Hamilton Fincups
The Hamilton Fincups were a major junior hockey team with a brief yet highly successful existence during the 1970s. Formed in 1974 when the ownership rebranded the former Hamilton Red Wings, the Fincups' name was a combination of the owners' last names. Initially based out of the Barton Street Arena, which had been built in 1910, the team quickly found success on the ice. In the 1974-75 season, they won 37 games, followed by an even better performance with 43 wins the next year. The team's star player, Dale McCourt, was a dominant force, racking up an incredible 265 points over these two seasons.
The 1975-76 season was a defining year for the Fincups, as they captured the league championship and went on to win the Memorial Cup. Unfortunately, despite their on-ice success, the aging Barton Street Arena was in need of demolition, forcing the Fincups to relocate to St. Catharines for the 1976-77 season. They continued their winning ways at the Garden City Arena, amassing 50 victories out of 66 games, but lost to London in the third round.Â
In 1977, the Fincups returned to Hamilton, this time playing out of the Mountain Arena. Though their performance dropped to 31 wins that season, they still made an impressive run to the league finals. However, the constant movement between arenas and cities negatively affected fan support, and the team ultimately relocated to Brantford in 1978. The Fincups may be the most successful short-lived team of all-time.Â
