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Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds

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Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
CitySault Ste. Marie, Ontario
LeagueOntario Hockey League
ConferenceWestern
DivisionWest
Founded1962 (1962) (NOHA Jr. A)
1972 (OHA)
Home arenaGFL Memorial Gardens
ColoursRed, white
   
General managerKyle Raftis
Head coachJohn Dean
Websitewww.soogreyhounds.com
Championships
Playoff championships1993 Memorial Cup Champions
Current uniform

The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (often shortened to Soo Greyhounds) are a major junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. The Greyhounds play home games at the GFL Memorial Gardens. The present team was founded in 1962 as a team in the Northern Ontario Hockey Association. The Greyhounds name has been used by several ice hockey teams based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, since 1919.

Early years

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The first Greyhounds team formed in 1919, playing in the now defunct Upper-Peninsula League. The team's coach was George McNamara. He suggested the team be called the Greyhounds since, "a greyhound is much faster than a wolf." That reference was to the already established rival club, the Sudbury Wolves.[1]

A couple of seasons later, the Greyhounds switched to the Northern Ontario Hockey Association Senior "A" division. The team won the Senior A championship in 1921, 1923, 1924 and 1925. The 1924 Greyhounds also won the Allan Cup, becoming the only team from Sault Ste. Marie to do so. In October 1925, the club received an offer from New York to play as the Knickerbockers in the Eastern Amateur Hockey League.[2] The Greyhounds joined the Central Amateur Hockey Association, a division of the United States Amateur Hockey Association for the 1925–26 season.[3] After the season, several players joined the professional ranks and the team folded.

In 1929, a junior Greyhounds team was organized, competing in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League. The juniors won the league championship four consecutive years from 1928 to 1931, and added a fifth title in 1942. Junior hockey in Sault Ste. Marie came to an abrupt end in 1945, when the Gouin Street Arena was destroyed by fire.

The senior Greyhounds team was revived in 1948. The new team played out of a temporary home at Pullar Stadium, in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, U.S.A., until the Memorial Gardens opened in 1949. The senior Greyhounds won the NOHA championship four times, in 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1955. This team folded, along with the league, after the 1958–59 season.

Modern era

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The current Greyhounds Junior A franchise was founded in 1962 as a member of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL). The team's founders were Angelo Bumbacco, Lloyd Prokop, Phil Suraci, Pat Esposito and Bill Kelly. During the Greyhounds ten seasons in the NOJHL, they never had a losing season, and won the league championship three times. In 1972, the Greyhounds entered the Ontario Hockey Association as a Major Junior A expansion team. The original founders served as directors, joined by Frank Caputo and Frank Sarlo. Angelo Bumbacco died on October 27, 2020, aged 88.[4]

Wayne Gretzky 1977–78

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In 1977, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds picked a 16-year-old Wayne Gretzky, standing at 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) and weighing 155 pounds (70 kg), with the third pick in the Ontario Midget Draft. He was still small in stature, but would have a big impact on the game.

Gretzky requested to wear # 9 for his idol Gordie Howe, but that number was already taken by teammate Brian Gualazzi. Gretzky then chose # 14 instead. After a few games, coach Muzz MacPherson suggested wearing two nines would be better than one. From that season on, Gretzky always wore the legendary # 99.[5]

In 63 games that year, he set the Greyhounds all-time record, scoring 70 goals and had 112 assists for a total of 182 points. Gretzky would have won the scoring title, except for a 192-point season by 20-year-old player Bobby Smith. Gretzky was awarded the Emms Family Award as the rookie of the year, and the William Hanley Trophy as most gentlemanly player.

Memorial Cup, 1985

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After winning the OHL championship, the Greyhounds travelled to Shawinigan, Quebec to compete in the Memorial Cup tournament, for the national junior hockey title. The Greyhounds played against the host team Shawinigan Cataractes, the QMJHL champion Verdun Junior Canadiens, and the WHL champion Prince Albert Raiders.

The Greyhounds were led by future NHLers, Jeff Beukeboom, Chris Felix, Derek King, Wayne Presley, Bob Probert and Rob Zettler. Leading scorers in the regular season were Wayne Groulx, Graeme Bonar and Sault Ste. Marie native Mike Oliverio.

The Greyhounds won the first game on May 11 in Shawinigan versus the home team, by a score 4–3, in front of 3,276 fans. Televising games from the Aréna Jacques Plante in Shawinigan proved difficult due to roof support pillars around the ice surface. After two games in Shawinigan, the remainder of the tournament was played in the Centre Marcel Dionne in Drummondville, Quebec.

The Greyhounds won their first game in Drummondville 6–3 over Verdun, with two goals from Derek King. Their first loss of the tournament came in game three, losing 8–6 to the Prince Albert Raiders. With the loss, the Cataractes, Raiders and Greyhounds would all finish the round-robin with two wins and a loss. Shawinigan earned a spot in the finals on best goals for and against difference, with Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Albert to have a rematch in the semi-final game. On May 16, the Greyhounds lost again to the Raiders.

1985 Memorial Cup scores
Game Winner Score Loser Score Venue
Round-robin S.S.Marie 4 Shawinigan 2 Aréna Jacques Plante
Round-robin Shawinigan 6 Prince Albert 2 Aréna Jacques Plante
Round-robin S.S.Marie 6 Verdun 3 Centre Marcel Dionne
Round-robin Prince Albert 5 Verdun 3 Centre Marcel Dionne
Round-robin Prince Albert 8 S.S.Marie 6 Centre Marcel Dionne
Round-robin Shawinigan 5 Verdun 1 Centre Marcel Dionne
Semi-final Prince Albert 8 S.S.Marie 3 Centre Marcel Dionne
Championship Prince Albert 6 Shawinigan 1 Centre Marcel Dionne

Memorial Cup, 1991

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The Greyhounds season of 1990–91 marked an incredible turnaround from seventh place the season before, to finishing first place and winning the Emms division. General manager Sherwood Bassin put together pieces for coach Ted Nolan to win. Bassin was awarded Bill Long Award for distinguished service to the OHL, was named both the OHL Executive of the Year, and the CHL Executive of the Year in 1991.[6][7]

The Greyhounds swept both playoff series and earned a second round bye to reach the OHL finals against the defending champions, the Oshawa Generals. The J. Ross Robertson Cup finals had many subplots due to the big trade between the clubs in the previous season. Added to the mix was Joe Busillo, an overager picked up from Oshawa, who won the Memorial Cup with the Generals the previous year. Fans from the Soo were still very bitter towards Oshawa captain Eric Lindros, who had originally been drafted by the Greyhounds in 1989 but chose not to play for them (eventually being traded to the Generals). The Soo crowd loudly jeered Lindros every time he was on the ice during the championship series. The Greyhounds upset the heavily favoured defending champions in a six-game series, winning the last game on home ice.

The Greyhounds were led in scoring by Colin Miller, Tony Iob, Trevor Koopmans, and future NHLers Adam Foote and tough guys Bob Boughner, and Denny Lambert. Other members to move onto the NHL included Drew Bannister, Ralph Intranuovo, Brad Tiley and goaltenders Kevin Hodson and Mike Lenarduzzi.

The 1991 Memorial Cup was hosted by the QMJHL in Quebec City at the Colisée de Québec. Their opponents would be the WHL champion Spokane Chiefs, and the QMJHL finalists Drummondville Voltigeurs and the champion Chicoutimi Saguenéens. The Greyhounds did not win a game in the tournament, but gained valuable experience for next season.

1991 Memorial Cup scores
All games played at the Colisée de Québec.
Game Winner Score Loser Score
Round-robin Drummondville 4 S.S.Marie 2
Round-robin Spokane 7 Drummondville 3
Round-robin Chicoutimi 2 S.S.Marie 1
Round-robin Spokane 7 Chicoutimi 1
Round-robin Spokane 8 S.S.Marie 4
Round-robin Drummondville 5 Chicoutimi 3
Semi-final Drummondville 2 Chicoutimi 1
Championship Spokane 5 Drummondville 1

Memorial Cup, 1992

[edit]

The 1991–92 Greyhounds repeated as winners of the Emms division. Sault Ste. Marie earned a first round bye in the playoffs, then defeated the Kitchener Rangers and Niagara Falls Thunder to return to the league finals. The Greyhounds won their third J. Ross Robertson Cup by defeating their northern counterparts, the North Bay Centennials in a seven-game series.

The Greyhounds were led by captain Rick Kowalsky, and in scoring by Jarrett Reid's 53 goals and also had two players with 100 point seasons, Colin Miller and Ralph Intranuovo. The Soo also gained a midseason boost and more toughness, acquiring future NHLer Chris Simon in a trade with the Ottawa 67's.

The 1992 Memorial Cup was hosted by the WHL in Seattle, Washington at the Seattle Center Coliseum. Their opponents would be the WHL champion Kamloops Blazers, the QMJHL champion Verdun Collège Français, and the host Seattle Thunderbirds.

The Greyhounds reversed their fortunes of the previous Memorial Cup, winning all three games of the round-robin, advancing directly to the tournament finals. Their opponent in the finals would be the Kamloops Blazers. The Greyhounds came back from an early 3–0 deficit 15 minutes into the game to tie the score at 3-3. Kamloops scored early in the third period for a 4–3 lead. Chris Simon then tied the game for Sault Ste. Marie with four minutes remaining to play. The game looked to be headed for overtime, until Kamloops' Zac Boyer scored on a breakaway with 14.6 seconds remaining to seal the victory for the Blazers.

1992 Memorial Cup scores
All games played at the Seattle Center Coliseum.
Game Winner Score Loser Score
Round-robin Seattle 5 Verdun 3
Round-robin S.S.Marie 6 Kamloops 3
Round-robin Kamloops 4 Verdun 0
Round-robin S.S.Marie 4 Verdun 2
Round-robin S.S.Marie 3 Seattle 3
Round-robin Kamloops 3 Seattle 1
Semi-final Kamloops 8 Seattle 3
Championship Kamloops 5 S.S.Marie 4

Memorial Cup, 1993

[edit]

In the 1992–93, the Greyhounds won their third consecutive Emms division title. They narrowly beat out the Detroit Junior Red Wings by having more wins in the regular season despite both teams earning 81 points. The OHL revived the idea of a Super Series from six years previous to determine which team would host the Memorial Cup of 1993. The Greyhounds assured themselves of a third consecutive trip to the Memorial Cup, by sweeping the series versus the Leyden division champion Peterborough Petes. Jarret Reid led Sault Ste. Marie in scoring through the playoffs, with 19 goals and 16 assists in 18 games.

After the Super Series ended, the regular playoffs started. Sault Ste. Marie earned the first round bye, then defeated the Owen Sound Platers and the Junior Red Wings to reach the finals against the Petes. This time, the Petes prevailed 4 games to 1, spoiling the Greyhounds chances of a third consecutive J. Ross Robertson Cup. Joining the Greyhounds and Petes in the Memorial Cup would be the WHL champion Swift Current Broncos and the QMJHL champion Laval Titan.

The Greyhounds and the Petes both finished the Memorial Cup round-robin with two wins and a loss. Sault Ste. Marie earned a berth in the finals by having beaten the Petes in the round robin. The two teams would meet again in the tournament finals, playing in front a hometown crowd of 4,757 spectators at the Memorial Gardens on May 23. Sault Ste. Marie led 3–0 after the first period, and held on to win their first Memorial Championship, beating the Petes 4–2. The victory party continued on Queen St. late into the evening.

1993 Memorial Cup scores
All games played at the Sault Memorial Gardens.
Game Winner Score Loser Score
Round-robin S.S.Marie 3 Laval 2
Round-robin Swift Current 5 S.S.Marie 3
Round-robin Peterborough 6 Laval 4
Round-robin Peterborough 7 Swift Current 3
Round-robin Laval 4 Swift Current 2
Round-robin S.S.Marie 7 Peterborough 3
Tiebreaker Laval 4 Swift Current 3
Semi-final Peterborough 3 Laval 1
Championship S.S.Marie 4 Peterborough 2

Recent years

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The Greyhounds followed up their Memorial Cup winning season with a strong 1993–94 campaign finishing second place in the division. The Soo reached the semi-finals, but lost to the Junior Red Wings in six games. After the season, coach Ted Nolan departed for the Hartford Whalers.

The following 1994–95 season, the Greyhounds finished last place in the league during a rebuilding season. In attempt to generate more sales, the Greyhounds redesigned their logo. It proved to be unpopular with the fans, and the team discontinued its use after the 1998–99 season, and went back to the classic logo.

Centre Joe Thornton was the 1995–96 OHL rookie of the year and was the first player in the history of the franchise to be drafted first overall in the NHL Entry Draft. He was selected by the Boston Bruins.

In the 2001–02 season, former Greyhound defenceman Craig Hartsburg took over as head coach after coaching stints in the NHL. Hartsburg was named the OHL coach of the year that season, then left the team to join the coaching staff of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Replacing Hartsburg was former Greyhound netminder, and part-owner of the team, John Vanbiesbrouck. Vanbiesbrouck was forced to resign as coach during the season as a result of racist comments he had made about team captain, Trevor Daley.[8] Hartsburg returned as coach midway through the 2004–05 season.

After playing at the Sault Memorial Gardens from 1962 to 2006, the Greyhounds moved into their new home, the Steelback Centre, for the 2006–07 season. In June 2008, the arena was renamed The Essar Centre, following the purchase of naming rights by Essar Steel Algoma.

In the 2007–08 OHL season, the Greyhounds had their best regular season since 1985, going 44–18–2–4, with a long undefeated streak to begin the year. The Greyhounds also had their longest post season run since 1994, making it to the conference finals before losing to the Kitchener Rangers in five games.

In the 2008–09 season, assistant coach Denny Lambert assumed head coaching duties after Craig Hartsburg left to become head coach of the NHL's Ottawa Senators. Assistant coach Toots Kovacs also left the team and was replaced by Mike Stapleton and Nick Warriner. The Greyhounds missed the playoffs for the first time since 2004.

After several trades in the organization had shown a shift to rebuilding the team, Dave Torrie (General Manager), took over head coaching duties with the firing of Denny Lambert in January 2011. Later that same year Dave Torrie was also relieved of his duties and replaced with Kyle Dubas as general manager. The fans also welcomed back Mike Stapleton as new Head Coach for next season, but was fired and replaced on December 3, 2012, by Sheldon Keefe.

After the 2014–15 OHL season, the Greyhounds had taken the Hamilton Spectator Trophy while setting a franchise record in regular season points. During the 2015 playoffs, the Greyhounds had their run ended by Connor McDavid and the Erie Otters in the Western Conference Finals. After one of the teams best seasons, head coach Sheldon Keefe had signed with the Toronto Marlies of the AHL.

On July 10, 2015, Drew Bannister was named head coach of the Greyhounds. He would leave after the 2017–18 season to become the head coach of the San Antonio Rampage in the AHL. Bannister had led the Hounds to an overall 136–50–13–5 record, two West Division titles, and was named OHL and CHL coach of the year in 2018.[9]

Championships

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While in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, the Greyhounds won the McNamara Trophy as playoff champions in 1967, 1970, and 1972. The Greyhounds were also regular season champions six times and playoff finalists 4 times.

The Greyhounds also joined the Oshawa Generals and Peterborough Petes as the only OHL teams to make three consecutive appearances in the Memorial Cup. Since joining the OHL, Sault Ste. Marie has won a total of 8 division titles, five Hamilton Spectator Trophy titles, three J. Ross Robertson Cup titles, and one Memorial Cup title.

Division Trophies
Hamilton Spectator Trophy
  • 1980–81 - 47 Wins, 2 Ties, 96 points
  • 1982–83 - 48 Wins, 1 Tie, 97 points
  • 1984–85 - 54 Wins, 1 Tie, 109 points
  • 2014-15 - 54 W, 12 L, 0 OTL, 2 SL, 110 points
  • 2017-18 - 55 W, 7 L, 3 OTL, 3 SL, 116 points
Wayne Gretzky Trophy
J. Ross Robertson Cup
Memorial Cup

Coaches

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Terry Crisp was twice voted the OHL Coach of the Year, winning the Matt Leyden Trophy in 1982-83 and 1984–85. Craig Hartsburg won the award in 2001–02. Most recently Drew Bannister won the award in 2017–18.

List of coaches with multiple seasons in parentheses.

Players

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Since Sault Ste. Marie joined the OHA in 1972, the Greyhounds have sent 77 alumni onto play in the NHL. Three of those (Paul Coffey, Ron Francis and Wayne Gretzky) have been inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

First round NHL entry draft picks

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Retired numbers

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Award winners

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CHL Rookie of the Year

CHL Top Draft Prospect Award

CHL Goaltender of the Year

Red Tilson Trophy
Most Outstanding Player

Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy
Scoring Champion

Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy
Top Scoring Right Winger

  • 1996–97 - Joe Seroski

Max Kaminsky Trophy
Most Outstanding Defenceman

OHL Goaltender of the Year

Jack Ferguson Award
First Overall Draft Pick

Dave Pinkney Trophy
Lowest Team GAA

Emms Family Award
Rookie of the Year

F.W. "Dinty" Moore Trophy
Best Rookie GAA

William Hanley Trophy
Most Sportsmanlike Player

Hockey Hall of Fame members

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There are six members of the Hockey Hall of Fame that have played for a team known as the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Bill Cook and Bun Cook played for the Greyhounds of the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) between 1921 and 1925. Bill Cook was inducted in 1952, while Bun wasn't inducted until 1995 in the defunct Veteran category. Tony Esposito played for the Greyhounds of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) during the 1962–63 season, and was inducted into the Hall in 1988.

The current junior Greyhounds have three alumni inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame. They are Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey and Ron Francis, who were respectively inducted in 1999, 2004 and 2007 respectively.

NHL alumni

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1919 to 1945, 1949 to 1958 (NOHA )
1962 to 1972 (NOJHL )
1972 to present (OHA / OMJHL / OHL)

Yearly results

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Regular season

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  • 1962 to 1972 in the NOJHL
  • 1972 to 1974 in the OHA
  • 1974 to 1980 in the OMJHL
  • 1980 to present in the OHL

Legend: OTL = Overtime loss, SL = Shootout loss

Season Games Won Lost Tied OTL SL Points Pct % Goals
For		 Goals
Against		 Standing
1962–63 40 28 11 1 - - 57 0.713 195 105 1st NOJHL
1963–64 40 20 18 2 - - 42 0.525 179 202 4th NOJHL
1964–65 40 24 15 1 - - 49 0.613 247 172 2nd NOJHL
1965–66 40 23 15 2 - - 48 0.600 236 182 2nd NOJHL
1966–67 40 30 10 0 - - 60 0.750 290 153 1st NOJHL
1967–68 40 24 14 2 - - 50 0.625 175 141 1st NOJHL
1968–69 48 34 12 2 - - 70 0.729 236 152 1st NOJHL
1969–70 48 34 11 3 - - 71 0.740 317 195 1st NOJHL
1970–71 48 32 14 2 - - 66 0.688 295 187 2nd NOJHL
1971–72 52 31 14 7 - - 69 0.663 272 203 1st NOJHL
1972–73 63 11 42 10 - - 32 0.254 244 396 10th OHA
1973–74 70 24 40 6 - - 54 0.386 295 352 9th OHA
1974–75 70 25 36 9 - - 59 0.421 312 367 10th OMJHL
1975–76 66 27 26 13 - - 67 0.508 341 319 5th Leyden
1976–77 66 20 41 5 - - 45 0.341 261 375 5th Leyden
1977–78 68 26 32 10 - - 62 0.456 330 346 5th Leyden
1978–79 68 26 42 0 - - 52 0.382 317 415 6th Leyden
1979–80 68 22 45 1 - - 45 0.331 281 379 6th Leyden
1980–81 68 47 19 2 - - 96 0.706 412 290 1st Leyden
1981–82 68 40 25 3 - - 83 0.610 274 243 2nd Emms
1982–83 70 48 21 1 - - 97 0.693 363 270 1st Emms
1983–84 70 38 28 4 - - 80 0.571 373 321 3rd Emms
1984–85 66 54 11 1 - - 109 0.826 381 215 1st Emms
1985–86 66 15 48 3 - - 33 0.250 263 387 8th Emms
1986–87 66 31 31 4 - - 66 0.500 301 299 5th Emms
1987–88 66 32 33 1 - - 65 0.492 272 294 5th Emms
1988–89 66 21 43 2 - - 44 0.333 227 304 8th Emms
1989–90 66 18 42 6 - - 42 0.318 229 289 7th Emms
1990–91 66 42 21 3 - - 87 0.659 303 217 1st Emms
1991–92 66 41 19 6 - - 88 0.667 335 229 1st Emms
1992–93 66 38 23 5 - - 81 0.614 334 260 1st Emms
1993–94 66 35 24 7 - - 77 0.583 319 268 2nd Emms
1994–95 66 17 45 4 - - 38 0.288 228 346 5th Western
1995–96 66 38 23 5 - - 81 0.614 312 254 3rd Western
1996–97 66 39 17 10 - - 88 0.667 309 220 1st Western
1997–98 66 20 39 7 - - 47 0.356 232 296 5th Western
1998–99 68 31 29 8 - - 70 0.515 244 242 4th West
1999–2000 68 37 20 6 5 - 85 0.588 270 217 2nd West
2000–01 68 23 38 4 3 - 53 0.368 188 256 5th West
2001–02 68 38 20 10 0 - 86 0.632 237 200 2nd West
2002–03 68 26 33 6 3 - 61 0.426 232 284 4th West
2003–04 68 30 34 3 1 - 64 0.463 196 223 4th West
2004–05 68 33 25 9 1 - 76 0.551 210 188 1st West
2005–06 68 29 31 - 3 5 66 0.485 201 213 4th West
2006–07 68 37 23 - 1 7 82 0.603 227 219 3rd West
2007–08 68 44 18 - 2 4 94 0.691 247 173 1st West
2008–09 68 19 45 - 2 2 42 0.309 172 290 5th West
2009–10 68 36 27 - 1 4 77 0.566 237 213 3rd West
2010–11 68 24 36 - 5 3 56 0.412 238 277 5th West
2011–12 68 29 33 - 2 4 64 0.471 227 272 5th West
2012–13 68 36 26 - 3 3 78 0.574 262 257 2nd West
2013–14 68 44 17 - 2 5 95 0.699 267 198 1st West
2014–15 68 54 12 - 0 2 110 0.809 342 196 1st West
2015–16 68 33 27 - 7 1 74 0.544 243 233 3rd West
2016–17 68 48 16 - 3 1 100 0.735 287 208 1st West
2017–18 68 55 7 - 3 3 116 0.841 317 186 1st West
2018–19 68 44 16 - 7 1 96 0.706 292 224 2nd West
2019–20 64 29 31 - 3 1 62 0.484 253 257 4th West
2020–21 0 0 0 - 0 0 0 0.000 0 0 Season cancelled
2021–22 68 39 22 - 6 1 85 0.625 295 246 3rd West
2022–23 68 20 33 - 9 6 55 0.404 223 310 5th West
2023–24 68 45 18 - 3 2 95 0.699 286 215 2nd West

Playoffs

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  • 1962–63 Lost in semi-finals.
  • 1963–64 Lost in finals.
  • 1964–65 Lost in semi-finals.
  • 1965–66 Lost in finals.
  • 1966–67 McNamara Trophy Champions.
  • 1967–68 Lost in semi-finals.
  • 1968–69 Lost in finals.
  • 1969–70 McNamara Trophy Champions.
  • 1970–71 Lost in finals.
  • 1971–72 McNamara Trophy Champions.
  • 1972–73 Out of playoffs.
  • 1973–74 Out of playoffs.
  • 1974–75 Out of playoffs.
  • 1975–76 Defeated Oshawa Generals 6 points to 4 in first round.
    Lost to Sudbury Wolves 9 points to 5 in quarter-finals.
  • 1976–77 Defeated Peterborough Petes 3 games to 1 in first round.
    Lost to Ottawa 67's 4 games to 0, 1 tie in quarter-finals.
  • 1977–78 Defeated Kingston Canadiens 6 points to 4 in first round.
    Lost to Ottawa 67's 9 points to 7 in quarter-finals.
  • 1978–79 Out of playoffs.
  • 1979–80 Out of playoffs.
  • 1980–81 Defeated Oshawa Generals 8 points to 4 in division semi-finals.
    Defeated Kingston Canadians 9points to 5 in division finals.
    Lost to Kitchener Rangers 9 points to 3 in finals.
  • 1981–82 Earned bye through first round. 2nd place in Emms.
    Defeated Brantford Alexanders 8 points to 6 in quarter-finals.
    Lost to Kitchener Rangers 9 points to 3 in semi-finals.
  • 1982–83 Earned bye through first round. 1st place in Emms.
    Defeated Brantford Alexanders 8 points to 2 in quarter-finals.
    Defeated Kitchener Rangers 8 points to 2 in semi-finals.
    Lost to Oshawa Generals 9 points to 5 in finals.
  • 1983–84 Defeated Windsor Spitfires 6 points to 0 in first round.
    Defeated Brantford Alexanders 8 points to 4 in quarter-finals.
    Lost to Kitchener Rangers 8 points to 6 in semi-finals.
  • 1984–85 Defeated Kitchener Rangers 8 points to 0 in first round.
    Earned bye through quarter-finals. 1st place in Emms.
    Defeated Hamilton Steelhawks 9 points to 1 in semi-finals.
    Defeated Peterborough Petes 9 points to 5 in finals. OHL CHAMPIONS
    Finished Memorial Cup round robin tied for second place.
    Lost to Prince Albert Raiders 8–3 in semi-final game.
  • 1985–86 Out of playoffs.
  • 1986–87 Lost to Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 0 in first round.
  • 1987–88 Lost to London Knights 4 games to 2 in first round.
  • 1988–89 Out of playoffs.
  • 1989–90 Out of playoffs.
  • 1990–91 Defeated Dukes of Hamilton 4 games to 0 in first round.
    Earned bye through quarter-finals. 1st place in Emms.
    Defeated Niagara Falls Thunder 4 games to 0 in semi-finals.
    Defeated Oshawa Generals 4 games to 2 in finals. OHL CHAMPIONS
    Finished Memorial Cup round robin in 4th place.
  • 1991–92 Earned bye through first round. 1st place in Emms.
    Defeated Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 3 in quarter-finals.
    Defeated Niagara Falls Thunder 4 games to 1 in semi-finals.
    Defeated North Bay Centennials 4 games to 3 in finals. OHL CHAMPIONS
    Finished Memorial Cup round robin in 1st place, earning berth in finals.
    Lost to Kamloops Blazers 5–4 in championship game.
  • 1992–93 Defeated Peterborough Petes 4 games to 0 in super-series for right to host Memorial Cup. Earned bye through first round. 1st place in Emms.
    Defeated Owen Sound Platers 4 games to 0 in quarter-finals.
    Defeated Detroit Jr. Red Wings 4 games to 1 in semi-finals.
    Lost to Peterborough Petes 4 games to 1 in finals.
    Finished Memorial Cup round robin in 1st place, earning berth in finals.
    Defeated Peterborough Petes 4–2 in championship game. MEMORIAL CUP CHAMPIONS
  • 1993–94 Defeated Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 0 in division quarter-finals.
    Defeated Guelph Storm 4 games to 0 in division semi-finals.
    Lost to Detroit Jr. Red Wings 4 games to 2 in semi-finals.
  • 1994–95 Out of playoffs.
  • 1995–96 Lost to Sarnia Sting 4 games to 0 in division quarter-finals.
  • 1996–97 Defeated Detroit Whalers 4 games to 1 in division quarter-finals.
    Lost to Guelph Storm 4 games to 2 in quarter-finals.
  • 1997–98 Out of playoffs.
  • 1998–99 Lost to Owen Sound Platers 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
  • 1999–2000 Defeated Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
    Defeated Erie Otters 4 games to 3 in conference semi-finals.
    Lost to Plymouth Whalers 4 games to 1 in conference finals.
  • 2000–01 Out of playoffs.
  • 2001–02 Lost to Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 2 in conference quarter-finals.
  • 2002–03 Lost to Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 0 in conference quarter-finals.
  • 2003–04 Out of playoffs.
  • 2004–05 Lost to Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 3 in conference quarter-finals.
  • 2005–06 Lost to London Knights 4 games to 0 in conference quarter-finals.
  • 2006–07 Defeated Saginaw Spirit 4 games to 2 in conference quarter-finals.
    Lost to London Knights 4 games to 3 in conference semi-finals.
  • 2007–08 Defeated Saginaw Spirit 4 games to 0 in conference quarter-finals.
    Defeated Guelph Storm 4 games to 1 in conference semi-finals.
    Lost to Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 1 in conference finals.
  • 2008–09 Out of playoffs.
  • 2009–10 Lost to Plymouth Whalers 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
  • 2010–11 Out of playoffs.
  • 2011–12 Out of playoffs.
  • 2012–13 Lost to Owen Sound Attack 4 games to 2 in conference quarter-finals.
  • 2013–14 Defeated Owen Sound Attack 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
    Lost to Erie Otters 4 games to 0 in conference semi-finals.
  • 2014–15 Defeated Saginaw Spirit 4 games to 0 in conference quarter-finals.
    Defeated Guelph Storm 4 games to 0 in conference semi-finals.
    Lost to Erie Otters 4 games to 2 in conference finals.
  • 2015-16 Defeated Sarnia Sting 4 games to 3 in conference quarter-finals.
    Lost to Erie Otters 4 games to 1 in conference semi-finals.
  • 2016-17 Defeated Flint Firebirds 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
    Lost to Owen Sound Attack 4 games to 2 in conference semi-finals.
  • 2017-18 Defeated Saginaw Spirit 4 games to 0 in conference quarter-finals.
    Defeated Owen Sound Attack 4 games to 3 in conference semi-finals.
    Defeated Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 3 in conference finals.
    Lost to Hamilton Bulldogs 4 games to 2 in finals.
  • 2018-19 Defeated Owen Sound Attack 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
    Lost to Saginaw Spirit 4 games to 2 in conference semi-finals.
  • 2019–20 Out of playoffs.
  • 2020–21 Cancelled.
  • 2021-22 Defeated Guelph Storm 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
    Lost to Flint Firebirds 4 games to 1 in conference semi-finals.
  • 2022–23 Out of playoffs.
  • 2023-24 Defeated Guelph Storm 4 games to 0 in conference quarter-finals.
    Lost to Saginaw Spirit 4 games to 3 in conference semi-finals.

Uniforms and logos

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The Greyhounds colours are predominantly red and white, with uniforms in a style very similar to the Detroit Red Wings. Black and silver trim were added in the late 1980s, as well as four stars above the logo. Sault Ste. Marie has used their classic red circle logo with the running greyhound for all but three seasons of their existence.[citation needed]

From 1996 to 1999 the Greyhounds redesigned their logo (inset right), to what became known by fans as the "Ugly Dog" or "Snoopy" logo. Due to public backlash and a fan petition for its removal, the team discontinued its use and went back to the classic logo. For the 2009-10 switchover to the Reebok Edge jersey system, the Greyhounds returned to their classic jerseys from the 1970s and early 80s, including removing black & silver from their logo. In 2013, the team switched to jerseys identical to those of the NHL's Detroit Red Wings.[citation needed]

The Greyhounds have used third jerseys since 2006, when the team introduced a black third jersey with a "Soo Greyhounds" script logo, as well as red, white, and grey trim, and stars around the waist. The jersey was slightly updated for its 2010 return after the Reebok Edge switchover, but was completely replaced in 2013 in favour of a simpler red third jersey with the running greyhound as the main logo, and a white nameplate with red lettering.[citation needed]

Arenas

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Sault Memorial Gardens
GFL Memorial Gardens with old Steelback Centre logo

The first home of the Greyhounds from 1919 to 1945 was Gouin Street Arena. The arena had wooden benches for 1,000 spectators. It was destroyed by fire in 1945. An outdoor rink at Pullar Stadium in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan was used until a new indoor facility was built. The Greyhounds returned to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan again in 1979, playing for about a month at Taffy Abel Arena on the campus of Lake Superior State University due to emergency roof repairs at the Gardens.[citation needed]

The Greyhounds played home games at the Sault Memorial Gardens from 1949 to 2006. The building was named for the war veterans of World War II. The Gardens hosted Memorial Cup games in 1978 and 1993, and the OHL All-Star Game in 1979. The last game at the Gardens was played on Tuesday, March 28, 2006. Demolition of the Gardens began on April 27, 2006. All that remains of the Gardens is the Memorial Tower, which is part of "Memorial Square". The red beacon of the Memorial Tower was preserved and continues to be lit on game days.[11]

The Greyhounds moved to the new GFL Memorial Gardens (formerly named the Steelback Centre and the Essar Centre) for the 2006–07 OHL season. The new arena was built in the east parking lot of the Memorial Gardens, and is the largest such centre in Northern Ontario. Its naming rights are currently held by GFL Environmental. The inaugural game was played on October 11, 2006, resulting in a 2–1 loss to the Sudbury Wolves. The 2008 OHL All-Star Classic was held at the Essar Centre during the 2007–08 season.[12]

Media

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Since the 2009–10 season, Greyhounds' games have been broadcast on the radio by Rock 101 in neighbouring Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, after previously airing on Q104 and CKCY.[citation needed] Most regular season and playoff games for the Greyhounds are broadcast on Shaw Spotlight in Sault Ste. Marie.[citation needed]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The Name: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds". Archived from the original on 2006-12-31. Retrieved 2006-10-18.
  2. ^ "Soo Team in Dilemma". Montreal Gazette. October 21, 1925. p. 14.
  3. ^ "New Hockey Group Has Commissioner". Montreal Gazette. October 27, 1925. p. 18.
  4. ^ Ruicci, Peter (2020-10-27). "Sault's Bumbacco dies". The Sault Star. Archived from the original on 2021-12-14. Retrieved 2023-02-01.
  5. ^ "99 Reasons Why Wayne Gretzky is "The Great One"". Archived from the original on 2006-04-05. Retrieved 2006-11-18.
  6. ^ "OHL Awards". Ontario Hockey League. Canadian Hockey League. Retrieved 2017-12-24.
  7. ^ "CHL Awards". chl.ca. Canadian Hockey League. Retrieved 2017-12-24.
  8. ^ "CBC News: Vanbiesbrouck banned by OHL". March 19, 2003. Retrieved 2007-09-22.
  9. ^ "Drew Bannister Named Head Coach of the San Antonio Rampage". OurSportsCentral.com. 5 June 2018.
  10. ^ "John Dean Named Greyhounds Head Coach". OurSportsCentral.com. July 12, 2018.
  11. ^ Sault Memorial Gardens - The OHL Arena & Travel Guide
  12. ^ Essar Centre - The OHL Arena & Travel Guide
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