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Mississauga IceDogs
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Key Information
The Mississauga IceDogs were a Canadian junior ice hockey team in Mississauga, Ontario. They played in the Ontario Hockey League from 1998 to 2007. A sale relocated the team to St. Catharines, Ontario for the 2007–08 season and they are now called the Niagara IceDogs.[2]
History
[edit]From 1998 to 2002, the IceDogs enjoyed little success, finishing last in the OHL's Central Division every year. During this building phase, the team had six head coaches within the span of 4 years, including the owner, Don Cherry. Mississauga drafted first overall each year, leading to two rookies of the year, including one of the highest touted NHL prospects in Jason Spezza.[citation needed]
The team changed ownership in 2002 with venture capitalist Joel Albin acquiring the team from owners Don Cherry, Retrocom, sports agent Elliott Kerr, and Trevor Whiffer - lawyer of Don Cherry and the general manager of the IceDogs'.[3]
In the 2002–03 season, the IceDogs finished fourth in the Central Division and made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, but lost in the first round in five games against the Ottawa 67's.[citation needed]
2003–04 was the IceDogs' best season. The team finished second in the Central Division, two points behind the division champion Toronto St. Michael's Majors, and third overall in the Eastern Conference.[citation needed]
In the first round of the playoffs, the IceDogs defeated the Oshawa Generals in seven games, winning their first-ever playoff series. The IceDogs were down three games to two against the Barrie Colts in the second round but managed to come back and win the series in seven games. The surprise IceDogs then upset the St. Michael's Majors in the Eastern Conference Championship series in six games to win the Bobby Orr Trophy and earn their first-ever trip to the Ontario Hockey League finals. The dream ended there as they fell to the Guelph Storm in four straight games in the OHL final, losing the fourth game at the Hershey Centre.[citation needed]
The 2004–05 season was another record setting season for the IceDogs. They won their first ever Central Division title and finished first in the Eastern Conference with 81 points. Despite regular season success, the IceDogs were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the eighth-seeded St. Michael's Majors in five games. In 2005–06, the IceDogs started rebuilding and missed the playoffs again.[citation needed]
Change in ownership
[edit]On July 12, 2006, Eugene Melnyk, owner of the Toronto St. Michael's Majors and the NHL's Ottawa Senators, bought the Mississauga IceDogs.
After the 2006–07 season, Melnyk sold the IceDogs, and moved the Majors to the Hershey Centre in Mississauga.[4]
On January 8, 2007, Toronto businessman Tom Bitove proposed to buy the team with plans to move to Niagara Falls,[5] but city council declined the proposal to build a new arena.[6] As an alternative, the team approached the City of St. Catharines about moving the team into Jack Gatecliff Arena in the downtown core. St. Catharines City Council voted on a leasing arrangement on April 23, 2007, which passed.
Bill Burke bought the IceDogs and relocated the team to St. Catharines in time for the 2007–08 season, to be known as the Niagara IceDogs.[2] The IceDogs played their final game in Mississauga on April 1, 2007, losing in game 5 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals at home to the Sudbury Wolves.[citation needed]
Championships
[edit]|
Bobby Orr Trophy
|
Emms Trophy
|
Coaches
[edit]Former team owner and hockey commentator Donald S. Cherry stepped behind the bench to coach the IceDogs for the 2001–02 season, after going through five coaches in three years. The team had its best season to the date, but still failed to reach the playoffs. The IceDogs were one of the highest-selling road teams in the OHL that year, as many spectators attended games to see Don Cherry coach and seek autographs.
- 1998–99 Peter Sturgeon & Jim Hulton
- 1999–2000 J.Hulton, Geoff Ward & Steve Cherry
- 2000–01 Rick Vaive
- 2001–02 Don Cherry
- 2002–03 Steve Ludzik
- 2003–06 Greg Gilbert (3 seasons)
- 2006–07 Mike Kelly
Players
[edit]The Mississauga IceDogs had the first overall draft pick four years in a row, which produced two rookies of the year, and a total of ten alumni have played in the National Hockey League.
Award winners
[edit]
Emms Family Award
|
Jack Ferguson Award
|
|
NHL alumni
[edit]Season-by-season results
[edit]Season results
[edit]Legend: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, OTL = Overtime losses, SL = Shoot-out losses, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against
| Memorial Cup champions | OHL champions | OHL runners-up |
| Season | GP | W | L | T | OTL | SL | Pts | Win % | GF | GA | Standing | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998–99 | 68 | 4 | 61 | 3 | — | — | 11 | 0.081 | 145 | 426 | 5th Central | Did not qualify |
| 1999–2000 | 68 | 9 | 56 | 1 | 2 | — | 21 | 0.154 | 160 | 346 | 5th Central | Did not qualify |
| 2000–01 | 68 | 3 | 56 | 7 | 2 | — | 15 | 0.110 | 157 | 380 | 5th Central | Did not qualify |
| 2001–02 | 68 | 11 | 47 | 6 | 2 | — | 32 | 0.235 | 212 | 327 | 5th Central | Did not qualify |
| 2002–03 | 68 | 23 | 31 | 11 | 3 | — | 60 | 0.441 | 212 | 231 | 4th Central | Lost conference quarter-final (Ottawa 67's) 4–1 |
| 2003–04 | 68 | 36 | 21 | 7 | 4 | — | 83 | 0.610 | 217 | 199 | 2nd Central | Won conference quarter-final (Oshawa Generals) 4–3 Won conference semi-final (Barrie Colts) 4–3 Won conference final (Toronto St. Michael's Majors) 4–2 Lost OHL championship (Guelph Storm) 4–0 |
| 2004–05 | 68 | 34 | 21 | 12 | 1 | — | 81 | 0.596 | 207 | 172 | 1st Central | Lost conference quarter-final (Toronto St. Michael's Majors) 4–1 |
| 2005–06 | 68 | 21 | 40 | — | 5 | 2 | 49 | 0.360 | 192 | 299 | 5th Central | Did not qualify |
| 2006–07 | 68 | 43 | 21 | — | 0 | 4 | 90 | 0.662 | 326 | 251 | 2nd Central | Lost conference quarter-final (Sudbury Wolves) 4–1 |
Uniforms and logos
[edit]
The IceDogs' colours are red, white, black and silver. The logo is styled after Don Cherry's pet bull terrier named Blue. It shows a snarling dog overtop of the IceDogs name with a maple leaf in the background. The original logo (inset right) looked like an ice crystalized dog with red eyes in front of a big letter "M" with a maple leaf in the corner. The logo was redesigned after their 5th season with the change in ownership.
Arena
[edit]The Mississauga IceDogs played their home games at the Hershey Centre in northeast Mississauga, near the junction of Highways 401, 403 and 410. The Hershey Centre hosted the OHL All-Star Game in 2000.[7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "TruColor | Ontario Hockey League Official Colors (1980-1981 through present)". 8 March 2024.
- ^ a b St. Catharines Standard - Ontario, CA[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Cherry to sell stake in OHL's IceDogs: report". CBC. 2002-05-04. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
- ^ [1] Archived August 10, 2006, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ http://www.mississauga.com/mi/sports/story/3836022p-4438674c.html[permanent dead link]
- ^ The North Bay Nugget - Ontario, CA[permanent dead link]
- ^ Hershey Centre - The OHL Arena & Travel Guide
External links
[edit]Mississauga IceDogs
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and early years
The Mississauga IceDogs were established as an expansion franchise in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Central Division in 1997, with an ownership group fronted by broadcaster and former coach Don Cherry. The team began operations ahead of the 1998–99 season, playing its home games at the newly opened Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.[4] The IceDogs' inaugural campaign proved challenging, as the team finished last in the Central Division with a record of 4 wins, 56 losses, 3 ties, and 5 overtime losses, earning just 16 points in 68 games.[5] Subsequent seasons brought little improvement, with the club again placing last in 1999–2000 (9–56–1–2, 21 points), 2000–01 (3–56–7–2, 15 points), and 2001–02 (11–47–6–4, 32 points).[6][7][8] These poor on-ice results were compounded by low attendance at Hershey Centre, contributing to operational struggles for the young franchise.[9] Cherry, who served as part-owner, briefly took over as head coach during the 2001–02 season in an effort to boost the team's fortunes.[10] The IceDogs finally qualified for the playoffs in 2002–03, finishing with a 23–31–11–3 record for 60 points and earning the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, but they were eliminated in the first round by the Ottawa 67's in five games.[11][12]Ownership changes
The Mississauga IceDogs were established in 1998 as an expansion franchise in the Ontario Hockey League, with a ownership group that included prominent hockey commentator Don Cherry.[10] Cherry, holding a 23 percent stake, played a key role in the team's launch and promotion, including serving as head coach during the 2001–02 season to boost visibility. In May 2002, Cherry and his partners sold their interests to a group led by venture capitalist Joel Albin, marking the first major ownership transition and ending Cherry's direct involvement.[13] Shortly thereafter, in June 2002, former OHL goaltender Nick Ricci acquired the team for $3.7 million and appointed Steve Ludzik as coach and general manager to stabilize operations.[14] Ricci's tenure was brief, as he sold the franchise in March 2003 to businessman Mario Forgione for $4.2 million, with NHL defenseman Chris Pronger joining as a minority owner to support enhanced professional oversight.[15][16] Forgione's ownership emphasized operational improvements, but attendance challenges persisted. In July 2006, pharmaceutical executive Eugene Melnyk purchased the team from Forgione to gain control of the Hershey Centre and facilitate the relocation of his Toronto St. Michael's Majors there, with plans to sell the IceDogs.[17] Melnyk's brief stewardship highlighted potential for junior hockey growth through strategic player acquisition, though attendance averaged around 2,200 in the 2006–07 season, below the arena's 6,000-seat capacity and limiting viability.[18][19] Following the 2006–07 season, Melnyk sold the IceDogs to Bill and Denise Burke, who relocated the franchise to St. Catharines amid ongoing attendance woes averaging below 2,000 per game, signaling the end of professional junior hockey in Mississauga.[20][18]Peak performance and relocation
The Mississauga IceDogs experienced their most notable on-ice success during the 2003–04 season, advancing to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Finals for the first time in franchise history before being swept 4–0 by the Guelph Storm.[21] The team finished fourth overall in the regular season standings with 36 wins, 21 losses, 7 ties, and 4 overtime losses (83 points), showcasing improved depth and competitiveness under head coach Greg Gilbert.[22] Building on that momentum, the IceDogs claimed the Emms Trophy in 2004–05 as Central Division regular-season champions, posting a 34–21–12–1 record for 81 points and securing the top spot in their division ahead of the Barrie Colts.[23] This achievement highlighted the team's growing stability and ability to contend within the Eastern Conference, though they fell in the conference quarterfinals to the Toronto St. Michael's Majors 1–4.[24] The 2006–07 campaign stood as the IceDogs' strongest regular season, with a franchise-best 43 wins, 21 losses, 0 overtime wins, and 4 overtime losses for 90 points, earning second place in the Central Division behind the Barrie Colts.[19] Despite entering the playoffs as the Eastern Conference's third seed, they exited early in the first round, losing 4–1 to the Sudbury Wolves.[25] These competitive highs could not offset the franchise's persistent challenges off the ice, including chronic financial losses and unresolved lease negotiations at the Hershey Centre arena.[26] In April 2007, owner Eugene Melnyk sold the team to Bill Burke, who relocated it to St. Catharines, Ontario, and rebranded it as the Niagara IceDogs ahead of the 2007–08 season to address these issues and facilitate the move of Melnyk's Toronto St. Michael's Majors into the Hershey Centre.[27] The IceDogs' final game in Mississauga took place on March 17, 2007, a 4–3 victory over the Kingston Frontenacs.[28]Competitive record
Championships and trophies
The Mississauga IceDogs achieved their greatest playoff success in the 2003–04 season by winning the Bobby Orr Trophy as Eastern Conference champions.[29] Their postseason run began with a hard-fought seven-game series victory over the Oshawa Generals in the first round (4–3), followed by another seven-game triumph against the Barrie Colts in the conference semifinals (4–3).[21] In the conference final, they defeated the Toronto St. Michael's Majors 4–2 to claim the trophy, advancing to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) finals.[21] This marked the team's only conference title during its nine-year existence from 1998 to 2007. The following season, in 2004–05, the IceDogs captured the Emms Trophy as Central Division regular-season champions, compiling a record of 34 wins, 21 losses, 12 overtime losses, and 1 tie for 81 points.[30] This performance highlighted their competitive peak, though they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Toronto St. Michael's Majors.[24] Despite these accomplishments, the IceDogs never won the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL playoff champions or advanced to the Memorial Cup as Canadian Hockey League (CHL) national representatives.[1] Their closest brush with the OHL title came in 2004, when they reached the finals but were swept 4–0 by the Guelph Storm.[21]Season-by-season results
The Mississauga IceDogs competed in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) from the 1998–99 season through the 2006–07 season, playing 68 games each year in the Central Division. Their performance varied widely, beginning with struggles in the expansion years and peaking in the mid-2000s. The following table summarizes their regular season records and playoff outcomes.[1][3]| Season | GP | W | L | T/OTL | PTS | Central Division Standing | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998–99 | 68 | 4 | 56 | 3/5 | 16 | 6th | Did not qualify |
| 1999–00 | 68 | 9 | 56 | 1/2 | 21 | 6th | Did not qualify |
| 2000–01 | 68 | 3 | 56 | 7/2 | 15 | 6th | Did not qualify |
| 2001–02 | 68 | 11 | 47 | 6/4 | 32 | 6th | Did not qualify |
| 2002–03 | 68 | 23 | 31 | 11/3 | 60 | 4th | Lost in Conference Quarterfinals (0–4 vs. Plymouth Whalers) |
| 2003–04 | 68 | 36 | 21 | 7/4 | 83 | 2nd | Lost in OHL Finals (0–4 vs. Guelph Storm) |
| 2004–05 | 68 | 34 | 21 | 12/1 | 81 | 1st | Lost in Conference Quarterfinals (1–4 vs. Toronto St. Michael's Majors) |
| 2005–06 | 68 | 21 | 40 | 0/7 | 49 | 5th | Did not qualify |
| 2006–07 | 68 | 43 | 21 | 0/4 | 90 | 1st | Lost in Conference Quarterfinals (2–4 vs. Plymouth Whalers) |
Personnel
Head coaches
The Mississauga IceDogs underwent frequent coaching changes during their inaugural years, indicative of the expansion franchise's early instability and poor on-ice results, with at least six head coaches across the first four seasons from 1998 to 2002.[1] The team's first head coach, Peter Sturgeon, was dismissed in November 1998 after compiling a 1–21–1 record in the 1998–99 season, prompting assistant Jim Hulton to assume the role and guide the team to a 3–35–2 finish that year.[32][33] Hulton continued into the 1999–00 campaign but was replaced mid-season by Geoff Ward in January 2000, following a 4–40–1 start; Steve Cherry, nephew of part-owner Don Cherry, later took over as interim coach for the remainder of that season, as the team ended with a 9–56–1–2 record.[33][1] This rapid succession contributed to a culture of uncertainty, as the IceDogs struggled to build consistency amid expansion challenges. Rick Vaive served as head coach for the 2000–01 season, overseeing the team's worst performance in franchise history with a 3–56–7–2 mark, the lowest win total in modern OHL history at the time.[1] Vaive was fired at season's end, leading to Don Cherry—then a part-owner—stepping behind the bench for the 2001–02 season in a dual ownership-coaching role.[34] Cherry, renowned for his flamboyant personality and broadcasting career on Hockey Night in Canada, brought national media attention to the struggling club and emphasized aggressive, entertaining play, though the team posted an 11–47–6–4 record and missed the playoffs.[35][1] His brief tenure, marked by his signature suits and outspoken style, injected energy into the team's identity but ended after one season as Cherry returned to full-time broadcasting.[35] Steve Ludzik coached the 2002–03 squad to a 23–31–11–3 improvement, securing the team's first playoff appearance, though they were eliminated in the opening round.[1] Stability arrived with the hiring of Greg Gilbert in 2003, who led the IceDogs for three full seasons through 2006 and fostered a more disciplined team culture focused on defensive structure and player development. Under Gilbert, the 2003–04 team achieved the franchise's best regular-season record at 36–21–7–4, advancing to the OHL finals before losing to the Guelph Storm.[1] The 2004–05 season saw another playoff berth (34–21–12–1), but results declined in 2005–06 (21–40–5–2), leading to his departure.[1] Mike Kelly concluded the Mississauga era as head coach in 2006–07, directing a resurgent 43–21–0–4 team to the conference quarterfinals, where they lost to the Sudbury Wolves, and helping solidify a competitive foundation before the franchise's relocation.[1] Overall, the nine seasons featured nine distinct head coaching tenures or transitions, underscoring the transitional nature of the club's early development.[1]Players and awards
The Mississauga IceDogs achieved a remarkable run of success in the OHL Priority Selection, securing the first overall pick for four consecutive years from 1999 to 2002 via the Jack Ferguson Award.[36] In 1999, the team selected center Jason Spezza, who quickly emerged as an offensive powerhouse, recording 61 points (24 goals, 37 assists) in 52 regular-season games during the 1999–2000 season and helping elevate the franchise's profile in its early years.[37] The following year, 2000, forward Patrick Jarrett was chosen first overall; he contributed steadily with 53 points in 60 games during the 2000–01 season, providing reliable scoring depth on a developing roster. This draft dominance continued in 2001 with forward Patrick O'Sullivan earning the top selection, where he excelled as a rookie by winning the Emms Family Award as OHL Rookie of the Year after amassing 92 points (34 goals, 58 assists) in 68 games during the 2001–02 season, setting a high standard for incoming talent.[38] In 2002, center Rob Schremp was the first overall pick and followed suit by capturing the Emms Family Award in 2002–03, highlighted by his 74 points (26 goals, 48 assists) in 65 games, showcasing elite playmaking that bolstered the team's competitive edge. These selections not only stocked the IceDogs with skilled forwards but also underscored the organization's scouting prowess during a pivotal expansion era. Beyond draft accolades, IceDogs players garnered other individual honors that reflected their on-ice impact. For instance, O'Sullivan's rookie dominance earned him a spot on the OHL Second All-Rookie Team in 2001–02, complementing his Emms Family Award win.[38] Schremp similarly impressed with his rapid adaptation, contributing to the team's playoff pushes while earning widespread recognition for his creativity and vision. Key contributors like Spezza, who paced the league in assists among rookies during his debut year, exemplified the caliber of talent that drove the IceDogs' peak performances, including deep postseason runs enabled by such standout individuals.[37]NHL alumni
The Mississauga IceDogs have produced 16 players who advanced to the National Hockey League (NHL), appearing in at least one game during their professional careers. These alumni benefited from the competitive environment of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where strong performances often led to high draft selections and professional opportunities.[39] One of the franchise's most celebrated products is center Jason Spezza, who was the first overall pick in the 1999 OHL Priority Selection and played his rookie season (1999–2000) with the IceDogs, recording 61 points (24 goals, 37 assists) in 52 games, showcasing elite offensive talent that propelled him to the second overall selection by the Ottawa Senators in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. Spezza went on to play 1,248 NHL games over 19 seasons, primarily with the Senators and Dallas Stars, accumulating 363 goals, 632 assists, and 995 points while earning multiple All-Star nods.[40][39] Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo represents another cornerstone of the IceDogs' legacy, playing for the team from 2004 to 2007 before the franchise's relocation to St. Catharines in 2007–08. His OHL development, including a selection to the CHL All-Rookie Team in 2004–05, culminated in being chosen fourth overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Pietrangelo has since logged 1,087 NHL games as of the end of the 2024–25 season, recording 148 goals and 489 assists for 637 points; he won the Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019 and has captained the Vegas Golden Knights since 2020.[41][39] Other significant contributors include defenseman Kyle Quincey, who suited up for the IceDogs from 2002 to 2005 and played 586 NHL games across 10 teams, including a Stanley Cup with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012; and left winger Daniel Carcillo, a 2001–05 IceDogs player known for his toughness, who appeared in 429 NHL games with 48 goals and 1,233 penalty minutes. Forwards like Patrick O'Sullivan (334 games, IceDogs 2002–05) and Brian McGrattan (317 games, IceDogs 1999–2001) also transitioned successfully, leveraging their junior scoring and physicality.[39] The complete list of Mississauga IceDogs NHL alumni, with career statistics as of the end of the 2024–25 season, is as follows:| Player | Position | NHL Years | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points | Penalty Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jason Spezza | C | 2002–2022 | 1,248 | 363 | 632 | 995 | 604 |
| Alex Pietrangelo | D | 2008–present | 1,087 | 148 | 489 | 637 | 355 |
| Kyle Quincey | D | 2005–2018 | 586 | 36 | 122 | 158 | 548 |
| Daniel Carcillo | LW | 2006–2015 | 429 | 48 | 52 | 100 | 1,233 |
| Patrick O'Sullivan | C | 2006–2012 | 334 | 58 | 103 | 161 | 116 |
| Brian McGrattan | RW | 2005–2015 | 317 | 10 | 17 | 27 | 609 |
| Dustin Jeffrey | C | 2008–2016 | 131 | 18 | 15 | 33 | 12 |
| Rob Schremp | C | 2006–2011 | 114 | 20 | 34 | 54 | 26 |
| Cody Bass | C | 2007–2017 | 75 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 107 |
| Igor Radulov | LW | 2002–2004 | 43 | 9 | 7 | 16 | 22 |
| Luca Caputi | LW | 2008–2011 | 35 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 20 |
| Matthew Corrente | D | 2009–2011 | 34 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 68 |
| Greg Jacina | LW | 2005–2007 | 14 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
| Chad Wiseman | LW | 2002–2006 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 8 |
| Oskar Osala | LW | 2008–2010 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sean McMorrow | LW | 2002–2003 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
