Niagara Falls Flyers
| Niagara Falls Flyers | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| City | Niagara Falls, Ontario |
| League | Ontario Hockey Association |
| Operated | 1960–72 and 1976–82 |
| Home arena | Niagara Falls Memorial Arena |
| Colours | Gold, white and black |
| Parent club(s) | Boston Bruins (1960–67) |
| Championships | 1965 & 1968 Memorial Cup Champions |
| Franchise history | |
| 1943–47 | St. Catharines Falcons |
| 1947–62 | St. Catharines Teepees |
| 1962–76 | St. Catharines Black Hawks |
| 1976–82 | Niagara Falls Flyers |
| 1982–02 | North Bay Centennials |
| 2002–present | Saginaw Spirit |
| Previous franchise history | |
| 1945–60 | Barrie Flyers |
| 1960–72 | Niagara Falls Flyers |
| 1972–present | Sudbury Wolves |
The Niagara Falls Flyers were two junior ice hockey franchises that played in the top tier in the Ontario Hockey Association. The first, a Junior "A" team existed from 1960 until 1972, and the second in Tier I Junior "A" from 1976 until 1982.
Both teams were owned by the Emms Family, and were relocated to Niagara Falls from another city. The Niagara Falls Memorial Arena was home ice to both teams.
The first Flyers team relocated to Niagara Falls from Barrie in 1960. The team was affiliated with the Boston Bruins of the NHL. The Flyers appeared in three Memorial Cups in the 1960s, winning in 1965 and 1968.
Niagara Falls won the right to play for the Cup by defeating the Toronto Neil McNeil Maroons for the OHA championship, and the Espanola Eagles to win the George Richardson Memorial Trophy as eastern Canadian representatives.
The Flyers were runners up to the Memorial Cup in 1963 played at Edmonton's Arena Gardens. They lost in six games to the Edmonton Oil Kings in a best-of-seven series. Flyers players Dornhoefer and Harmer both suffered broken legs while on the ice.
Niagara Falls won the right to play for the Cup by defeating the defending champions Toronto Marlboros for the OHA championship. The Memorial Cup in 1965 was again played at Edmonton's Arena Gardens. They defeated the Oil Kings 4 games to 1 in a best-of-seven rematch series from two years previous. The series was filled with brawls and suspensions, as well as a heavy police presence throughout.
Niagara Falls won the right to play for the Cup by defeating the Kitchener Rangers for the OHA championship, and the Verdun Maple Leafs for the eastern championship.
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