LAVAL (Interstat) — The Laval Rocket will host the Hamilton Hammers in a minor league hockey game Friday, with Laval carrying a 6-1 record into the matchup and Hamilton entering at 1-6.

Laval has won six of its first seven games and enters after a 5-1 home victory against Syracuse. Brett Berard, a player to watch for the Rocket, recorded one shot on goal in that game. Luke Mittelstadt and Tyler Thorpe also were listed among Laval’s most productive players in the win. Berard’s recent work includes one goal and five shots on goal in a win at Belleville, one goal and two shots on goal in a win at Springfield, and one goal and one assist with four shots on goal against Syracuse. He also had one shot on goal and two penalty minutes in a win at Utica, three shots on goal in a win at Hartford and five shots on goal with two penalty minutes against Syracuse.

Hamilton’s most recent result was a 4-1 loss at Toronto. Calle Odelius, Marshall Warren and Kashawn Aitcheson were listed among Hamilton’s most productive players in that game. The Hammers’ other recent results include a 4-3 home loss to Syracuse, a 4-1 home loss to Rochester and a 5-2 home loss to Toronto. Hamilton also dropped a 5-4 overtime decision to Toronto at home, lost 5-3 at Toronto and earned a 5-2 win at Belleville.

Matthew Highmore is the player to watch for Hamilton. Highmore recorded one shot on goal in a 0-0 tie at the Toronto Marlies and one shot on goal in a 4-1 loss to the Rochester Americans.

Laval’s recent results include a 4-0 win at Utica, a 5-4 overtime win at Belleville, a 5-2 win at Hartford, a 5-2 win at Springfield, a 6-1 home win against Syracuse and a 2-0 home loss to Syracuse.

Hamilton will be the visiting team in the matchup, while Laval will be at home. The teams are scheduled to meet again in Laval in their next game. Hamilton’s following games include a home matchup with Hartford, road games at Syracuse and Utica, and home games against Toronto, Providence and Lehigh Valley. Laval’s upcoming schedule includes games at Calgary, home games against Lehigh Valley and Cleveland, and road games at Syracuse, Rochester and Belleville. The Hammers are seeking their second win of the season, and the Rocket have won six of their first seven games.

Interstat’s game simulator is projecting a final score of Laval 3, Hamilton 1.