Calgary Mustangs (ice hockey)

Calgary Mustangs
Calgary Mustangs
City	Calgary, Alberta
League	Alberta Junior Hockey League
Division	South
Founded	1990
Home arena	Father David Bauer Olympic Arena
Colours	Navy blue and gold
Franchise history
1972–1976	The Pass Red Devils
1976–1978	Pincher Creek Panthers
1978–1979	Calgary Chinooks
1979–1990	Calgary Spurs
1990–2010	Calgary Royals
2010–2019	Calgary Mustangs
2021–	Blackfalds Bulldogs

Last updated August 17, 2024

The Calgary Mustangs were a junior A ice hockey team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). They played in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, at the Father David Bauer Olympic Arena. They were known as the Calgary Royals from 1990 until 2010. On May 4, 2019, it was announced that the Mustangs had elected to take a leave of absence for the 2019–20 season.^[1]

History

The logo of the Calgary Royals, used until 2010

The franchise began play in the 1972–73 season as The Pass Red Devils based in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. The Red Devils franchise lasted four years before relocating to the nearby community of Pincher Creek to become the Pincher Creek Panthers. The team lasted two seasons in Pincher Creek before relocating to Calgary to become the Calgary Chinooks. In 1979–80, under a new ownership group, the Chinooks became the Calgary Spurs.

Following the 1989–90 season, the Spurs ceased operations, leaving the AJHL with just seven franchises. The league opted to keep a second Calgary-based franchise along with the Calgary Canucks, and sold a new franchise to four local businessmen who named it the Calgary Jr. "A" Royals with the mandate of providing Calgary and area kids with the opportunity to combine a high level of hockey with a quality education.

The Royals were immediately successful, finishing second in the regular season standings, behind the Fort Saskatchewan Traders and winning the league championship in their first season. The Royals were unable to duplicate that success, as the team failed to make it past the second round of the playoffs since winning the title.

Faced with the challenges of sharing a market with the National Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and another AJHL team, the Royals were supported through corporate partnerships and volunteers. Seeking to distinguish itself from the city's minor hockey program of the same name, the franchise renamed itself the Mustangs prior to the 2010–11 season.^[2]

After several seasons of struggling financially, the Mustangs were granted a leave of absence for the 2019–20 season.^[3]

The Mustangs are approved to move to Blackfalds, Alberta for the 2021–22 season, after being sold to Doug Quinn.^[4]^[5]

Season-by-season record

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T/OTL = Ties/Overtime losses, SOL = Shootout losses, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against

Season	GP	W	L	T/OTL	SOL	Pts	GF	GA	Finish	Playoffs
1990–91	60	34	18	4	—	72	247	179	2nd Overall	Won quarterfinals, 4–0 (Canucks) Won semifinals, 4–0 (Oil Barons) Won AJHL Championship, 4–2 (Traders) Lost Doyle Cup, 1–4 (Vernon Lakers of the BCHL)
1991–92	60	40	19	—	1	81	346	252	2nd Overall	Lost quarterfinals, 2–4 (Blazers)
1992–93	56	28	27	—	1	57	208	208	6th Overall	Lost quarterfinals, 0–5 (Grizzlys)
1993–94	57	26	27	—	3	55	200	238	6th Overall	Lost quarterfinals, 0–4 (Grizzlys)
1994–95	56	25	30	—	1	51	234	252	6th Overall	Lost quarterfinals, 1–4 (Oil Barons)
1995–96	60	23	33	—	4	50	203	244	8th Overall	Lost quarterfinals, 1–4 (Canucks)
1996–97	60	17	40	—	3	37	175	262	11th Overall	Did not qualify
1997–98	60	24	32	—	4	52	196	235	9th Overall	Did not qualify
1998–99	62	39	21	—	2	80	320	243	2nd South	Lost quarterfinals, 0–4 (Grizzlys)
1999–00	64	29	30	—	5	63	255	253	4th South	Lost preliminary series, 0–3 (Eagles)
2000–01	64	25	33	6	—	56	280	328	6th South	Won Preliminary series, 3–1 (Canucks) Lost quarterfinals, 2–4 (Kodiaks)
2001–02	64	32	29	3	—	67	228	232	4th South	Won Preliminary series, 3–2 (Canucks) Lost quarterfinals, 3–4 (Eagles)
2002–03	64	36	25	3	—	75	246	217	4th South	Lost preliminary series, 1–4 (Grizzlys)
2003–04	60	34	23	3	—	71	231	173	4th South	Won Preliminary series, 3–0 (Eagles) Lost quarterfinals, 1–4 (Kodiaks)
2004–05	64	27	32	5	—	59	207	237	5th South	Lost preliminary series, 0–3 (Eagles)
2005–06	60	16	38	6	—	71	231	173	8th South	Did not qualify
2006–07	60	30	30	0	—	60	184	209	5th South	Lost preliminary series, 1–3 (Bandits)
2007–08	62	19	41	2	—	40	148	230	8th South	Did not qualify
2008–09	62	8	48	6	—	22	158	300	8th South	Did not qualify
2009–10	60	21	29	10	—	52	213	255	7th South	Lost preliminary series, 2–3 (Kodiaks)
2010–11	60	28	31	1	—	57	202	235	4th South	Won Preliminary series, 3–0 (Grizzlys) Lost quarterfinals, 0–4 (Oilers)
2011–12	60	31	22	7	—	69	194	188	4th South	Lost div. quarter-finals, 1–3 (Grizzlys)
2012–13	60	21	31	7	—	50	177	218	6th South	Lost div. quarter-finals, 1–3 (Kodiaks)
2013–14	60	26	28	6	—	58	176	206	6th South	Lost div. quarter-finals, 0–3 (Dragons)
2014–15	60	20	36	4	—	55	174	229	7th South	Lost div. quarter-finals, 0–3 (Bandits)
2015–16	60	12	44	4	—	28	168	295	8th of 8, South 15th of 16, AJHL	Did not qualify
2016–17	60	8	50	2	—	18	135	344	8th of 8, South 16th of 16, AJHL	Did not qualify
2017–18	60	24	29	7	—	55	194	248	5th of 8, South 10th of 16, AJHL	Lost div. quarter-finals, 0–3 (Kodiaks)
2018–19	60	29	22	9	—	67	221	192	5th of 8, South 9th of 16, AJHL	Lost div. quarter-finals, 2–3 (Kodiaks)

NHL alumni

Some of the players that played on the Royals that went on to play in the NHL include:

Related Research Articles

The Calgary Canucks are a junior A ice hockey team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). They play in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with home games at the Ken Bracko Arena. They have won the AJHL championship ten times and one national championship. The team was selected to host the 2025 Centennial Cup National Junior A championship tournament.

The Okotoks Oilers are a junior ice hockey team in the BCHL based in Okotoks, Alberta. The team plays its home games at the Okotoks Centennial Arena. The team joined the BCHL on February 1, 2024 after defecting from the AJHL along with four other Alberta-based teams.

The Brooks Bandits are a Junior ice hockey team in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) based in Brooks, Alberta. The teams plays its home games at the Centennial Regional Arena. The team was formerly in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), until they joined the BCHL in February 2024.

The Drayton Valley Thunder is a junior ice hockey team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). The Thunder are members of the Canadian Junior Hockey League and are eligible to compete for the Doyle Cup and National Junior A Championship. They play in Drayton Valley, Alberta, Canada, at the Drayton Valley Omni-Plex.

The Spruce Grove Saints are a Junior ice hockey team in the BCHL. They play in Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada, with home games at the Grant Fuhr Arena. The team was originally a member of the AJHL and joined the BCHL in 2024.

The Olds Grizzlys are a junior A ice hockey team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. They play in Olds, Alberta, Canada with home games at the Olds & District Sports Complex.

The Fort McMurray Oil Barons are a Junior A ice hockey team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). They play in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada at the Centerfire Place. The Oil Barons have won three AJHL playoff championships, three regular season titles, and one National Junior A Championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crowsnest Pass Timberwolves</span> Ice hockey team in Coleman, Alberta

The Crowsnest Pass Timberwolves were a Junior 'A' ice hockey team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Based out of the town of Blairmore, Alberta and playing at the Coleman Complex in Coleman, the team represented the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass.

The history of ice hockey in Calgary extends back well over a century to the first recorded ice hockey game in Alberta in 1893. Imported from eastern Canada, the game's popularity rapidly grew in the city, with teams at every level playing for and capturing Canada's national championships. Calgary is known today as one of Canada's best ice hockey cities with the Calgary Flames and Calgary Hitmen receiving immense support from the city. The Calgary Oval X-Treme is one of the most dominant women's ice hockey teams in the country, while Junior A ice hockey is also well supported with two teams in the city. Calgary is home to the Mac's AAA midget hockey tournament, one of the most prestigious midget hockey tournaments in the world which has seen dozens of future National Hockey League players play in this city before their professional careers began.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Calgary Spurs</span> Ice hockey team in Calgary, Alberta

The Calgary Spurs were a Junior A ice hockey team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Founded in 1972 as The Pass Red Devils and following a two-year stop as the Pincher Creek Panthers, the franchise became the second AJHL franchise in Calgary in 1978 as the Calgary Chinooks. The team became the Spurs one year later, retaining the name until the franchise went bankrupt in 1990. The assets of the defunct Spurs franchise were purchased by new investors and recreated as the Calgary Royals. As the Spurs, the team won two regular season titles in the AJHL, but never captured a playoff championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pincher Creek Panthers</span> Ice hockey team in Pincher Creek, Alberta

The Pincher Creek Panthers were a Junior A ice hockey team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League from Pincher Creek, Alberta. Founded in 1972 as The Pass Red Devils, the team relocated to Pincher Creek for the 1976–77 season. The Panthers lasted two years before relocating again to Calgary to become the Calgary Chinooks. After renaming to the Calgary Spurs in 1979 and then the Calgary Royals in 1990, the franchise became the Calgary Mustangs franchise in 2010.

The Pass Red Devils were a Junior A ice hockey team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League that played in the municipality of Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, from 1972 to 1976. The team relocated to nearby Pincher Creek for two years before settling in Calgary as the Calgary Spurs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drumheller Falcons</span> Ice hockey team in Drumheller, Alberta

The Drumheller Falcons were a Junior A ice hockey team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) based in Drumheller, Alberta.

The St. Albert Steel were an ice hockey team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). They played in St. Albert, Alberta, Canada at Servus Place with a seating capacity of 2,044. The team relocated to Whitecourt in the 2012 off-season to become the Whitecourt Wolverines.

The Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) is an Alberta-based Junior A ice hockey league that belongs to the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL). It was formed as a five-team league in 1964. The 2023–24 season began with 16 teams, however 5 teams did not finish the season after it was announced that they planned to join the BCHL in the 2024–25 season. The regular season league champions receive the Dave Duchak Trophy. The playoff champions receive the Inter Pipeline Cup. The winner of the AJHL playoffs continues on to play in the Centennial Cup tournament, which determines Canadian Junior A champion.

The Whitecourt Wolverines are a junior "A" ice hockey team in the North Division of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) based in Whitecourt, Alberta, Canada. The 2012–13 season was their inaugural season in Whitecourt.

The Calgary Chinooks were a junior "A" ice hockey team in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

The Blackfalds Bulldogs is a Junior ice hockey team that plays in the Alberta Division of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) based in Blackfalds, Alberta, Canada. Their inaugural season in Blackfalds was in 2021–22. The team is owned by Doug Quinn and Jodie Quinn. The team plays at the Eagle Builders Centre in Blackfalds. The team left the AJHL to join the BCHL midway through the 2023–24 season.

The 2023–24 AJHL season was the 60th season of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). The season began with 16 teams and ended with 11 teams after the surprise mid-season departure of five teams to join the BCHL. The Calgary Canucks swept the Whitecourt Wolverines in 4 games to win the league championship.

The 2021–22 AJHL season was the 58th season of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). The Brooks Bandits finished the regular season in 1st place overall having won 52 of 60 games played. They were then undefeated in the post-season Inter Pipeline Cup playoffs, defeating the Spruce Grove Saints in the final round. They then went on to defeat the Ontario Junior Hockey League championship Pickering Panthers to win the 2022 Centennial Cup national championship.

References

↑ Rumbolt, Ryan (2019-05-04). "Calgary Mustangs hockey club plans 'leave of absence' from AJHL next season". Calgary Sun. Retrieved 2010-05-05.
↑ Gilbertson, Wes (2010-06-17). "New AJHL nickname unbridled". Calgary Sun. Retrieved 2010-06-17.
↑ "Calgary Mustangs Granted Leave of Absence for 2019-2020 Season". AJHL. 8 May 2019.
↑ Dormer, Dave (23 October 2019). "AJHL approves move of Calgary Mustangs hockey club to Blackfalds". Calgary. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
↑ "AJHL Approves Relocation of Calgary Mustangs to Blackfalds, AB Under New Ownership". AJHL. 23 October 2019.

External links

Alberta Junior Hockey League website

Calgary Mustangs website

Calgary Royals website

Defunct Alberta Junior Hockey League teams

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.

[1] Rumbolt, Ryan (2019-05-04). "Calgary Mustangs hockey club plans 'leave of absence' from AJHL next season". Calgary Sun. Retrieved 2010-05-05.

[2] Gilbertson, Wes (2010-06-17). "New AJHL nickname unbridled". Calgary Sun. Retrieved 2010-06-17.

[3] "Calgary Mustangs Granted Leave of Absence for 2019-2020 Season". AJHL. 8 May 2019.

[4] Dormer, Dave (23 October 2019). "AJHL approves move of Calgary Mustangs hockey club to Blackfalds". Calgary. Retrieved 23 October 2019.

[5] "AJHL Approves Relocation of Calgary Mustangs to Blackfalds, AB Under New Ownership". AJHL. 23 October 2019.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]