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Revision as of 18:03, 7 March 2016

Oshawa Generals
OshawaGenerals
City: Oshawa, Ontario
League: Ontario Hockey League
Conference: Eastern
Division: East
Founded: 1937
Home Arena: General Motors Centre
Colours: Red, blue and white
              
Head Coach: Vacant
General Manager: Roger Hunt
Affiliate(s): Whitby Fury


1990 Memorial Cup Champions Oshawa Generals Photo

1990 Memorial Cup Champions Oshawa Generals

The Oshawa Generals are a junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey League. They are based in Oshawa, Ontario. The team is named for General Motors, an early sponsor which has its Canadian headquarters in Oshawa. The Generals are one of the most successful franchises in Canadian Hockey League history. Its 184 graduates to the National Hockey League are second only to the Peterborough Petes. The Generals have also won the Memorial Cup five times, and a record thirteen Ontario Hockey League Championships, the J. Ross Robertson Cup.

The Generals have two distinct eras in their history. The original Generals operated from 1937 to 1953. The team went on a hiatus from 1953 to 1962 due to a fire at the Hambly Arena. The team was resurrected in 1962. Famous alumni of the Generals include Hockey Hall of Famers Bobby Orr and Alex Delvecchio, as well as Eric Lindros.


History

Early years (1908–1937)

Prior to 1908, Oshawa belonged to the Midland Hockey League. It competed against other teams from Whitby, Bowmanville, Port Hope and Cobourg. The first Oshawa team in the Ontario Hockey Association junior division began play in the 1908–1909 season, known as the Oshawa Shamrocks. Ed Bradley, a prominent local businessman was responsible for organizing the team and bringing junior hockey to Oshawa and was the team's manager for the next 13 seasons.

Success came early to the team reaching the semifinals in 1909. In the 1920s the team enjoyed many successful years, battling against Orillia and Owen Sound. In June 1928, Bradley's Arena burnt to the ground. The team relocated to Whitby until the new Oshawa Arena was built for 1930.

In the early 1930s the team became known as the Oshawa Majors. The Majors won the OHA title in 1935 versus the Kitchener Greenshirts, and went on to play the Northern Ontario champion Sudbury Cub Wolves. In a protest by Kitchener, the title was taken away from Oshawa while games were already underway with Sudbury.

In 1936, different sources name the team as the Majors, the Red Devils, and the Junior G-Men. This team coached by Bill Hancock and managed by Matt Leyden played the season against St. Michael's College, University of Toronto, Toronto Young Rangers, Toronto Marlboros, Toronto Native Sons and the Toronto Lions.

OHA dynasty (1937–1944)

Oshawa Generals GM Logo

Generals logo
1937–1953.

In 1937 the Oshawa Generals were born. The team was named after the sponsor, General Motors of Canada. The Generals put together an unequalled feat of seven consecutive OHA Championships, and winning three Memorial Cups in the same span.

The Generals grew a reputation for treating its players well and signed many young men who would go on to NHL fame. Players were admitted free to theatres, dancing, wrestling, roller skating and other attractions at the arena. Sponsors gave full scholarships to school and weekly stipends. Through the whole dynasty, the team was managed by Matt Leyden, and its secretary was Neil Hezzlewood. Both men would be inducted in the Oshawa Sports Hall of fame.

From 1937 to 1944, Oshawa Generals graduated 20 players to become NHL alumni, and another player in David Bauer, who would be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the Builder's Category. NHL alumni from 1937–1944 include; Frank Bennett, Harvey Bennett, Les Colvin, Jim Conacher, Floyd Curry, Buck Davies, Bob Dawes, Jim Drummond, Frank Eddolls, Bill Ezinicki, Armand (Bep) Guidolin, Nick Knott, Ted Lindsay, Jud McAtee, Norm McAtee, Gus Mortson, Chuck Scherza, Ken Smith, Billy "The Kid" Taylor and Wally Wilson.

OshGenprog

1953 program

Hamblyarenafire

Hambly Arena on fire.

The fire (1953)

Main article: Hambly Arena

In September 1953 a great tragedy struck in Oshawa when Hambly's Arena burned down. The city and the team lost what had become greatly endeared to themselves; their memories, their arena, and their OHA team.

Donations poured in from many fellow OHA teams and local businessmen. Equipment and other items were dispersed to the all the players attending the training camp to cover individual losses. The Generals, homeless so close to the start of the new season, were unfortunately disbanded.

Salvaged from the disbanded team, General Manager Wren Blair made a Senior B team known as the Oshawa Truckmen, who played in Bowmanville for the 1953–1954 season. The year after, this team would become the Whitby Dunlops. The Dunlops would go on to be Allan Cup Champions in 1957 & 1959, and World Champions in 1958.

Rebirth of the Generals (1962)

In 1960, Wren Blair began negotiations with Boston Bruins president Weston Adams to begin building the new Oshawa Generals. The agreement was made contingent on a new arena being built in Oshawa. The Oshawa Civic Auditorium would open up in 1964.

In the meantime, the Oshawa Generals were reactivated for the 1962–1963 as a team playing in the Metro Junior A League. For this year, the team played its home games at Maple Leaf Gardens. Fundraising for a new arena was well under way at the same time.

The Generals wore red, white and blue jerseys until the 1965–66 season when they adopted the black, gold and white of their parent team, the Boston Bruins.

In 1963 the Metro Junior A league was disbanded, and Oshawa was readmitted in the OHA. Since the Toronto Marlboros used Maple Leaf Gardens as a home rink, the Generals team played out of nearby Bowmanville for one full season, and part of another.

65-66OshawaProgram

Program from the 1965-66 season.

BobOrrOshawa

Bobby Orr with the Generals

Bobby Orr years (1962–1966)

The greatest player ever to wear an Oshawa Generals uniform, Bobby Orr went on the become a legend in the NHL and to be inducted in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Bobby Orr was discovered by Wren Blair as a 14 year old while playing a game in Gananoque, Ontario. He was quickly signed to a contract and invited to training camp for the 1962–1963 season. He would commute three hours from Parry Sound for all weekend games he played with the Generals that year. Even so, he was selected to the Metro Junior A League's second all-star team.

During the 1963–64 season (his first full season in Junior A hockey), Bobby Orr scored 29 goals to break the record for most goals by a defenceman, previously held by Jacques Laperrière. Orr was also selected as a first team all-star defenceman.

During the 1964–1965 season, the Oshawa Generals moved into their new home at the Oshawa Civic Auditorium. Bobby Orr broke his own record, scoring 34 goals this season.

The 1965–1966 season would see Oshawa's return to the Memorial Cup after a 22 years. The Generals were coached that year by former alumnus, Armand "Bep" Guidolin, who played for Oshawa in the 1942 Memorial Cup, and subsequently made the Boston Bruins of the NHL as a 16 year old. Team captain, Bobby Orr scored 38 goals during the season.

The Generals would defeat their bitter rivals, the St. Catharines Blackhawks in quarter-finals, before eliminating the Montreal Junior Canadiens in semi-finals, and winning the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHA CHAMPIONS versus the Kitchener Rangers.

The Generals then outscored the Northern Ontario Junior A champion North Bay Trappers by a combined score of 43-9 to win the series in 4 games, and then defeated Shawinigan Bruins in 3 games to be the Eastern Canadian representative for the Memorial Cup.

In the Memorial Cup series Orr played injured through most games, but the team played hard only to lose to Edmonton Oil Kings in 6 games.

After the season ended, many players graduated from the team and moved on. Bobby Orr would go on to the Bruins for next season. Wren Blair would become General Manager of the Minnesota North Stars. Coach Bep Guidolin returned to coaching in Thorold.

9th championship (1983)

OshawaGeneralsOld

Generals logo
1980–2006.

After many dismal seasons through the late 1960s and 1970s the Generals started to rebuild for the Memorial Cup. In 1979 the Generals hired coach Paul Theriault, who would lead the team to 9 consecutive winning seasons, including two Memorial Cup appearances.

In 1983 the Generals returned to the Memorial Cup after a 17 year absence, defeating the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds for their 9th J. Ross Robertson Cup. The Memorial Cup that year would be played in Portland, Oregon. The Generals lost in the finals to the host team Portland Winter Hawks in the final game by a score of 8-3. That year's team captain, Joe Cirella, would go on to play 16 years as an NHL defenceman.

Tragedy on the Generals (1985)

During an early season practice, Bruce Melanson left the ice feeling very weak. Within a few minutes he collapsed, succumbing to a rare heart disease known as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Bruce was 18 years old.

The Generals would wear black arm bands for the remainder of the season in memoriam of their teammate they nicknamed "Moose." The club would also no longer issue his uniform # 9. A memorial scholarship was set up at his former high school in New Brunswick.

Melanson's hard hitting and aggressive style led him to be selected by New York Islanders in the second round (41st overall) in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft.

Hosting the Memorial Cup (1987)

The 1986–1987 season saw the Generals set a team record with 101 points for the season. It would also see the Generals playing on home ice in the Memorial Cup, as the host city and as the OHL Champions.

In 1987 the OHL organized a Super Series for the right to host the Memorial Cup tournament between the Leyden Division champion Oshawa Generals, and the Emms Division champion North Bay Centennials. The super series was played before the OHL playoffs commenced. Oshawa defeated North Bay 4 games to 3 for the right to host the Memorial Cup. Oshawa also won the OHL championship series defeating North Bay 4 games to 3. Since Oshawa won both the Super Series and the OHL Championship, only three teams participated in the Memorial Cup

Oshawa reached the finals versus the Medicine Hat Tigers, but lost 6-2 in the championship game.

Eric Lindros years (1989–1991)

Eric Lindros came to the Generals via a trade with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. He refused to play for the team which made him the first overall draft pick, an event which would bring prosperity to both hockey clubs in the near future.

After playing the Canadian National Team, Lindros started his rookie year with the Generals in 1989–1990. In only 25 games he would score 17 goals, and get 19 assists for 36 points. The same year in the playoffs, Eric scored 18 goals and 18 assists in only 17 games. It was the extra boost the Generals needed to reach the Memorial Cup, when added to the existing core of players captained by Iain Fraser.

In 1990 Copps Coliseum hosted the Memorial Cup. The Generals would compete against the Kamloops Blazers, Laval Titan, and OHL runners-up Kitchener Rangers. The championship game on May 13, 1990 attracted 17,383 spectators. The Oshawa Generals defeated the Kitchener Rangers by a score of 4 to 3 in double overtime on a goal by Bill Armstrong to win the 4th Memorial Cup in Oshawa Generals history.

The 1990–1991 season had many high expectation for the Generals to repeat as Champions. Lindros would be chosen first overall in the NHL draft by the Quebec Nordiques. In 57 regular season game he would score 71 goals and 78 assists. As ironic as sports can be, the Generals lost the OHL final that year to Eric's draft team, the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds coached by Ted Nolan.

12th championship (1997)

The Generals would set the benchmark for other OHL teams by winning their 12th J. Ross Roberston cup in 1997. The most recent championship the Generals won was played at the Oshawa Civic Auditorium Tuesday, May 6, 1997.

The Generals upset the 1st place Ottawa 67's in the OHL final, 4 games to 2. The sixth game ended 8 seconds into the first overtime on a goal from Marc Savard.

The Generals participated in the 1997 Memorial Cup in Hull, Quebec, in which they finished third in the round-robin and lost in the semi-final to the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Future NHL players from 1997 were: Marc Savard, John Tripp, Ian MacNeil, Kevin Colley, Dan Hinote, Jeff Ware, Bryan Allen, Jeff MacMillan & Ty Garner.

New ownership (2004 to present)

In 2004, John Davies purchased the team from the previous owner John Humphreys. This marked the beginning of a new era for the team, as the Humphreys family had owned the team since its resurrection in 1962. In July 2008 the Oshawa generals announced a change of ownership structure with Rocco Tullio of Windsor Ontario agreeing to terms and conditions with John Davies to acquire his remaining shares of the Oshawa Generals. Tullio then welcomed two new partners as owners – former National Hockey League star Adam Graves and former OHL coach and manager Peter DeBoer.

New ownership brought new personnel to the management team. Trish Campbell was appointed the team president, and Brad Selwood was named general manager and vice president. Oshawa finished last place in the OHL in a rebuilding 2004–05 season, and chose first overall in the priority selection draft next season.

In 2005 the Oshawa Generals drafted a 14 year old named John Tavares. He was granted exceptional player status by the OHL allowing him to be drafted one year earlier than normal. The Generals hope to build another championship team, centred around Tavares. Recent building blocks added to the team include Dale Mitchell, Cal Clutterbuck, Brett MacLean, and one of the youngest players in the OHL, goaltender Anthony Peters. John Tavares was traded to the London Knights on January 8, 2009.

The new ownership also brought to an end the Generals era playing in the Civic Auditorium. Led by Mayor John Gray, the Generals were able to call a new arena in downtown Oshawa their home (the General Motors Centre). The team moved into the General Motors Centre on November 1, 2006, and played the inaugural game there November 3, 2006.

After topping scoring boards and points lists with the Generals for three and a half seasons, John Tavares was traded to the London Knights on January 8, 2009, and a new crop of young talent was brought onto the Generals team. Christian Thomas, Scott Valentine and Michael Zador, along with several draft picks, were part of the Tavares deal. Other additions included Tony DeHart and Lucas Lessio, a result of one of London's draft picks that was traded to Oshawa.

In July 2008, the Generals' executive team announced a change of ownership structure, with Rocco Tullio of Windsor, Ontario, agreeing to terms and conditions with John Davies to acquire his remaining shares of the Generals. In January 2010, Tullio welcomed two new partners as owners – former NHL star and Stanley Cup champion Adam Graves and former championship OHL coach and manager Peter DeBoer.[1]

In the 2014-2015 season, the Generals won their 13th J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Erie Otters. They went undefeated at the Memorial Cup in Quebec City to take home their 5th Memorial Cup in club history.

2015: Return to the Memorial Cup

Further information: 2015 Memorial Cup

For the first time since 1997, the Oshawa Generals made it back to the Memorial Cup in 2015. They ended up winning all three of their round robin games, and clinched a spot in the 2015 Memorial Cup final. They defeated the Kelowna Rockets in the final when Anthony Cirelli scored the game winning goal in overtime.

Championships

The Generals have won 13 J. Ross Robertson Cup Championships, the most of the OHL's history. Oshawa also has won 5 Memorial Cup Championships.

Hamilton Spectator Trophy
First overall in the OHL regular season standings.

  • 1986–1987 101 points
  • 1989–1990 88 points
  • 1990–1991 100 points

Leyden Trophy
First overall in the Eastern Division regular season standings.

  • 1986–1987 101 points
  • 1989–1990 88 points
  • 1990–1991 100 points
  • 2013–14 90 points
  • 2014–15 108 points

Bobby Orr Trophy
Eastern Conference Champions.

  • 2014–15

J. Ross Robertson Cup
Ontario Hockey League Championship

George Richardson Memorial Trophy
Eastern Canadian Championship

Memorial Cup
Canadian Hockey League Championship

Coaches

The Oshawa Generals have had several coaches who have also coached in the NHL as head coaches and assistant coaches. Those of note are Charlie Conacher, Armand (Bep) Guidolin, Bill White, Paul Theriault, Bill LaForge, Bill Stewart, George Burnett, Brad Selwood and Randy Ladouceur.

Coaches of the year;

Matt Leyden Trophy winners.

List of coaches

(Multiple seasons in parentheses)

Players

The Oshawa Generals have graduated 184 young men onto the NHL (as of 2014-15 season), third behind the Toronto Marlboros and the Peterborough Petes. Five of those players have been enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Award winners

CHL Player of the Year

CHL Top Scorer Award

CHL Rookie of the Year

  • 2005–2006 John Tavares

CHL Top Draft Prospect Award

  • 1990–1991 Eric Lindros
  • 2008–09 John Tavares

Red Tilson Trophy
OHL Most Outstanding Player.

Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy
OHL Top Point Scorer.

OHL Goaltender of the Year
Voted best goaltender in the OHL.

Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy
OHL Top Scoring Right Winger.

Jack Ferguson Award
First overall draft pick.

  • 2005 John Tavares

Dave Pinkney Trophy
Lowest team goals against average.

Emms Family Award
Rookie of the year.

  • 1980–1981 Tony Tanti
  • 2005–2006 John Tavares

F. W. "Dinty" Moore Trophy
Best rookie goals against average.

William Hanley Trophy
Most sportsmanlike player.

Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy
Overage player of the year.

Bobby Smith Trophy
Scholastic player of the year.

Retired numbers

The Oshawa Generals retired # 9 in honour of Red Tilson at a pregame Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11, 2006. Tilson was the league's leading scorer in 1942–43, who died during combat in World War II. The Red Tilson Trophy for the OHL's most outstanding player, is named in his honour. Eric Lindros' # 88 was retired on March 6, 2008. Bobby Orr's # 2 was officially retired on November 27, 2008, after having been out of circulation since Orr moved onto the NHL in 1966.

Honoured numbers

Bruce Melanson was last player to wear # 9. It was taken out of circulation after his death, then later retired for Red Tilson.

Hockey Hall of Fame members

Players

Builders

NHL alumni

List of Oshawa Generals alumni to play in the National Hockey League.



Team records

Team records for a single season
Statistic Total Season
Most points 108 2014-15
Most wins 51 2014-15
Most goals for 382 1990–91
Least goals for 138 1966–67
Least goals against 157 2014-15
Most goals against 444 1976–77
Individual player records for a single season
Statistic Player Total Season
Most goals Tony Tanti 81 1980–81
Most assists Scott McCrory 99 1986–87
Most points Tony Tanti and Scott McCrory 150 1980–81; 1986–87
Most points, rookie Tony Tanti 150 1980–81
Most points, defenceman Bobby Orr 94 1965–66
Best GAA (goalie) Ken Appleby 2.08 2014-15
Goalies = minimum 1500 minutes played



Single game records
Statistic Player(s) Total Date & opponent
Most goals Tony Tanti 6 January 18, 1981, vs. Kitchener
Most assists Chuck Durocher 7 November 26, 1976, vs. S.S.Marie
Most points Tony Tanti 8 January 18, 1981, vs. Kitchener
Most power play goals Tony Tanti 4 January 18, 1981, vs. Kitchener
Most shorthanded goals 10 times 2 Most recently John Tavares, February 25, 2006, @ S.S.Marie
Fastest opening goal Paul Gardner 0:05 February 13, 1976, @ Kitchener
Fastest period goal Ryan Lindsay 0:06 November 1, 1996, vs. North Bay - 3rd Period
Fastest goal from start of overtime Brett Trudell 0:04 September 26, 2004, vs. Mississauga
Fastest two goals by one player Greg Malone 0:04 October 22, 1974, - 3rd period
Fastest three goals by one player Peter Horachek 2:54 October 14, 1979, vs. Kitchener - 3rd period


Season-by-season results

Complete data is unavailable from 1908 to 1937. The team did not operate in the OHA between the 1953–54 and 1961–62 seasons.

Regular season

Legend: OL = Overtime loss, SL = Shootout loss

Season Games Won Lost Tied OL SL Points Pct % Goals
for
Goals
against
Standing
1937–38 12 8 4 0 16 0.667 57 42 2nd OHA
1938–39 14 13 1 0 36 0.929 83 27 1st Group 2
1939–40 18 15 1 2 32 0.938 120 46 1st OHA
1940–41 16 10 4 2 22 0.714 101 67 2nd OHA
1941–42 24 17 7 0 34 0.708 143 88 2nd OHA
1942–43 22 17 5 0 36 0.773 134 72 1st OHA
1943–44 26 23 3 0 46 0.885 203 69 1st Group 1
1944–45 20 9 11 0 18 0.450 75 80 4th OHA
1945–46 28 17 11 0 34 0.607 155 101 3rd OHA
1946–47 36 28 8 0 56 0.778 217 109 2nd OHA
1947–48 36 27 8 1 55 0.764 173 80 2nd OHA
1948–49 48 27 18 3 57 0.594 207 172 3rd OHA
1949–50 48 12 34 2 26 0.271 160 262 9th OHA
1950–51 54 26 26 2 54 0.500 250 231 5th OHA
1951–52 54 7 41 6 20 0.185 146 281 10th OHA
1952–53 56 24 29 3 51 0.455 230 271 6th OHA
1962–63 40 12 23 5 29 0.362 146 222 5th Metro JrA
1963–64 56 22 28 6 50 0.446 236 246 6th OHA
1964–65 56 23 24 9 55 0.491 224 233 4th OHA
1965–66 48 22 18 8 52 0.542 217 178 4th OHA
1966–67 48 12 26 10 34 0.354 138 192 9th OHA
1967–68 54 12 37 5 29 0.269 177 310 9th OHA
1968–69 54 18 28 8 44 0.407 233 268 9th OHA
1969–70 54 17 27 10 44 0.407 213 252 8th OHA
1970–71 62 18 37 7 46 0.347 232 316 9th OHA
1971–72 63 35 18 10 80 0.635 296 251 2nd OHA
1972–73 63 23 32 8 54 0.429 295 310 6th OHA
1973–74 70 33 29 8 74 0.529 283 275 6th OHA
1974–75 70 28 33 9 65 0.464 288 306 7th OMJHL
1975–76 66 31 27 8 70 0.530 312 299 4th Leyden
1976–77 66 5 57 4 14 0.106 216 444 6th Leyden
1977–78 68 30 26 12 72 0.529 320 289 3rd Leyden
1978–79 68 37 30 1 75 0.551 367 326 3rd Leyden
1979–80 68 42 26 0 84 0.618 329 275 3rd Leyden
1980–81 68 35 30 3 73 0.537 321 352 4th Leyden
1981–82 68 40 26 2 82 0.603 335 296 2nd Leyden
1982–83 70 45 22 3 93 0.664 380 255 3rd Leyden
1983–84 70 37 32 1 75 0.536 315 297 4th Leyden
1984–85 66 32 32 2 66 0.500 271 259 5th Leyden
1985–86 66 37 27 2 76 0.576 285 257 2nd Leyden
1986–87 66 49 14 3 101 0.765 322 201 1st Leyden
1987–88 66 32 31 3 67 0.508 278 288 5th Leyden
1988–89 66 36 24 6 78 0.591 337 286 2nd Leyden
1989–90 66 42 20 4 88 0.667 334 244 1st Leyden
1990–91 66 47 13 6 100 0.758 382 233 1st Leyden
1991–92 66 31 26 9 71 0.538 274 273 5th Leyden
1992–93 66 33 28 5 71 0.538 270 268 3rd Leyden
1993–94 66 26 32 8 60 0.455 272 309 6th Leyden
1994–95 66 40 21 5 85 0.644 300 242 2nd East
1995–96 66 30 28 8 68 0.515 248 238 4th East
1996–97 66 41 18 7 89 0.674 287 202 2nd East
1997–98 66 26 32 8 60 0.455 214 247 4th East
1998–99 68 39 24 5 83 0.610 280 217 3rd East
1999–2000 68 32 30 4 2 70 0.500 227 224 5th East
2000–01 68 20 36 7 5 52 0.346 184 254 5th East
2001–02 68 23 33 7 5 58 0.390 205 247 4th East
2002–03 68 34 30 2 2 72 0.515 243 225 4th East
2003–04 68 30 29 8 1 69 0.500 188 206 3rd East
2004–05 68 15 48 3 2 35 0.243 173 289 5th East
2005–06 68 18 45 4 1 41 0.301 233 330 5th East
2006–07 68 31 29 3 5 70 0.515 292 320 2nd East
2007–08 68 38 17 6 7 89 0.654 290 262 2nd East
2008–09 68 25 35 2 5 57 0.426 213 282 4th East
2009–10 68 24 39 3 2 53 0.390 216 299 4th East
2010–11 68 39 19 4 6 88 0.647 273 240 2nd East
2011–12 68 31 30 4 3 69 0.507 242 241 4th East
2012–13 68 42 22 1 3 88 0.647 235 192 2nd East
2013-14 68 42 20 - 0 6 90 0.662 232 187 1st East
2014-15 68 51 11 - 2 4 108 0.794 292 157 1st East

Playoffs

  • 1937–1938 Defeated Toronto Marlboros.
    Defeated Guelph Indians in OHA finals. OHA CHAMPIONS
    Lost to St. Boniface Seals in Memorial Cup Series.
  • 1938–1939 Defeated St. Michael's Majors in semi-finals.
    Defeated Toronto Native Sons in OHA finals. OHA CHAMPIONS
    Defeated North Bay Trappers.
    Defeated Verdun Maple Leafs.
    Defeated Edmonton A.C. Roamers in Memorial Cup Series. MEMORIAL CUP CHAMPIONS
  • 1939–1940 Defeated Toronto Young Rangers in semi-finals.
    Defeated Toronto Marlboros in OHA Finals. OHA CHAMPIONS
    Defeated South Porcupine.
    Defeated Verdun Maple Leafs.
    Defeated Kenora Thistles in Memorial Cup Series. MEMORIAL CUP CHAMPIONS
  • 1940–1941 Defeated Toronto Marlboros in OHA finals. OHA CHAMPIONS
    Lost to Montreal Royals in Eastern Canadian Finals.
  • 1941–1942 Defeated Brantford Lions in semi-finals.
    Defeated Guelph Biltmore Mad Hatters in OHA finals. OHA CHAMPIONS
    Defeated Ottawa St. Patrick's College .
    Lost to Portage La Prairie Terriers in Memorial Cup Series.
  • 1942–1943 Defeated Hamilton Whizzers in semi-finals.
    Defeated Brantford Lions in OHA finals. OHA CHAMPIONS.
    Defeated Montreal Jr. Canadiens.
    Lost to Winnipeg Rangers in Memorial Cup Series.
  • 1943–1944 Defeated St. Michael's Majors in OHA finals. OHA CHAMPIONS
    Defeated Montreal Jr. Canadiens.
    Defeated Trail Smoke Eaters in Memorial Cup Series. MEMORIAL CUP CHAMPIONS
  • 1944–1945 Defeated St. Catharines Teepees in first round.
    Lost to St. Michael's Majors in second round.
  • 1945–1946 Lost to St. Michael's Majors in OHA final.
  • 1946–1947 Lost to St. Michael's Majors.
  • 1947–1948 Lost to Windsor Spitfires.
  • 1948–1949 Out of playoffs.
  • 1949–1950 Out of playoffs.
  • 1950–1951 Lost to Windsor Spitfires.
  • 1951–1952 Out of playoffs.
  • 1952–1953 Lost to St. Michael's Majors.
  • 1962–1963 Out of Metro Jr.A. playoffs.
  • 1963–1964 Lost to St. Catharines Black Hawks 8 points to 4 in quarter-finals.
  • 1964–1965 Lost to Niagara Falls Flyers 8 points to 4 in quarter-finals.
  • 1965–1966 Defeated St. Catharines Black Hawks 8 points to 6 in quarter-finals.
    Defeated Montreal Jr. Canadiens 8 points to 2 in semi-finals.
    Defeated Kitchener Rangers 8 points to 2 in finals. OHA CHAMPIONS
    Defeated North Ontario champions North Bay Trappers.
    Defeated Shawinigan Bruins for Eastern Canadian championship.
    Lost to Edmonton Oil Kings in 6 games in Memorial Cup series.
  • 1966–1967 Out of playoffs.
  • 1967–1968 Out of playoffs.
  • 1968–1969 Out of playoffs.
  • 1969–1970 Defeated Hamilton Red Wings in one game tiebreaker for 8th overall by score of 5 to 4 in OT.
    Lost to Toronto Marlboros 8 points to 0 in quarter-finals.
  • 1970–1971 Out of playoffs.
  • 1971–1972 Defeated Niagara Falls Flyers 8 points to 4 in quarter-finals.
    Lost to Ottawa 67's 9 points to 3 in semi-finals.
  • 1972–1973 Lost to Peterborough Petes 8 points to 0 in quarter-finals.
  • 1973–1974 Lost to St. Catharines Black Hawks 9 points to 1 in quarter-finals.
  • 1974–1975 Lost to Peterborough Petes 8 points to 2 in quarter-finals.
  • 1975–1976 Lost to S.S.Marie Greyhounds 6 points to 4 in 1st round.
  • 1976–1977 Out of playoffs.
  • 1977–1978 Lost to Peterborough Petes 9 points to 3 in quarter-finals.
  • 1978–1979 Lost to Sudbury Wolves 8 points to 2 in quarter-finals.
  • 1979–1980 Lost to Ottawa 67's 4 games to 3 in quarter-finals.
  • 1980–1981 Defeated Peterborough Petes 3 games to 2 in division quarter-final.
    Lost to S.S.Marie Greyhounds 8 points to 4 in division semi-finals.
  • 1981–1982 Defeated Peterborough Petes 8 points to 2 in quarter-finals.
    Lost to Ottawa 67's 8 points to 6 in semi-finals.
  • 1982–1983 Defeated Belleville Bulls 7 points to 1 in first round.
    Defeated Peterborough Petes 8 points to 0 in quarter-finals.
    Defeated Ottawa 67's 8 points to 2 in semi-finals.
    Defeated S.S.Marie Greyhounds 9 points to 5 in finals. OHL CHAMPIONS
    Lost to Portland Winter Hawks in Memorial Cup Final 8 to 3.
  • 1983–1984 Defeated Belleville Bulls 6 points to 0 in first round.
    Lost to Ottawa 67's 8 points to 0 in quarter-finals.
  • 1984–1985 Lost to Belleville Bulls 8 points to 2 in first round.
  • 1985–1986 Lost to Kingston Canadians 8 points to 4 in first round.
  • 1986–1987 Defeated North Bay Centennials 4 games to 3 in Super Series. Earned 1st round bye.
    Defeated Kingston Canadians 4 to 2 in quarter-finals.
    Defeated Peterborough Petes 4 to 2 in semi-finals.
    Defeated North Bay Centennials 4 games to 3 in finals. OHL CHAMPIONS
    Lost to Medicine Hat Tigers in Memorial Cup Final 6 to 2.
  • 1987–1988 Lost to Ottawa 67's 4 games to 3 in first round.
  • 1988–1989 Lost to Ottawa 67's 4 games to 2 in first round.
  • 1989–1990 Defeated Cornwall Royals 4 games to 2 in first round.
    Defeated Peterborough Petes 4 games to 0 in semi-finals.
    Defeated Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 3 in finals. OHL CHAMPIONS
    Defeated Kitchener Rangers 4 to 3 in second OT in Memorial Cup Final. MEMORIAL CUP CHAMPIONS
  • 1990–1991 Defeated Sudbury Wolves 4 games to 1 in first round.
    Defeated Ottawa 67's 4 to 1 in semi-finals.
    Lost to S.S.Marie Greyhounds 4 games to 2 in finals.
  • 1991–1992 Lost to Sudbury Wolves 4 games to 3 in first round.
  • 1992–1993 Defeated Belleville Bulls 4 games to 3 in first round.
    Lost to Kingston Frontenacs 4 games to 2 in semi-finals.
  • 1993–1994 Lost to Sudbury Wolves 4 games to 1 in division quarter-finals.
  • 1994–1995 Lost to Peterborough Petes 4 games to 3 in division quarter-finals.
  • 1995–1996 Lost to Belleville Bulls 4 games to 1 in division quarter-finals.
  • 1996–1997 Accepted first round bye, after Ottawa 67's declined.
    Defeated Peterborough Petes 4 games to 2 in quarter-finals.
    Defeated Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 2 in semi-finals.
    Defeated Ottawa 67's 4 games to 2 in finals. OHL CHAMPIONS
    Lost to Lethbridge Hurricanes 5 to 4 in OT in Memorial Cup semi-final.
  • 1997–1998 Lost to Kingston Frontenacs 4 games to 3 in division quarter-finals.
  • 1998–1999 Defeated Peterborough Petes 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
    Defeated Barrie Colts 4 games to 3 in conference semi-finals.
    Lost to Belleville Bulls 4 games to 1 in conference finals.
  • 1999–2000 Lost to Ottawa 67's 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
  • 2000–2001 Out of playoffs.
  • 2001–2002 Lost to Belleville Bulls 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
  • 2002–2003 Defeated Peterborough Petes 4 games to 3 in conference quarter-finals.
    Lost to Ottawa 67's 4 games to 2 in conference semi-finals.
  • 2003–2004 Lost to Mississauga Ice Dogs 4 games to 3 in conference quarter-finals.
  • 2004–2005 Out of playoffs.
  • 2005–2006 Out of playoffs.
  • 2006–2007 Defeated Kingston Frontenacs 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
    Lost to Belleville Bulls 4 games to 0 in conference semi-finals.
  • 2007–2008 Defeated Ottawa 67's 4 games to 0 in conference quarter-finals.
    Defeated Niagara IceDogs 4 games to 2 in conference semi-finals.
    Lost to Belleville Bulls 4 games to 1 in conference finals.
  • 2008–2009 Out of playoffs.
  • 2009–2010 Out of playoffs.
  • 2010–2011 Defeated Kingston Frontenacs 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
    Lost to Niagara IceDogs 4 games to 1 in conference semi-finals.
  • 2011–2012 Lost to Niagara IceDogs 4 games to 2 in conference quarter-finals.
  • 2012–2013 Defeated Niagara IceDogs 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
    Lost to Barrie Colts 4 games to 0 in conference semi-finals.
  • 2013-14 Defeated Mississauga Steelheads 4 games to 0 in conference quarter-finals.
    Defeated Peterborough Petes 4 games to 0 in conference semi-finals.
    Lost to North Bay Battalion 4 games to 0 in conference finals.
  • 2014-15 Defeated Peterborough Petes 4 games to 1 in conference quarter-finals.
    Defeated Niagara IceDogs 4 games to 1 in conference semi-finals.
    Defeated North Bay Battalion 4 games to 2 in conference finals.
    Defeated Erie Otters 4 games to 1 in finals. OHL CHAMPIONS

Uniforms and logos

Oshawa Generals Logos Collage

Oshawa Generals logos
(past and present)

The current version of the Oshawa Generals uniforms has been in use since the 1989–90 season. The team has announced an updated logo to coincide with moving into a new arena. The new logo cresting will be triple layered as opposed to the single layer. Players' names and numbers with have double cresting. Currently, only a white and red version have been released.

Uniform colours: White, red & blue.
Logo design: "Oshawa" written in red script with "GENERALS" underscore
1st jersey Red background, white & blue lettering & stripes, with logo.
2nd jersey White background, red & blue lettering & stripes, with logo.

The Oshawa Generals have also issued two throwback style jerseys in the recent past. During alumni week for the 2001–02 season, the Generals wore a jersey based on the 'Bruins" style worn in the 1965–66 season, when Bobby Orr skated for the club. For two seasons from 2004–05 to 2005–06 the Generals "red" jersey was replaced by a jersey based on the style worn during the 1939, 1940 and 1944 Memorial Cup winning seasons, featuring the square "GM" logo.

Mascots

The Generals unvelied a new mascot during a pregame ceremony on November 16, 2007, who would be named "Deke" in a naming contest in Oshawa. The previous mascot, "General Shooter" had been retired at the end of the 2006–07 season.

Arenas

The Oshawa Generals have the dubious distinction of having their home arena destroyed by fire not once, but twice in the franchise history. In June 1928 the Bradley Arena was destroyed by fire. Then 25 years later, the Hambly Arena was also destroyed by fire.

From 1928–1930 the team played out of nearby Whitby until the Hambly Arena was constructed. When the Hambly Arena burned down in 1953 the Oshawa Generals were disbanded. When the team was resurrected in 1962 they played both at Maple Leaf Gardens and also in the Bowmanville Community Arena (now demolished) for two seasons until moving until the Civic Auditorium.

The early years

Before Oshawa joined the OHA in 1908, it was part of the Midland Hockey League. Its games were played out of the Oshawa Curling Club located by the Oshawa Creek in the vicinity of present day Valleyview Gardens, Kinsmen Stadium and Children's Arena. Since the curling club controlled its use and thus when games could or could not be played, a new location was sought.

A new outdoor rink was built 4 blocks away, where the present day Oshawa Armouries stand at the corner of Simcoe St. and Richmond St. This would be the team's home until 1908.

Bradley Arena 1908–1928

The Bradley Arena, nicknamed "The Big Rink" opened up in 1908 on Duke St. in downtown Oshawa. Its namesake was Ed Bradley, a prominent local businessman who was responsible for organizing the team and bringing Junior Hockey to Oshawa.

The arena was packed to the rafters many nights when Oshawa played there for the 1920s league championships versus Orillia and Owen Sound. In June 1928, the predominantly wooden structure succumbed to an overnight fire.

Hambly Arena 1930–1953

The Oshawa Arena (later known as the Hambly Arena) opened in 1930 and was built in large part to the contributions of Colonel Robert Samuel McLaughlin. It was the first brick facade and steel support structure for hockey in Oshawa. Shortly after training camp in 1953, the arena would suffer the same demise as its predecessor and burned to the ground on September 15.

Civic Auditorium 1964–2006

Civic Auditorium Oshawa 2006

Oshawa Civic Auditorium 2006

The Oshawa Civic Auditorium opened in 1964, built on fundraising by citizens of Oshawa. The first scheduled OHA game was December 15, 1964 vs. the St. Catharines Black Hawks. The Generals prevailed by a score of 6 to 4 in front of 4,109 fans attending the game.

In 1987 the Civic Auditorium played host to the Memorial Cup. The Generals contested for the cup against the Medicine Hat Tigers and the Longueiul Chévaliers.

The last championship the Generals won was played at the Civic in May 1997. The Generals upset the 1st place Ottawa 67's in the OHL final, 4 games to 2. The sixth game ended 8 seconds into the first overtime on a goal from Marc Savard.

The Generals played the first five home games of the 2006–07 season in the Civic Auditorium before moving into their new arena. The final game played was October 29, 2006 versus the Kingston Frontenacs, the Generals won 8 to 6.

General Motors Centre 2006–Present

General Motors Centre exterior

General Motors Centre

On March 10, 2005, Oshawa City Council approved what was then known as the "Downtown Sports & Entertainment Facility Project" after many years of waiting for a new arena. Groundbreaking for the new facility at the corner of Athol and Mary Streets in downtown Oshawa took place on June 22, 2005. The building will be operated by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.

On October 5, 2006, the Oshawa Generals announced a naming rights deal which will see the arena named the General Motors Centre. The inaugural game was played November 3, 2006, against the Owen Sound Attack.

On May 15, 2015, the Generals won their 13th J. Ross Robertson Cup at the General Motors Centre defeating the Erie Otters 4-1.

Bibliography

  • Babe Brown, Bobby Attersley, and Bill Kurelo (1978). A History of the Oshawa Generals, Volume One. Chimo Publishing; Toronto, ON, Canada.
  • Babe Brown, and Bill Kurelo (1993). A History of the Oshawa Generals, Volume Two. General Printers; Oshawa, ON, Canada.
  • Richard M. Lapp and Alex Macaulay (1997) The Memorial Cup: Canada's National Junior Hockey Championship. Harbour Publishing; Madeira Park, BC, Canada.


External links

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