recover and claim the extra point.
The shootout win gave Toronto an important early-season result against its new provincial rival.
Three stars
Vinni Lettieri, Toronto — Two goals, including the third-period equalizer.
Michael Pezzetta, Toronto — Opened the scoring and helped establish Toronto’s early offensive pressure.
Ryan Tverberg, Toronto — Scored in the first period as Toronto kept pace with Hamilton.
The Marlies demonstrated the kind of perseverance needed over a long AHL season.
After falling behind 4-2, Toronto refused to concede, received a key offensive contribution from Lettieri and ultimately won the shootout.
The victory also provides a confidence boost as the team continues its 2026-27 campaign following its Calder Cup championship season.
Toronto will look to build on this comeback as it prepares for its next meeting with Hamilton on October 11.
Toronto’s comeback and shootout execution were impressive, although allowing four goals and falling two behind will give the coaching staff defensive details to address.
The Marlies leave Hamilton with the win and valuable early-season momentum.
