| St. Catharines Saints | |
 | |
| City: | St. Catharines, Ontario |
|---|---|
| League: | American Hockey League |
| Operated: | 1982–1986 |
| Home Arena: | Jack Gatecliff Arena |
| Colours: | Blue and White |
| Affiliates: | Toronto Maple Leafs |
| Franchise history | |
| 1982–1986: | St. Catharines Saints |
| 1986–1991: | Newmarket Saints |
| 1991–2005: | St. John's Maple Leafs |
| 2005–present: | Toronto Marlies |
The St. Catharines Saints was a minor league ice hockey team in St. Catharines, Ontario. It played in the American Hockey League from 1982–1986 as the farm team of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In 1982, the Maple Leafs terminated their working agreements with both the New Brunswick Hawks of the American Hockey League, and the Cincinnati Tigers of the Central Hockey League, electing to establish a new minor-league franchise under their sole control. After lobbying by local officials, St. Catharines, Ontario was chosen as the new home for the team. Initially, the placement of the team in St. Catharines was protested by the Buffalo Sabres, who feared that the team would harm their strong fan base in the Niagara Region.
Following the 1985–1986 season, the team moved to Newmarket, Ontario and became the Newmarket Saints.
An earlier team under this name played in the OHA Senior League in the 1940s and '50s.
Alumni[]
Former players include:
- Steve Thomas
- Allan Bester
- Ken Wregget
Season-by-Season Results[]
- St. Catharines Saints 1982–1986
- Newmarket Saints 1986–1991
Regular Season[]
| Season | Games | Won | Lost | Tied | OTL | Points | Goals For |
Goals Against |
Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982–83 | 80 | 33 | 41 | 6 | — | 72 | 335 | 368 | 6th, South |
| 1983–84 | 80 | 43 | 31 | 6 | — | 92 | 364 | 346 | 3rd, South |
| 1984–85 | 80 | 24 | 50 | 6 | — | 54 | 272 | 391 | 7th, South |
| 1985–86 | 80 | 38 | 37 | 5 | — | 81 | 304 | 308 | 3rd, South |
| 1986–87 | 80 | 28 | 48 | — | 4 | 60 | 226 | 337 | 7th, South |
| 1987–88 | 80 | 33 | 33 | 8 | 6 | 80 | 282 | 328 | 6th, South |
| 1988–89 | 80 | 38 | 36 | 6 | — | 82 | 339 | 334 | 4th, South |
| 1989–90 | 80 | 31 | 33 | 16 | — | 78 | 305 | 318 | 5th, South |
| 1990–91 | 80 | 26 | 45 | 9 | — | 61 | 278 | 317 | 8th, South |
Playoffs[]
| Season | 1st round | 2nd round | Finals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982–83 | Out of Playoffs | ||
| 1983–84 | L, 3–4, Rochester | — | — |
| 1984–85 | Out of Playoffs | ||
| 1985–86 | W, 4–2, Binghamton | L, 3–4, Hershey | — |
| 1986–87 | Out of Playoffs | ||
| 1987–88 | Out of Playoffs | ||
| 1988–89 | L, 1–4, Adirondack | — | — |
| 1989–90 | Out of Playoffs | ||
| 1990–91 | Out of Playoffs | ||