Hamilton Steelhawks

Hamilton Steelhawks
CityHamilton, Ontario
LeagueOntario Hockey League
Operated1984–1988
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

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.

History

The Brantford Alexanders were relocated in 1984 becoming the Hamilton Steelhawks. The team chose a name which reflected the steel industry in Hamilton, and wore colours similar to the Chicago Blackhawks.[1] The 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.[2]

On March 9, 1985, the Steelhawks played the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the televised OHL game of the week, that resulted in a bench-clearing brawl in the second period. A total of 164 minutes in penalties, including 14 fighting majors and 10 game misconducts were called. The Steelhawks were fined $2,000 and coach Bill LaForge was suspended for the balance of the season, including the playoffs.[3]

Keith Gretzky was the co-recipient of the William Hanley Trophy as the league's most sportsmanlike player in the 1986–87 OHL season.[4]

The team played four seasons in Hamilton, then relocated becoming the Niagara Falls Thunder.[5]

Coaches

  • 1984–85: Dave Draper (until November 1984), Bill LaForge (November 1984 onward)[6]
  • 1985–86: Bill LaForge
  • 1986–87: Bill LaForge
  • 1987–88: Bill LaForge

NHL alumni

Twenty-five alumni of the Steelhawks later played in the National Hockey League (NHL):[7]

Season-by-season results

Regular season and playoffs results:[8]

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
TOTALS 264 129 123 12 270 0.511 1,229 1,151 —

Playoffs

  • 1984–85 Defeated North Bay Centennials 9 points to 7 in first round.
    Defeated London Knights 6 points to 2 in quarterfinals.
    Lost to Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 9 points to 1 in semifinals.
  • 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 quarterfinals.
  • 1987–88 Defeated North Bay Centennials 4 games to 0 in first round.
    Defeated London Knights 4 games to 2 in quarterfinals.
    Lost to Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 0 in semifinals.

References

  1. ^ McKay, Garry (July 18, 1984). "The Steelhawks: Hamilton's newest junior hockey moniker". The Hamilton Spectator. p. B1.
  2. ^ Jordan, Kevin (February 22, 2026). "Mountain Arena, Hamilton Fincups". The OHL Arena Guide. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
  3. ^ "LaForge suspended for season after brawl in Steelhawk game". Toronto Star. The Canadian Press. March 14, 1985. p. H11.
  4. ^ "Keith Gretzky earns share of OHL award". The Expositor. Brantford, Ontario. May 8, 1987. p. 9.
  5. ^ Hall, David (December 17, 1988). "Winds of change fan junior hockey". Windsor Star. p. 22.
  6. ^ "Steelhawks hire LaForge". The Leader-Post. Regina, Saskatchewan. The Canadian Press. November 28, 1984. p. 21.
  7. ^ "Hamilton Steelhawks all-time player list". HockeyDB. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
  8. ^ "Hamilton Steelhawks Statistics and History". HockeyDB. Retrieved March 8, 2026.
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