Arthur Tigers
| Arthur Tigers | |
|---|---|
 |
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| City | Arthur, Ontario |
| League | WOAA Senior Hockey League |
| Operated | 1985-1999 |
| Home arena | Arthur Area Recreation Complex |
The Arthur Tigers were a Canadian senior hockey team based in Arthur, Ontario, Canada. They played in the Western Ontario Athletic Association Senior Hockey League.
Arthur has had numerous hockey teams nicknamed the Tigers since 1904, with the most recent team playing in the WOAA from 1985 to 1999. The team folded at the conclusion of the 1998–99 season. Along with the 1991 Grand Championship, the Tigers were also WOAA Intermediate B champions in 1989 and 1990.
Some stars over the years included: Ken Riley, Al Bell, Garnett Rooney, Bob McCulloch, Bryan Richardson, Paul Epoch, Scott McCulloch, Tom O'Donnell, Marty Groulx, Bruce Richardson, Ray Hutchison, Mike Brooks, Glenn Watt, Darryl Rooney.
Some of the "Honorary Tigers" include: Bert Coffey, John Walsh, Clive Williams, Bill Smellie, Norbert Heffernan.
The club held Reunions in 1993 and again in 1998. These events attracted some 250–300 former players, coaches and friends of the Tigers.
The club had their most successful season in 1990-91 season, defeating the heavily favoured Durham Thundercats to become the WOAA Grand Champions. The Tigers captured the WOAA Senior B Championship eliminating Wiarton and Drayton. Posting a 9-1 post-season record, the Tigers issued a challenge to the Senior A champion Durham Thundercats for a Grand Championship series. Many of the players of the Thundercats had left on vacation at the end of the Senior A series, not expecting a Grand Championship, and had to return from Jamaica to play. The series went a full five games. Durham won game 1 10-2. Arthur won game two 10-1. Game three in Durham saw the T-Cats edge the Tigers 5-4. Coming back to Arthur, the Tigers needed to win to force a fifth and deciding game. Game four in Arthur, on a Sunday evening, was canceled at game time, with the fans already in the Arena, due to a compressor break down. Rescheduled to the following Tuesday evening, Arthur won 8-3 to force the fifth and deciding game. In Durham on Friday, April 3, 1991, a full house turned out. Tied heading into the 3rd period 3-3, the Tigers pulled ahead 6-3. Things appeared well in hand for Arthur. Tenacious Durham winger Scott Betts had other things in mind scoring two goals in the final two minutes to bring the homeside within a goal. Arthur held on for the 6-5 victory. Tigers winger John McCabe led all WOAA playoff scorers with 28 points. Netminder Marty Groulx sparkled for Arthur. Other players included: Scott McCulloch, Tom O'Donnell, Ray Hutchison, Eck Palmer Jr., Brian Ward, Jim "The Champ" Holmes, Paul Epoch, Fred Locking, Matt Coffey, John Bell, Don Jackson, Doug Bell, Rob McCulloch, Mike Raftis, Grant Rundle, Brad Smith, Frank Goetz, Jeff Bauman, Mark Goetz III, Walt Lesenke Jr. Coach Don Tremble, Assistant Coach Cal MacDonald, Manager/President Jeff McKee, Trainer Walt Lesenke Sr.
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