Niagara Falls Flyers
The Niagara Falls Flyers were a powerhouse major junior team during the 1960s and 70s that graduated dozens of players to the big show. There were two iterations of the team at the major junior level, the first from 1960-72 and the second from 1976-82. Both played at Niagara Falls Memorial Arena in Ontario.Â
The Flyers would play for the Memorial Cup three times over their 18 seasons, winning twice; 1965 and 1968. The 1965 team was absolutely stacked with future NHL talent and included Derek Sanderson, Jean Pronovost, Bernie Parent, and Bill Goldsworthy. In all, over 75 Flyers alumns would suit up for an NHL team. In addition to Parent, Mike Gartner also played for the Flyers and both are in the hockey hall of fame.Â
Unfortunately the Flyers never stuck in Niagara Falls. The first iteration moved to Sudbury in 1972, and the second moved to North Bay ten years later in 1982. The Flyers would be the last time Niagara Falls has a major junior team on the ice.Â
