Toronto Blizzard (1986-93)
| Founded | 1987 |
|---|---|
| Dissolved | 1993 |
| League | Canadian Soccer League |
The second iteration of the Toronto Blizzard emerged from the folding of the North American Soccer League. It played in the Canadian Soccer League from 1986 to 1992 until the CSL folded in 1992. The Blizzard attempted to play in the American Professional Soccer League, but folded the very next season in 1993 after poor financial prospects and lack of attendance.
In 1985, less than one year after the original Toronto Blizzard ceased operations due to the failure of the North American Soccer League (the club had never actually folded), Blizzard owners York-Hanover purchased Dynamo Latino of the semi-professional Ontario-based National Soccer League (established 1926) with the intention of renaming them the Toronto Blizzard. While NSL regulations did not permit the name change in the midst of the season, the name Toronto Blizzard was part of the NSL in 1986.
Under former assistant coach Dave Turner, the club won the League Championship and the NSL Cup while Toronto Italia won the Play-Off Championship. The Blizzard roster featured former NASL stars Paul Hammond, Randy Ragan, and Paul James.
The Blizzard played only one season in the NSL in preparation to join the fledgling Canadian Soccer League in 1987.
The Toronto Blizzard joined the Canadian Soccer League in its inaugural season of 1987.
In 1990, despite finishing the regular season on top of the CSL's Eastern Division standings, the Blizzard were eliminated in the first round of the play-offs. In 1991, the Blizzard lost in the Championship Final to the Vancouver 86ers despite two world class long range goals by Canadian International Branko Segota. It was the 86'ers fourth straight league championship.
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