Hamilton Steelhawks (junior)
| Hamilton Steelhawks | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| City | Hamilton, Ontario |
| League | Ontario Hockey League |
| Operated | 1984–88 |
| Home arena | Copps Coliseum |
| Colours | Red, white and black |
| Franchise history | |
| 1946–53 | Windsor Spitfires |
| 1953–60 | Hamilton Tiger Cubs |
| 1960–74 | Hamilton Red Wings |
| 1974–76 | Hamilton Fincups |
| 1976–77 | St. Catharines Fincups |
| 1977–78 | Hamilton Fincups |
| 1978–84 | Brantford Alexanders |
| 1984–88 | Hamilton Steelhawks |
| 1988–96 | 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.
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.
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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