Hamilton Steelhawks
Encyclopedia : H : HA : HAM : Hamilton Steelhawks
| Hamilton Steelhawks | |
| |
| City | Hamilton, Ontario |
| League | Ontario Hockey League |
| Founded | 1984-1985 |
The Hamilton Steelhawks were a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League from 1984 to 1988. The team was based in Hamilton, Ontario.
Franchise Identities:
- Hamilton Tiger Cubs 1953 to 1960
- Hamilton Red Wings 1960 to 1974
- Hamilton Fincups 1974 to 1976
- St. Catharines Fincups 1976 to 1977
- Hamilton Fincups 1977 to 1978
- Brantford Alexanders 1978 to 1984
- Hamilton Steelhawks 1984 to 1988
- Niagara Falls Thunder 1988 to 1996
- Erie Otters 1996 to present
History
The Brantford Alexanders were 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 to Niagara Falls, Ontario to play as the Thunder.The Steelhawks name was chosen to reflect the steel industry 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 stars Shayne Corson, Keith Primeau and NHL tough guy Bob Probert. Wayne Gretzky's younger brother Keith Gretzky also played for the Steelhawks, and was the co-winner 1986-87 William Hanley Trophy as the OHA's Most Sportsmanlike Player.
The team was owned by Jack Robillard, Bob Willson and Al Martin, who also owned the London Knights.
Coaches
- 1984-85 - Dave Draper, B. LaForge
- 1985-86 - Bill LaForge
- 1986-87 - Bill LaForge
- 1987-88 - Bill LaForge
NHL Alumni
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Yearly Results
Regular Season
| 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 |
Playoffs
- 1984-85 Defeated 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. - 1985-86 Out of playoffs.
- 1986-87 Defeated Guelph Platers 4 gams to 1 in first round.
Lost to Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 0 in quarter-finals. - 1987-88 Defeated 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
The Hamilton Steelhawks played home games at Mountain Arena for 1984-85 and then moved to Copps Coliseum from 1985 to 1988. The annual OHL / QMJHL All-Star game was played here in 1988. The Coliseum's upper bowl curtain was closed for home games.
- [Mountain Arena] - The OHL Arena & Travel Guide
- [Copps Coliseum] - The OHL Arena & Travel Guide
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