Hamilton Steelhawks (junior)
This articleneeds additional citations forverification.(February 2023) |
Hamilton Steelhawks | |
---|---|
City | Hamilton, Ontario |
League | Ontario Hockey League |
Operated | 1984 | –88
Home arena | Copps Coliseum |
Colours | Red, white and black |
Franchise history | |
1946–1953 | Windsor Spitfires |
1953–1960 | Hamilton Tiger Cubs |
1960–1974 | Hamilton Red Wings |
1974–1978 | Hamilton/St. Catharines Fincups |
1978–1984 | Brantford Alexanders |
1984–1988 | Hamilton Steelhawks |
1988–1996 | Niagara Falls Thunder |
1996–present | Erie Otters |
TheHamilton Steelhawkswere ajunior ice hockeyteam in theOntario Hockey Leaguefrom 1984 to 1988. The team was based inHamilton, Ontario,and played atCopps Coliseum.
History
[edit]TheBrantford Alexanderswere relocated in 1984 becoming the Hamilton Steelhawks. The franchise which started in Hamilton in 1953, twice left Hamilton for lack of an adequate arena but returned for the opening of Copps Coliseum. However the team was not well-supported, and played for only four seasons in Hamilton before moving toNiagara Falls, Ontarioto play as the Thunder.
The Steelhawks name was chosen to reflect thesteelindustry in Hamilton. The modernized name and logo was designed to catch on with a young fan base as well. The team enjoyed three successful playoff runs, although they never made a trip to the league finals.
Notable alumni are NHL starsShayne Corson,Keith Primeauand NHL tough guyBob Probert.Wayne Gretzky's younger brotherKeith Gretzkyalso played for the Steelhawks, and was the co-winner 1986–87William Hanley Trophyas the OHA's Most Sportsmanlike Player.
The team was owned by Jack Robillard, Bob Willson and Al Martin, who also owned theLondon Knights.
Coaches
[edit]- 1984–85-Dave Draper,B. LaForge
- 1985–86-Bill LaForge
- 1986–87- Bill LaForge
- 1987–88- Bill LaForge
NHL alumni
[edit]- Roger Belanger
- Shayne Corson
- Troy Crowder
- Brad Dalgarno
- Stan Drulia
- John English
- Mike Hudson
- Jeff Jackson
- Jason Lafreniere
- Paul Laus
- Jamie Leach
- Shawn McCosh
- Ken McRae
- Mike Millar
- Keith Primeau
- Bob Probert
- John Purves
- Chris Pusey
- Mike Rosati
- Jason Simon
- Kirk Tomlinson
- Dennis Vial
- Michael Ware
- Darryl Williams
- Jason York
Yearly results
[edit]Regular season
[edit]Season | Games | Won | Lost | Tied | Points | Pct % | Goals for |
Goals against |
Standing |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1984–85 | 66 | 29 | 35 | 2 | 60 | 0.455 | 313 | 296 | 4th Emms |
1985–86 | 66 | 26 | 36 | 4 | 56 | 0.424 | 268 | 306 | 7th Emms |
1986–87 | 66 | 39 | 24 | 3 | 81 | 0.614 | 321 | 258 | 2nd Emms |
1987–88 | 66 | 35 | 28 | 3 | 73 | 0.553 | 327 | 291 | 3rd Emms |
Total | 264 | 129 | 123 | 12 | 270 | 0.511 | 1,229 | 1,151 | 0 Division Titles |
Playoffs
[edit]- 1984–85Defeated North Bay Centennials 9 points to 7 in first round.
Defeated London Knights 6 points to 2 in quarter-finals.
Lost to S.S. Marie Greyhounds 9 points to 1 in semi-finals. - 1985–86Out ofplayoffs.
- 1986–87Defeated Guelph Platers 4 games to 1 in first round.
Lost to Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 0 in quarter-finals. - 1987–88Defeated North Bay Centennials 4 games to 0 in first round.
Defeated London Knights 4 games to 2 in quarter-finals.
Lost to Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 0 in semi-finals.
Arena
[edit]The Hamilton Steelhawks played home games atMountain Arenafor 1984–85 and then moved toCopps Coliseumin December 1985 as the arena was not ready in time for the start of the season. The annual OHL / QMJHL All-Star game was played here in 1988..
External links
[edit]- Mountain Arena- The OHL Arena & Travel Guide
- Copps ColiseumArchived2007-01-27 at theWayback Machine- The OHL Arena & Travel Guide