- Arthur Tigers
Hockey team
team = Arthur Tigers
logosize = 100 px
city =Arthur, Ontario
league = WOAA Senior Hockey League
arena = Arthur Area Recreation Complex
operated = 1985-1999
The Arthur Tigers were a Canadian senior hockey team based in Arthur,Ontario ,Canada . They played in theWestern Ontario Athletic Association Senior Hockey League .History
Arthur has had numerous hockey teams nicknamed the Tigers since 1904, with the most recent team playing in the WOAA from 1985-1999. The team folded at the conclusion of the 1998-99 season. Along with the 1991 Grand Championship, the Tigers were also WOAA Intermediate B champions in 1989 & 1990.
Some stars over the years included: Ken Riley, Al Bell, Garnett Rooney, Bob McCulloch, Bryan Richardson, Paul Epoch, Scott McCulloch, Tom O'Donnell, Marty Groulx, Bruce Richardson, Ray Hutchison...
Some of the "Honourary Tigers" include: Bert Coffey, John Walsh, Clive Williams, Bill Smellie, Norbert Heffernan...
The club held Reunions in 1993 & again in 1998. These events attracted some 250-300 former players, coaches & friends of the Tigers.
1991 Grand Championship
The club had their most successful season in 1990-91 season, defeating the heavily favoured
Durham Thundercats to become the WOAA Grand Champions. The Tigers captured the WOAA Senior B Championship eliminating Wiarton & Drayton. Posting a 9-1 post-season record, the Tigers issued a challenge to the Senior A championDurham Thundercats for a Grand Championship series. Many of the players of the Thundercats had left on vacation at the end of the Senior A series, not expecting a Grand Championship, and had to return from Jamaica to play. The series went a full five games. Durham won game 1 10-2. Arthur won game two 10-1. Game three in Durham saw the T-Cats edge the Tigers 5-4. Coming back to Arthur, the Tigers needed to win to force a fifth and deciding game. Another strong effort saw Arthur win 8-3. In Durham on Friday, April 3, 1991, a full house turned out. Tied heading into the 3rd period 3-3, the Tigers pulled ahead 6-3. Things appeared well in hand for Arthur. Pesky Durham winger Scott Betts had other things in mind scoring two goals in the final two minutes to bring the homeside within a goal. Arthur held on for the 6-5 victory. Tigers winger John McCabe led all WOAA playoff scorers with 28 points. Netminder Marty Groulx sparkled for Arthur. Other leaders on the club included: Scott McCulloch, Tom O'Donnell, Ray Hutchison, Eck Palmer, Brian Ward, Jim "The Champ Holmes", Paul Epoch, Fred Locking, Matt Coffey and John Bell. Coach was Don Tremble, Manager Jeff McKee. The Grand Championship was eliminated from the WOAA three years later.Other highly successful seasons included 1971 - WOAA Grand Championship Finalists, 1952 Pritchard Trophy Champions & 1938 OHA Division Champions.
The Road Team
In 1977 the Arthur Tigers were a mens hockey club without an arena. Winning was not the highlight of the season, rather the fact that they played all their games on the road was! It was at about this time that the Tigers folded until a rebirth in the fall of 1984. They competed for one season in the OHA before rejoining the WOAA.
Rivalries
The Tigers had a big rivalry with the Drayton Comets, through the late 1980's & early 90's. The two towns are located 30 kilometers apart, and the clubs met four times in the playoffs - 1989, 1990, 1991 & 1992. Each club won two series'. In 1990 Drayton defeated the Tigers to advance to the WOAA Grand Championship Final. In 1991, Arthur defeated Drayton to advance to the WOAA Grand Championship Final.
Through the 1950's, 1960's & 1970's strong rivalries were formed with Harriston, Palmerston, Mt. Forest & Milverton. One of the most famous games was played in the early 1950's in Arthur. A packed house became embroiled in brawl which spilled out onto the ice. A fight on the ice, resulted in fans pushing up against the boards, when the boards slipped off their hooks, fans spilled onto the ice. Mt. Forest eventually managed to retreat to their dressing room. Police assisted in helping the visitors leave the arena!
Related links
*
Arthur, Ontario *
Western Ontario Athletic Association *
WOAA Senior Hockey League External links
* [http://heresthescoop.net/Tigers.html Arthur Tigers Historical Website]
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