Hamilton Steelhawks (junior)

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.

Hamilton Steelhawks
CityHamilton, Ontario
LeagueOntario Hockey League
Operated1984 (1984)–88
Home arenaCopps Coliseum
ColoursRed, white and black
Franchise history
1946–1953Windsor Spitfires
1953–1960Hamilton Tiger Cubs
1960–1974Hamilton Red Wings
1974–1978Hamilton/St. Catharines Fincups
1978–1984Brantford Alexanders
1984–1988Hamilton Steelhawks
1988–1996Niagara Falls Thunder
1996–presentErie Otters

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

Yearly results

Regular season
SeasonGamesWonLostTiedPointsPct %Goals
for		Goals
against		Standing
1984–856629352600.4553132964th Emms
1985–866626364560.4242683067th Emms
1986–876639243810.6143212582nd Emms
1987–886635283730.5533272913rd Emms
Total264129123122700.5111,2291,1510 Division Titles

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 games 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 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. .

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