St. Catharines Teepees

St. Catharines Teepees
CitySt. Catharines, Ontario
LeagueOntario Hockey Association
Operated1947 (1947)–1962
Home arenaGarden City Arena
Franchise history
1943–1947St. Catharines Falcons
1947–1962St. Catharines Teepees
1962–1976St. Catharines Black Hawks
1976–1982Niagara Falls Flyers
1982–2002North Bay Centennials
2002–presentSaginaw Spirit
Championships
Playoff championships1954 Memorial Cup
1960 Memorial Cup

The St. Catharines Teepees were a Canadian junior ice hockey team in the Ontario Hockey Association from 1947 to 1962. The team was based in St. Catharines, Ontario, and won the 1954 Memorial Cup and 1960 Memorial Cup as national champions.

History

The St. Catharines Teepees were established in 1947, when George Stauffer, the president of Thompson Products, purchased the St. Catharines Falcons from Rudy Pilous, and named the team after the company's initials.[1] Playing junior ice hockey in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA), home games for the Teepees were at the Garden City Arena.[2] The Teepees became a farm team for the Buffalo Bisons of the American Hockey League in 1950, when Pilous was named the team's general manager and signed defenceman Pierre Pilote.[1]

In the 1953–54 OHA season, Pilous coached the Teepees to a J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Toronto Marlboros in seven games for the OHA championship.[3] Brian Cullen set OHA records that season, with 68 goals, 93 assists, and 161 points scored. In the Eastern Canada finals, the Teepees defeated the Quebec Frontenacs to win the George Richardson Memorial Trophy.[4] The Teepees won the 1954 Memorial Cup played at Maple Leaf Gardens, defeating the Edmonton Oil Kings four-games-to-none with one, in a best-of-seven series.[5]

In the 1959–60 OHA season, the Teepees were coached by Max Kaminsky and managed by Pilous.[6] The Teepees defeated the Toronto St. Michael's Majors in a six-game series for the OHA championship.[7] The Teepees won the first three games of the George Richardson Memorial Trophy series versus the Brockville Canadiens, then lost three and tied one game, before winning the series in an eighth game.[6] The 1960 Memorial Cup was a rematch versus the Edmonton Oil Kings, with first game played at the Garden City Arena with remaining games played at Maple Leaf Gardens. The Teepees won their second Memorial Cup, by four games to two in a best-of-seven series.[8]

The Teepees were renamed the St. Catharines Black Hawks following the 1961–62 OHA season, when the team was sold to new owners who retained the farm team agreement with the Chicago Black Hawks.[9][10]

Award winners

SeasonPlayerAward(s)RecognitionSource
1953–54Brian CullenEddie Powers Memorial TrophyScoring champion[11]
Red Tilson TrophyMost outstanding player[12]
1954–55Hank CieslaEddie Powers Memorial TrophyScoring champion[13]
Red Tilson TrophyMost outstanding player[14]
1957–58John McKenzieEddie Powers Memorial TrophyScoring champion[15]
1958–59Stan MikitaEddie Powers Memorial TrophyScoring champion[16]
Red Tilson TrophyMost outstanding player[17]
1959–60Chico MakiEddie Powers Memorial TrophyScoring champion[18]

Notable players

Four alumni of the Teepees were inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame; including Phil Esposito (1961–1962),[19] Bobby Hull (1955–1957),[20] Stan Mikita (1956–1959),[21] and Pierre Pilote (1950–1952).[22]

List of Teepees who played in the National Hockey League or World Hockey Association:[23]

Season-by-season results

Regular season and playoffs results:[26]

Legend: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against

Memorial Cup champions League champions League finalists
SeasonRegular seasonPlayoffs
GPWLTPtsPctGFGAFinish
1947–483619170380.5281371556th OHALost quarterfinal (Galt Rockets) 2–1[27]
1948–494825203530.5521911984th OHAWon quarterfinal (Oshawa Generals) 2–0[28]
Lost semifinal (Toronto Marlboros) 3–0[29]
1949–504827174580.6042692113rd OHALost quarterfinal (Guelph Biltmores) 3–2[30]
1950–515423247530.4912001926th OHAWon quarterfinal (Guelph Biltmores) 3–2[31]
Lost semifinal (Toronto Marlboros) 3–1[32]
1951–525430231610.5652492295th OHAWon quarterfinal (Kitchener Greenshirts) 3–1[33]
Won semifinal (Toronto St. Michael's Majors) 3–2[34]
Lost OHA final (Guelph Biltmores) 4–1[35]
1952–535631205670.5982192344th OHALost quarterfinal (Toronto St. Michael's Majors) 3–0[36]
1953–545942152860.7293082111st OHAWon semifinal (Toronto St. Michael's Majors) 4–3–1[37]
Won OHA final (Toronto Marlboros) 4–3[38]
Won Eastern Canada championship final (Quebec Frontenacs) 4–2[39]
Won 1954 Memorial Cup final (Edmonton Oil Kings) 4–1[40]
1954–554932152660.6732601761st OHAWon semifinal (Toronto St. Michael's Majors) 4–0–1[41]
Lost OHA final (Toronto Marlboros) 4–2[42]
1955–564828173590.6152191971st OHALost semifinal (Toronto Marlboros) 4–1–1[43]
1956–575225252520.5001841933rd OHAWon quarterfinal (Barrie Flyers) 3–0[44]
Won semifinal (Toronto Marlboros) 3–2[45]
Lost OHA final (Guelph Biltmores) 4–2[46]
1957–585232146700.6732461741st OHALost semifinal (Toronto Marlboros) 4–3[47]
1958–595440113830.7692571751st OHALost semifinal (Toronto St. Michael's Majors) 4–2–1[48]
1959–604825194540.5622091912nd OHAWon quarterfinal (Guelph Biltmores) 4–1[49]
Won semifinal (Peterborough Petes) 4–1–1[50]
Won OHA final (Toronto St. Michael's Majors) 3–1–2[7]
Won Eastern Canada championship final (Brockville Canadiens) 4–3–1[51]
Won 1960 Memorial Cup final (Edmonton Oil Kings) 4–2[52]
1960–614818246420.4381672045th OHALost quarterfinal (Toronto St. Michael's Majors) 4–2[53]
1961–625019238460.4601942063rd OHALost semifinal (Hamilton Red Wings) 4–1–1[54]

References

  1. 1 2 Heart of the Blackhawks: The Pierre Pilote Story (2013), p. 37
  2. ↑ Jordan, Kevin (August 7, 2023). "Jack Gatecliff Arena, Niagara IceDogs". The OHL Arena Guide. Retrieved April 19, 2026.
  3. ↑ The Memorial Cup (1997), pp. 98–99
  4. ↑ The Memorial Cup (1997), p. 99
  5. ↑ The Memorial Cup (1997), pp. 99–100
  6. 1 2 The Memorial Cup (1997), p. 117
  7. 1 2 "Season Over For Majors, Not Teepees". The Kingston Whig-Standard. The Canadian Press. April 7, 1960. p. 14.
  8. ↑ The Memorial Cup (1997), pp. 116–119
  9. ↑ Gatecliff, Jack (May 26, 1962). "Through the Sports Gate". St. Catharines Standard. p. 22.
  10. ↑ Gatecliff, Jack (June 9, 1962). "Through the Sports Gate". St. Catharines Standard. p. 24.
  11. ↑ "Cullen-Barlow-Cullen Line Carries Teepees". Ottawa Citizen. The Canadian Press. March 17, 1954. p. 26.
  12. ↑ "Brian Cullen Of Teeps Wins MVP Award". Waterloo Region Record. Kitchener, Ontario. The Canadian Press. March 16, 1954. p. 12.
  13. ↑ "Hank Ciesla Dual Winner In Jr. Loop". Niagara Falls Review. Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Canadian Press. March 1, 1955. p. 13.
  14. ↑ "Hank Ciesla Cops Tilson Memorial". Windsor Star. The Canadian Press. February 26, 1955. p. 41.
  15. ↑ "Dave Pinkney Trophy Won By Laufman". Niagara Falls Review. Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Canadian Press. March 11, 1958. p. 12.
  16. ↑ "Stan Mikita Wins Junior "A" Race". The Evening Tribune. Welland, Ontario. The Canadian Press. March 3, 1959. p. 15.
  17. ↑ "Stan Mikita Is Winner Of Tilson Award". Niagara Falls Review. Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Canadian Press. March 19, 1959. p. 20.
  18. ↑ "It's Official Now–Chico Maki Junior "A" Scoring Champ". St. Catharines Standard. March 3, 1960. p. 22.
  19. ↑ "Honoured Members–Player Inductee–Phil Esposito". Legends of Hockey. Hockey Hall of Fame. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  20. ↑ "Honoured Members–Player Inductee–Bobby Hull". Legends of Hockey. Hockey Hall of Fame. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  21. ↑ "Honoured Members–Player Inductee–Stan Mikita". Legends of Hockey. Hockey Hall of Fame. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  22. ↑ "Honoured Members–Player Inductee–Pierre Pilote". Legends of Hockey. Hockey Hall of Fame. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  23. ↑ "St. Catharines Teepees all-time player list". HockeyDB. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
  24. ↑ "Don Simmons–Stats, Contract, Salary & More". Elite Prospects. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
  25. ↑ "Skip Teal–Stats, Contract, Salary & More". Elite Prospects. Retrieved May 17, 2026.
  26. ↑ "St. Catharines Teepees Statistics and History". HockeyDB. Retrieved April 27, 2026.
  27. ↑ "Galt Ousts Teepees: Pidhirney Nets Four". Toronto Star. February 26, 1948. p. 24.
  28. ↑ "St. Catharines Skids Oshawa In 2 Straight". Waterloo Region Record. Kitchener, Ontario. February 26, 1949. p. 14.
  29. ↑ "Marlies Clear Way Into Jr. OHA Playoffs". Standard-Freeholder. Cornwall, Ontario. March 8, 1949. p. 10.
  30. ↑ "Guelph Biltmores Oust Teepees From Playoffs; Win Series Finale, 5–2". The Globe and Mail. Toronto, Ontario. The Canadian Press. March 3, 1950. p. 17.
  31. ↑ "Teepees Stage Primary Upset By Putting Bilts Out by 1–0; Meet Dukes in Semifinals". St. Catharines Standard. March 24, 1951. p. 14.
  32. ↑ "Junior Dukes Move Into Finals". Ottawa Citizen. The Canadian Press. March 31, 1951. p. 21.
  33. ↑ Johnston, Lloyd (March 13, 1952). "Sharp-Shooting TPs Push Greenshirts Into Discard". Waterloo Region Record. Kitchener, Ontario. p. 22.
  34. ↑ Walker, Hal (March 24, 1952). "Teepees Oust St. Mike's in Thrilling Windup". The Globe and Mail. Toronto, Ontario. The Canadian Press. p. 16.
  35. ↑ "Bilt Rally Takes Junior 'A' Title". Waterloo Region Record. Kitchener, Ontario. The Canadian Press. April 1, 1952. p. 12.
  36. ↑ Gatecliff, Jack (March 9, 1953). "Teepees Ousted in 3 Straight". St. Catharines Standard. p. 14.
  37. ↑ "Teeps Oust Majors In Great Comeback". The Hamilton Spectator. The Canadian Press. April 5, 1954. p. 23.
  38. ↑ MacLeod, Rex (April 21, 1954). "Teepees Take Junior A Laurels". The Globe and Mail. Toronto, Ontario. p. 19.
  39. ↑ Browne, Clayton (May 8, 1954). "Teepees Win Eastern Championship". St. Catharines Standard. p. 1.
  40. ↑ Peacock, Jim (May 17, 1954). "St. Catharines Captures Memorial Cup: TP's Best Kings In Fifth Game". The Hamilton Spectator. The Canadian Press. p. 28.
  41. ↑ "Teeps Eliminate Majors In Unbelievable Finish". The Sault Star. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The Canadian Press. March 9, 1955. p. 17.
  42. ↑ Gatecliff, Jack (March 28, 1955). "Marlboros Win 2–1, Capture OHA Junior 'A' Crown". St. Catharines Standard. p. 18.
  43. ↑ "Marlboros Eliminate Teepees". The Expositor. Brantford, Ontario. The Canadian Press. March 19, 1956. p. 8.
  44. ↑ "Teepees In Semifinals: Knockout Flyers 6–3". The Evening Tribune. The Canadian Press. March 11, 1957. p. 10.
  45. ↑ Andrews, Ron (March 25, 1957). "'Problem Child' Paces Teepees to Victory". The Expositor. Brantford, Ontario. The Canadian Press. p. 8.
  46. ↑ Campbell, Gordon (April 6, 1957). "The Bilts Are OHA Champions Once Again: Guelph Puts an end to Teepees' Dream of an OHA Crown". Toronto Star. p. 32.
  47. ↑ "OHA Marlboros Hammer Out Win Over Teeps 11–2". The Sun Times. Owen Sound, Ontario. The Canadian Press. March 24, 1958. p. 13.
  48. ↑ "St. Mike's Oust Teeps, 2–0". Windsor Star. The Canadian Press. March 25, 1959. p. 31.
  49. ↑ "Petes, Teepees Win Quarterfinal Series". The Expositor. Brantford, Ontario. The Canadian Press. March 11, 1960. p. 8.
  50. ↑ "Petes Bow To Teepees". The Hamilton Spectator. The Canadian Press. March 24, 1960. p. 18.
  51. ↑ Ward, Ben (April 25, 1960). "Teepees Advance Into Memorial Cup Hockey Finals". Niagara Falls Review. Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Canadian Press. p. 21.
  52. ↑ "Teepees Win Memorial Cup With 7–3 Win Over Oil Kings". Standard-Freeholder. Cornwall, Ontario. May 9, 1960. p. 13.
  53. ↑ "Majors Oust St. Catharines". The Hamilton Spectator. The Canadian Press. March 20, 1961. p. 17.
  54. ↑ "Hamilton Wings Rally To Defeat Teepees 4–3, Wall Raps Two Goals". The Globe and Mail. Toronto, Ontario. March 19, 1962. p. 20.

Sources

  • Lapp, Richard M.; Macaulay, Alec (1997). The Memorial Cup: Canada's National Junior Hockey Championship. Madeira Park, British Columbia: Harbour Publishing. ISBN 1-55017-170-4.
  • Gregoire, L. Waxy; Dupuis, David; Pilote, Pierre (2013). "Flight of the Teepee". Heart of the Blackhawks: The Pierre Pilote Story. Toronto, Ontario: ECW Press. ISBN 9781770411364. Retrieved July 16, 2026 – via Google Books.
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