Hamilton Steelhawks

Last updated
Hamilton Steelhawks
Hamilton steelhawks.png
City Hamilton, Ontario
League Ontario Hockey League
Operated1984–88
Home arena Copps Coliseum
ColoursRed, 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
1984–1988Hamilton Steelhawks
1988–1996 Niagara Falls Thunder
1996–present Erie Otters

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, and played at Copps Coliseum.

Contents

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. The team played for only four seasons in Hamilton before moving to Niagara Falls, Ontario to play as the Thunder.[ citation needed ]

The Steelhawks name reflected the steel industry in Hamilton. The team had three playoff runs, but never reached the league finals.[ citation needed ]

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.[ citation needed ]

The team was owned by Jack Robillard, Bob Willson and Al Martin, who also owned the London Knights.[ citation needed ]

Coaches

NHL alumni

Yearly results

Regular season

Season GamesWonLostTiedPointsPct %Goals
for
Goals
against
Standing
1984–85 6629352600.4553132964th Emms
1985–86 6626364560.4242683067th Emms
1986–87 6639243810.6143212582nd Emms
1987–88 6635283730.5533272913rd Emms
Total264129123122700.5111,2291,1510 Division Titles

Playoffs

Arena

The Hamilton Steelhawks played home games at Mountain Arena for 1984–85 and then moved to Copps Coliseum in 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.[ citation needed ]

References