Milton Icehawks

Milton Icehawks

City	Milton, Ontario, Canada
League	Ontario Junior Hockey League
Division	West
Founded	1966
Home arena	Milton Memorial Arena
Colours	Red, black, white
Owner(s)	Rob DeVincentis
General manager	Chris Vanstone
Head coach	Jeff Flanagan
Media	CogecoTV Milton/Halton Hills
Affiliates	Halton Hurricanes
Franchise history
1966-1971	Milton Merchants
1971-1983	Milton Flyers
1983-1986	Milton Steamers
1986-2003	Milton Merchants
2003-Present	Milton Icehawks
Championships
Semifinalist (1998)	Royal Bank Cups
1998	Dudley Hewitt Cups
1997, 1998	Buckland Trophies

The Milton Icehawks are a Junior "A" ice hockey team from Milton, Ontario, Canada. They are a part of the Ontario Junior A Hockey League. The Icehawks have previously been known as the Milton Merchants, Milton Flyers, and Milton Steamers.

History

The Icehawks are one of the most historical teams in the Ontario Junior Hockey League, having been formed in 1966.^[1] The Icehawks (2003–present) have previously been known as the Milton Flyers (1971-1983), Milton Steamers (1983-1986), and Milton Merchants (1966-1971, 1986-2003).

Early years

In the 1970's, Vern Gooding owned the local team when they were known as the Milton Flyers.^[2]

In 1974, three players including the team captain and top scorer left the team mid season over an imposed curfew dispute. Two of the three players had had tryouts with OHL clubs, and all three were club veterans.^[3]

Grant Turner, Mark Grenier, Howie Scannell, and John Morgan owned the Milton Steamers in the early 1980's. Morgan sold his stake in the club to Turner, prompting Scannell to announce that he was preparing to sell his stake as well. On April 10, 1986, Turner, Grenier and Scannell sold the Steamers to Brad Grant who owned trucking company Sandstone Transport.^[4]

Grant Era & Championship Successes

Trucking magnate Brad Grant purchased the team in April 1986 when it seemed like the organization might fold. For the 1986-87 season, he immediately changed the team's name from the Steamers to the Merchants after the Junior C team of old, and brought in former coach Gerry Inglis, who had also coached the Georgetown Raiders and had won five intermediate championships at the time.^[5]

Grant led the team to tremendous success in the late 1990's. During his 15 year ownership run, the team captured four division crowns, three league championships and a provincial title.^[6]

In 1992, the Milton Merchants were Central Junior B Hockey League champions with a 4-2 victory in Game 7 over the Aurora Eagles.^[7] They made the Ontario Hockey Association Sutherland Cup Junior B championship but lost in five games to the Mid-Western Junior B Hockey League's Kitchener Dutchmen.^[8]

The 1994-95 season marked the beginning of a historical run for the franchise as the club won five straight division titles. The surge of success increased when the Merchants were crowned league champions in 1997, winning the Buckland Trophy after defeating the Newmarket 87's. In the 1997 Dudley Cup playoffs, the Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats (NOJHL) beat Milton four games to one.

In 1998, the Milton Merchants repeated their Buckland Trophy title, dispatching the Newmarket Hurricanes this time, and then went on to become Central Canadian Junior A Champions by winning the Dudley Hewitt Cup, defeating the Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats (NOJHL) four games to two, and exacting revenge for the previous year's loss to Rayside-Balfour.

At the 1998 Royal Bank Cup, the Milton Merchants went 1-3 in round robin play. In the semifinal game, Milton lost 6-2 to the South Surrey Eagles and were eliminated from the tournament.

Forgione era

In 2001, Grant sold the team to an Oakville trio that consisted of ex-NHLer Dave Gagner, Mario Forgione who owned the Mississauga IceDogs at the time and was an automotive parts manufacturing president, and wine distillery consultant Ken Chase.^[9]^[10]

For the 2003-04 season, Forgione changed the team's name from the Merhcants to the IceHawks to reflect the team's connection with the local minor hockey programs called the Winterhawks, and Forgione's ownership of the Mississauga IceDogs.^[11] In 2005, the Ontario Hockey Association fined the Icehawks $12,000 and suspended then-General Manager George Dupont for signing two players outside of OHA guidelines.^[12] In 2006, Forgione officially affiliated the Icehawks with the IceDogs.^[13]

Heinz era

In the spring of 2006, ex-NHL goaltender Rick Heinz' attempt to purchase the nearby Tier-2 Junior Georgetown Raiders fell through, but by July 2006 the local Campbellville resident Heinz had talked Forgione into selling the Icehawks, and the affiliation with the IceDogs ended.^[14] Heinz sold the team just nine months later after starting the season with essentially no committed players.^[15]

DeVincentis & Piett era

Dean Piett, a commercial real estate businessman from Burlington, and Rob DeVincentis, the Ancaster owner of a construction business, purchased the team from Heinz and have owned the team ever since the sale in 2007.^[16]

Season-by-season results

Season	GP	W	L	T	OTL	GF	GA	P	Results	Playoffs
1970-71	33	12	17	4	-	147	166	28	7th MOJBHL
1971-72	42	13	20	9	-	171	231	35	5th CJBHL
1972-73	42	9	30	3	-	171	278	21	7th CJBHL
1973-74	42	25	10	7	-	246	174	57	2nd CJBHL
1974-75	Statistics Not Available
1975-76	36	12	21	3	-	167	237	27	7th CJBHL
1976-77	42	17	22	3	-	206	237	37	6th CJBHL
1977-78	42	20	16	6	-	--	--	46	4th CJBHL
1978-79	44	16	23	5	-	205	277	37	7th CJBHL
1979-80	44	10	28	5	-	192	298	25	11th CJBHL
1980-81	44	4	37	3	-	184	337	11	12th CJBHL
1981-82	40	6	30	4	-	156	303	16	11th CJBHL
1982-83	42	18	18	6	-	200	233	42	5th CJBHL
1983-84	40	12	23	5	-	182	200	29	7th CJBHL
1984-85	40	20	16	4	-	193	166	44	5th CJBHL
1985-86	48	5	37	6	-	173	354	16	9th CJBHL
1986-87	42	9	29	4	-	158	278	22	7th CJBHL
1987-88	44	18	22	4	-	232	250	40	9th CJBHL
1988-89	42	12	26	4	-	164	250	28	12th CJBHL
1989-90	42	18	17	7	-	189	181	43	6th CJBHL
1990-91	42	25	10	7	-	265	184	57	3rd CJBHL
1991-92	42	29	8	5	-	207	138	63	2nd CJBHL	Won League
1992-93	49	32	15	2	-	269	190	68	5th CJBHL
1993-94	42	24	16	2	-	228	183	52	5th OPJHL-W
1994-95	49	33	14	2	-	287	226	69	1st OPJHL-W
1995-96	50	27	16	7	-	243	172	64	1st OPJHL-Mi
1996-97	51	37	9	5	-	319	169	81	1st OPJHL-Mi	Won League
1997-98	51	42	8	1	0	357	127	85	1st OPJHL-Mi	Won League, Won DHC
1998-99	51	43	4	3	1	308	138	90	1st OPJHL-W
1999-00	49	30	13	3	3	231	158	66	3rd OPJHL-W
2000-01	49	29	14	5	1	210	168	64	1st OPJHL-W
2001-02	49	25	20	3	1	198	208	54	5th OPJHL-W
2002-03	49	41	6	1	1	279	139	84	1st OPJHL-W
2003-04	49	32	15	0	2	228	161	66	4th OPJHL-W
2004-05	49	30	17	1	1	241	131	62	4th OPJHL-W
2005-06	49	41	3	4	1	254	97	87	1st OPJHL-W	Lost Conf. SF
2006-07	49	12	31	4	2	142	235	30	8th OPJHL-W	Lost Conf. QF
2007-08	49	22	20	-	7	185	194	51	6th OPJHL-W
2008-09	49	21	24	-	4	208	229	46	6th OJHL-M
2009-10	56	3	51	-	2	145	387	8	15th OJAHL	DNQ
2010-11	50	5	41	-	4	147	374	14	8th OJHL-W	DNQ
2011-12	49	18	28	-	3	195	264	39	5th OJHL-W	Lost Division QF
2012-13	55	19	27	-	9	209	255	47	4th OJHL-W	DNQ
2013-14	53	29	20	-	3	186	193	61	3rd OJHL-W	Lost Conf. QF
2014-15	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
2015-16	54	5	48	0	1	110	362	11	5th of 5 West Div 11th of 11 SW Conf 22nd of 22 OJHL	DNQ

Sutherland Cup Appearances

1992: Kitchener Dutchmen defeated Milton Merchants 4-games-to-1

Notable alumni

Many notable players have suited up for Milton over the years including NHL stars John Tavares, Daniel Carcillo, Sam Gagner, Rich Peverley, Darren Haydar, Cody Goloubef and Matt Read.

Some Famous Miltonians have also played for the franchise, including four-time Stanley Cup champion John Tonelli, AHL star Darren Haydar, two-time NCAA Frozen Four Champion Boston College Captain Matt Price, and his brother Jeremy Price (Vancouver Canucks draft pick).

References

External links

Ice Hawks Webpage

Ontario Hockey Association Junior A Hockey

Current Leagues & Teams

Ontario Junior Hockey League: Aurora Tigers; Buffalo Jr. Sabres; Burlington Cougars; Cobourg Cougars; Georgetown Raiders; Kingston Voyageurs; Lindsay Muskies; Markham Royals; Milton Icehawks; Mississauga Chargers; Newmarket Hurricanes; North York Rangers; Oakville Blades; Orangeville Flyers; Pickering Panthers; St. Michael's Buzzers; Stouffville Spirit; Toronto Jr. Canadiens; Toronto Patriots; Trenton Golden Hawks; Wellington Dukes; Whitby Fury

Former Leagues & Teams

Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League: Brantford Foresters; Brantford Majors; Buffalo-Glencoe Tondas; Chatham Maroons; Detroit Jr. Red Wings; Guelph CMC's; Guelph Imperials; Michigan Americans; Niagara Falls Flyers; St. Thomas Elgins; Sarnia Bees; Sarnia Legionnaires; Welland Sabres; Windsor Spitfires

Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League: Ajax Merchants; Belleville Bulls; Brampton Warriors; Cambridge Winterhawks; Dixie Beehives; Guelph Platers; Hamilton Mountain A's; Kingston Frontenacs; North Bay Trappers; Owen Sound Greys; Royal York Royals; Toronto Nationals; Weston Dodgers; Whitby Lawmen

Metro Junior A Hockey League: Mimico Monarchs; Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins

Ontario Junior Hockey League: Ajax Attack; Barrie Colts; Bowmanville Eagles; Bramalea Blues; Brampton Capitals; Caledon Canadians; Collingwood Blues; Couchiching Terriers; Dixie Beehives; Durham Huskies; Huntsville Otters; Markham Waxers; Orangeville Crushers; Parry Sound Shamrocks; Peterborough Stars; Seguin Bruins; Shelburne Wolves; Streetsville Derbys; Syracuse Jr. Crunch; Trenton Sting; Vaughan Vipers

Seasons

Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League: 1972–73; 1973–74; 1974–75; 1975–76; 1976–77; 1977–78; 1978–79; 1979–80; 1980–81; 1981–82; 1982–83; 1983–84; 1984–85; 1985–86; 1986–87

Metro Junior A Hockey League: 1991–92; 1992–93; 1993–94; 1994–95; 1995–96; 1996–97; 1997–98

Ontario Junior Hockey League: 1992–93; 1993–94; 1994–95; 1995–96; 1996–97; 1997–98; 1998–99; 1999–00; 2000–01; 2001–02; 2002–03; 2003–04; 2004–05; 2005–06; 2006–07; 2007–08; 2008–09; 2009-10 CC/OJ; 2010–11; 2011–12; 2012–13; 2013–14; 2014–15

Championships

CJHL Central Canada Cup Challenge Dudley Hewitt Cup Royal Bank Cup

Sports teams based in the Greater Toronto Area

General	List of sports teams in Toronto Toronto sports

Baseball	MLB Toronto Blue Jays IBL Toronto Maple Leafs

Basketball	NBA Toronto Raptors NBA D-League Raptors 905 NBL Canada Orangeville A's

Football	CFL Toronto Argonauts CJFL Burlington Braves Toronto Junior Argonauts

Hockey	NHL Toronto Maple Leafs AHL Toronto Marlies ECHL Brampton Beast OHL Mississauga Steelheads Oshawa Generals OJHL Aurora Tigers Brampton Capitals Burlington Cougars Dixie Beehives Georgetown Raiders Markham Waxers Milton Icehawks Mississauga Chargers Newmarket Hurricanes North York Rangers Oakville Blades Orangeville Flyers Pickering Panthers St. Michael's Buzzers Stouffville Spirit Streetsville Derbys Toronto Jr. Canadiens Vaughan Vipers Villanova Knights Whitby Fury GMHL Bradford Bulls Bradford Rattlers New Tecumseth Civics Toronto Attack Toronto Predators CWHL Brampton Thunder Toronto Furies

Soccer	MLS Toronto FC CSL Brampton United North York Astros SC Toronto Serbian White Eagles FC TFC Academy Toronto Croatia USL W-League Toronto Lady Lynx Premier Development League Toronto Lynx

Lacrosse	NLL Toronto Rock MSL Brampton Excelsiors OLA Jr. A Brampton Excelsiors Jr. A Orangeville Northmen Toronto Beaches Whitby Warriors OLA Jr. B Clarington Green Gaels Halton Hills Bulldogs Markham Ironheads Mimico Mountaineers Mississauga Tomahawks Newmarket Saints Oakville Buzz Orangeville Northmen Jr. B

Rugby league	L1 Toronto Wolfpack

University athletics	UOIT Ridgebacks Ryerson Rams Toronto Varsity Blues York Lions

College athletics	Seneca Sting Humber Hawks George Brown Huskies Durham Lords Centennial Colts Sheridan Bruins

Roller derby	WFTDA Greater Toronto Area Rollergirls Toronto Roller Derby

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