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| Hamilton Steelhawks | |
|---|---|
 | |
| City | Hamilton, Ontario |
| League | Ontario Hockey League |
| Operated | 1984–88 |
| Home arena | Copps Coliseum |
| Colours | Red, white and black |
| Franchise history | |
| 1946–1953 | Windsor Spitfires |
| 1953–1960 | Hamilton Tiger Cubs |
| 1960–1974 | Hamilton Red Wings |
| 1974–1978 | Hamilton/St. Catharines Fincups |
| 1978–1984 | Brantford Alexanders |
| 1984–1988 | Hamilton Steelhawks |
| 1988–1996 | Niagara Falls Thunder |
| 1996–present | Erie Otters |
TheHamilton Steelhawks were ajunior ice hockey team in theOntario Hockey League from 1984 to 1988. The team was based inHamilton, Ontario, and played atCopps Coliseum.
TheBrantford 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 toNiagara Falls, Ontario to play as the Thunder.[citation needed]
The Steelhawks name reflected thesteel industry in Hamilton. The team had three playoff runs, but never reached the league finals.[citation needed]
Notable alumni are NHL starsShayne Corson,Keith Primeau and NHL tough guyBob Probert.Wayne Gretzky's younger brotherKeith Gretzky also played for the Steelhawks, and was the co-winner 1986–87William Hanley Trophy as the OHA's Most Sportsmanlike Player.[citation needed]
The team was owned by Jack Robillard, Bob Willson and Al Martin, who also owned theLondon Knights.[citation needed]
| 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 |
| Total | 264 | 129 | 123 | 12 | 270 | 0.511 | 1,229 | 1,151 | 0 Division Titles |
The Hamilton Steelhawks played home games atMountain Arena for 1984–85 and then moved toCopps 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.[citation needed]