| Windsor Spitfires | |
|---|---|
| City | Windsor, Ontario |
| League | Ontario Hockey Association |
| Operated | 1946 (1946)–1953 |
| Home arena | Windsor Arena |
| 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 |
TheWindsor Spitfires were a Canadianjunior ice hockey team in theOntario Hockey Association (OHA) from 1946 to 1953. The team was based inWindsor, Ontario. The currentWindsor Spitfires, founded in 1971, are the namesake of these Spitfires. The Spitfires played home games at theWindsor Arena, built in 1924.
The Windsor Spitfires were founded in 1946 as part of a four-year plan enacted byLloyd Pollock, the secretary-treasurer of the Windsor City Hockey League. He established a junior league for the 1942–43 season in Windsor, competing at the Junior B-level in theOntario Hockey Association (OHA). The ultimate goal of Junior A-level team was realized in 1946, for the1946–47 OHA season.[1] Pollock and business partner Jack Dent obtained franchise rights from the OHA forC$500, and purchased uniform for another $100.[2] The team lost its first game 15–0 to theToronto St. Michael's Majors, but attracted a crowd of 4,062 spectators at theWindsor Arena.[1] Pollock served as the team's general manager, and worked with theDetroit Red Wings to develop players.[3] Pollock convinced the Detroit Red Wings to relocate prospect players from theGalt Red Wings to Windsor in 1947.[2]
The Spitfires were coached byJimmy Skinner, and reached theJ. Ross Robertson Cup final during the1947–48 OHA season.[4] The team produced several future star players for the Red Wings, includingGlenn Hall,Marcel Pronovost,Earl Reibel,Johnny Wilson, andGlen Skov.[1]
In 1953, the Spitfires were sold to Hamilton to create theHamilton Tiger Cubs.[5] The Spitfires were replaced by anOHA Senior A Hockey League team called theWindsor Bulldogs. The Bulldogs won the OHA Senior A championship in 1962 and 1963 as well as theAllan Cup in 1963. They turned professional for one season after winning the Allan Cup, then folded.
In 1971, theWindsor Spitfires were reformed in theSouthern Ontario Junior A Hockey League.[5] In 1975, they were accepted into the OHA.[5]
J. Ross Robertson Cup appearances[6]
| Season | Games | Won | Lost | Tied | Points | Pct % | Goals for | Goals against | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1946–47 | 36 | 10 | 24 | 2 | 22 | 0.306 | 75 | 125 | 7th OHA |
| 1947–48 | 36 | 29 | 6 | 1 | 59 | 0.819 | 231 | 124 | 1st OHA |
| 1948–49 | 48 | 34 | 13 | 1 | 69 | 0.719 | 272 | 184 | 1st OHA |
| 1949–50 | 48 | 34 | 13 | 1 | 69 | 0.719 | 307 | 169 | 2nd OHA |
| 1950–51 | 54 | 32 | 18 | 4 | 68 | 0.630 | 209 | 167 | 4th OHA |
| 1951–52 | 54 | 9 | 42 | 3 | 21 | 0.194 | 172 | 355 | 9th OHA |
| 1952–53 | 56 | 16 | 35 | 5 | 37 | 0.330 | 127 | 186 | 8th OHA |