Niagara Falls Thunder
The Niagara Falls Thunder started play at the Memorial Arena in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in 1988-89 after relocating from Hamilton where they were the Steelhawks. The team spent eight seasons in Niagara Falls and were successful on the ice, making the playoffs in seven of eight seasons.Â
Their first season in Niagara Falls, 1988-89, was arguably their most successful as they won 41 of 66 games and made it all the way to the finals before losing to Peterborough. Their first five seasons there were successful, with 39+ wins three times and five playoff appearances. By 1996, the success on the ice had cooled and so did attendance. The team did make the playoffs their last two seasons in Niagara Falls, but those were 18 and 29 win campaigns. With attendance lagging the team crossed the border to Pennsylvania in 1996.
The Thunder produced a number of NHL alumns including Stan Drulia, Brad May, Ethan Moreau, and Keith Primeau. Â
