Hamilton Steelhawks
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 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.The Steelhawks name reflected the steel industry in Hamilton. The team had three playoff runs, but never reached 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
Playoffs
- 1984–85 Defeated North Bay Centennials 9 points to 7 in first round.
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.
- 1987–88 Defeated North Bay Centennials 4 games to 0 in first round.
Lost to Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 0 in semi-finals.