Sports in Hamilton, Ontario

Below is the expanded version of the Sports section from the Hamilton, Ontario Wikipedia page.

In 1930 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada was the site of the very first Commonwealth Games, then known as the British Empire Games. The Games came to Hamilton as a result of the efforts of Melville Marks Robinson,cite press release| title = "Tigertown Triumphs"| publisher =The Hamilton Spectator-Memory Project (Souvenir Edition) page MP56-MP68| date =2006-06-10| accessdate = 2006-12-30] and were Canada's first major international athletic event, and bid unsuccessfully for the Commonwealth Games in 2010, losing out to New Delhi in India.cite press release| title = "Tigertown Triumphs"| publisher =The Hamilton Spectator-Memory Project (Souvenir Edition) page MP56| date =2006-06-10| accessdate = 2008-07-13] The Around the Bay Road Race circumnavigates Hamilton Harbour or Burlington Bay. Although it is not a proper marathon, it is the longest continuously held long distance foot race in North America, held in Hamilton since 1894, 3-years before the Boston Marathon. The local newspaper, Hamilton Spectator has also hosted the amateur Spectator Indoor Games. Hamilton has also produced a number of prominent runners over the years. Some of these include, Bobby Kerr, (1882-1963), was an Irish-Canadian sprinter. He won the gold medal in the 200 metres and the bronze medal in the 100 metres at the 1908 Summer Olympics,cite press release| title = "Tigertown Triumphs"| publisher =The Hamilton Spectator-Memory Project (Souvenir Edition) page MP56| date =2006-06-10| accessdate = 2008-01-15] Ray Lewis, (1910-2003), Track & Field, first Canadian-born Black Olympic medalistcite press release| title = "Tigertown Triumphs"| publisher =The Hamilton Spectator-Memory Project (Souvenir Edition) page MP56| date =2006-06-10| accessdate = 2008-01-15] and William Sherring, (1878-1964), was a Canadian athlete, winner of the marathon race at the 1906 Summer Olympics.cite press release| title = "Tigertown Triumphs"| publisher =The Hamilton Spectator-Memory Project (Souvenir Edition) page MP56| date =2006-06-10| accessdate = 2008-01-15] Other noteworthy Olympians, Commonwealth Games and Pan American Games participants from Hamilton include; Lisa Buscombe Bertoncini, Archer, won the women's World Field archery Championship title in 1984 and in 1985 won the World Games Field Archery Title. Inducted into the Canadian Amateur Sports Hall of Fame in 1985. In 1999 coached silver Canadian medalist in Men's Archery at the Pan Am Games;cite web| title = Famous Canadian Women Athletes| url=http://famouscanadianwomen.com/on%20the%20job/sports.htm| accessdate = 2008-01-15] Toller Cranston, (1949- ), Canadian Figure skater- Bronze medal 1976 Winter Games;cite web| title = Canada's Walk-of-Fame Bio: Toller Cranston| url=http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductees/03_toller_cranston.xml.htm| accessdate = 2008-01-15] Bryce Davison, (1986- ), Canadian figure skater, competes in the pairs event with Jessica Dube. Member of the Hamilton Skating Club;cite press release| title = Canadians cut it too close. (Hamilton's Bryce Davison and partner Jessica Dube in horrifying accident)| publisher = The Hamilton Spectator| date = 2007-02-09| accessdate = 2008-01-15] Ray Lazdins, (1964- ), a retired discus thrower from Canada, who represented his native country twice at the Summer Olympics; Irene MacDonald, (1931-2002), Diving, she reigned as Canada's champion diver from 1951-1961. She won medals at the 1954 and 1958 Commonwealth Games and in 1956 she won Canada's first Olympic diving medal, a bronze;cite web| title = Famous Canadian Women Athletes| url=http://famouscanadianwomen.com/on%20the%20job/sports.htm| accessdate = 2008-01-15] Joanne Malar, (1975- ), Former freestyle and medley swimmer, who competed in three consecutive Summer Olympics;cite web| title = Canadian Olympian: Joanne Malar| url=http://72.232.38.190/EN/athletes/query/details2.php?id=38222| accessdate = 2008-01-15] Pat Messner, (1954- ), Water skiing, 1972 Summer Olympics Bronze medal winner;cite web| title = Famous Canadian Women Athletes| url=http://famouscanadianwomen.com/on%20the%20job/sports.htm| accessdate = 2008-01-15] Linda Thom, (1943- ), Woman's shooting (25m Pistol) Gold at 1984 Summer Olympics;cite web| title = Famous Canadian Women Athletes| url=http://famouscanadianwomen.com/on%20the%20job/sports.htm| accessdate = 2008-01-15] and Tonya Verbeek, silver medalist at the 2004 Summer Olympics in women's wrestling in the 55 kg category - Canada's first woman to medal at the Olympics in wrestling. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, she won Canada's third medal overall, and third Canadian medal ever in women's wrestling, CBC Television, "Olympic Late Night", 16 Aug 2008 ] by winning a bronze in the 55kg class. [cite news |title=Roll call: Canada's medal winners |url=http://sports.sympatico.msn.cbc.ca/beijing2008/cp_cbc_beijing.aspx?feedname=cbc-sports-v3&showbyline=true&newsitemid=olympics-canada-medals&pagenumber=6 |work=Sympatico MSN |date=2008-08-23 |accessdate=2008-08-23] cite web| title = Canadian Wrestling Lutte: Tonya Verbeek| url=http://www.wrestling.ca/athletes/athlete.php?id=36| accessdate = 2008-01-15]

Hamilton successfully hosted the World Cycling Championships in 2003. It was only the fourth time the World Cycling Championships was staged in North America, and the second time ever in Canada (Montreal 1974.) Igor Astarloa of Spain was the winner.cite press release| title = "Tigertown Triumphs"| publisher =The Hamilton Spectator-Memory Project (Souvenir Edition) page MP56| date =2006-06-10| accessdate = 2006-12-30]

The Hamilton Golf and Country Club has hosted the Canadian Open golf championship four times, most recently in 2003 when Bob Tway won and again in 2006 with Jim Furyk the winner.cite press release| title = "Tigertown Triumphs"| publisher =The Hamilton Spectator-Memory Project (Souvenir Edition) page MP56| date =2006-06-10| accessdate = 2006-12-30] The traditional course layout, designed by famed course architect Harry Colt, proved very popular with touring pros. Florence Harvey, (1878-1968), Hamilton golfer, was the Ontario Ladies Amateur Champion 1904, 1906, 1913, and 1914 and the Canadian Ladies Champion in 1903 and 1904. She founded and served on the executive of the Canadian Ladies Golf Association and is a member of Canada's Golf Hall of Fame.cite web| title = Famous Canadian Women Athletes| url=http://famouscanadianwomen.com/on%20the%20job/sports.htm| accessdate = 2008-01-15]

Hamilton has hosted the Brier, the Canadian men's curling championship, a total of 3 times, in 1949, 1991 and the 2007 Tim Hortons Brier.cite web| title = Hamilton hosting Brier in 2007| url=http://www.curling.ca/fan_central/brier/2007/index.asp|publisher= (www.curling.ca)| accessdate = 2006-12-30]

Hamilton is twinned with Flint, Michigan, and its amateur athletes compete in the CANUSA Games, held alternatively there and here since 1958. cite press release| title = "Tigertown Triumphs"| publisher =The Hamilton Spectator-Memory Project (Souvenir Edition) page MP56| date =2006-06-10| accessdate = 2006-12-30] Flint and Hamilton hold the distinction of having the oldest continuous sister-city relationship between a U.S. and Canadian city, since 1957.cite web| title = About Sister Cities of Flint Michigan| url=http://www.visitflint.org/sistercities/About_Sister_Cities_of_Flint.htm| accessdate = 2007-01-18] 2007 marks the Games 50th-anniversary and Hamilton plays hosts on August 10-12.cite web| title = CANUSA Games| url=http://www.canusagames.com/|publisher= Official web site| accessdate = 2007-01-31] Special events being planned include the 30th annual golf tournament June 14 at "King's Forest". The tournamnet is being dedicated to the memory of well-known Hamilton broadcaster and longtime CANUSA volunteer "Bill Sturrup". cite press release| title = Calling for all CANUSA alumni| publisher = Mountain News (Hamilton) page 23| date =2007-04-20| accessdate = 2007-04-21]

Sports venues

Two new sports venues opened up in Hamilton, Ontario in 2007-08, both of which are on the McMaster University grounds. The first is the $23-million Ronald V. Joyce Stadium,cite web| title = Ron V. Joyce Stadium announcement photo gallery| url=http://www.athrec.mcmaster.ca/arcs/multimedia/announcement/index.htm| accessdate = 2007-02-16] and the second is the $30-million David Braley Athletic Centre.cite news | last = Brown| first = Dana| title = Fitnes buffs pumped up by new Mac centre.| pages = A10| publisher = The Hamilton Spectator| date = 2007-02-08| accessdate = 2007-01-16] New facilities will become part of the City's sports facility inventory prior to 2019 as Hamilton prepares a joint bid for the 2019 Pan American Games with the city of Toronto.cite web| title = Ex-premier expected to lead Games bid| url=http://thespec.com/Sports/Local%20Sports/article/432477|publisher= (www.TheSpec.com)| accessdate = 2008-09-10]

The 6,000-seat Ronald V. Joyce Stadium is primarily a football stadium with officials at McMaster University suggesting it may be the best soccer venue in the Golden Horseshoe after Toronto's BMO Field, and it has taken steps to try to position the stadium for extensive soccer use. Extensive renovations were also done to the gym at the Ivor Wynne Centre. Total cost of the upgrades was $54-million. University officials have also noted that previous successful Pan Am and Commonwealth Games in Winnipeg, Victoria and Edmonton have utilized university facilities. Mac officials are also aiming to make the university one of the athlete villages.cite news | last = Moko| first = Larry| title = Moving the yardsticks: New $23-million stadium a statement of McMaster's grand ambitions as it builds a total university experience.| publisher = The Hamilton Spectator| date = 2008-09-13| accessdate = 2008-09-14]

Innovations

Ron Foxcroft is the owner of Fox 40 International who make 40,000 whistles/ day. Used by search and rescue professionals in major catastrophes like the San Francisco earthquake and Oklahoma bombing, and collapse of the World Trade Center. Also used by Major League sports officials around the world like the NHL, NBA, NFL including the summer and winter Olympics.cite web| title = Famous, Should be Famous, and Infamous: Ron Foxcroft (www.famouscanadians.net)| url=http://www.famouscanadians.net/name/f/foxcroftron.php| accessdate = 2008-08-16] cite web| title = Fox 40: Home of the Famous Pealess Whistle (www.fox40world.com)| url=http://www.fox40world.com/| accessdate = 2008-08-16]

"Kenesky Sports" on Barton & Wellington Streets is the site where Emile Kenesky (Emile "Pops" Kenesky) invented the hockey goalie pads in 1917. His new pads were cricket pads, modified, and widened to approximately 12 inches. The new pads caught on extremely quickly, and this style of pad was used by a majority of pro goalies right on to the 1970's. Hockey Hall of Famers like Johnny Bower, Jacques Plante and Terry Sawchuk having worn them. Kenesky's company became the best-known manufacturer of hockey equipment in Canada.cite web| title = Collections Canada: Early days of Hockey (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca)| url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/hockey/kids/024003-2000-e.html| accessdate = 2008-08-16] Kenesky Sports also has a hockey school for goalies of all-ages. Alumni include NHL netminders Ray Emery and Dwayne Roloson.cite web| title = Kenesky Sports: Kenesky Goaltending School (www.keneskysports.com)| url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/hockey/kids/024003-2000-e.html| accessdate = 2008-08-16]

Charlie O'Brien, a former major league baseball catcher, after getting smashed in his mask by two consecutive foul-tip balls in a game, O'Brien had the idea for a new catcher's mask (a helmet, actually) while he was watching a hockey game. He worked with "Van Velden Mask Inc.", of Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, to develop his idea. The new design, called the "All-Star MVP", was approved in 1996 by Major League Baseball. The company is a maker of hockey goalie masks and equipment and was named after the owner of the company, Gerry Van Velden.cite web| title = Blue Plate Special: Baseball's revolutionary new catcher's mask, with a little help from hockey (www.popularmechanics.com)| url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/sports/1283166.html| accessdate = 2008-08-16]

Amateur & pro sports teams

:Professional sports teams "Club" "League" "Venue" "Established" "Championships"

Hamilton Tiger-Cats Canadian Football League Ivor Wynne Stadium 1950 8

Hamilton Bulldogs American Hockey League Copps Coliseum 1996 1

:Amateur and junior clubs "Club" "League" "Venue" "Established" "Championships"

Hamilton Avalanche W-League of the United Soccer Leagues Brian Timmis Stadium 2006 0

Hamilton Hornets R.F.C. Niagara Rugby Union Mohawk Sports Park 1954 0

Hamilton Red Wings Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena 1973 1

Hamilton Thunderbirds Inter County Baseball League Bernie Arbour Memorial Stadium 2005 0

Hamilton Wildcats Australian Rules Football League Mohawk Sports Park 1997 0

Canadian Football

Hamilton is also home to the Canadian Football Hall of Fame museum.cite web| title = Canadian Football Hall of Fame & Museum| url=http://www.footballhof.com/| accessdate = 2006-12-31] The museum hosts an annual induction event in a week-long celebration that includes school visits, a golf tournament, a formal induction dinner and concludes with the Hall of Fame game involving the local CFL Hamilton Tiger-Cats at Ivor Wynne Stadium.cite web| title = Five more walk into Canadian Football's hallowed shrine| url=http://www.hamiltonscores.com/football/news/?article=092922426| publisher= Hamilton Scores!| accessdate = 2007-01-01] cite web|url=http://football.ballparks.com/CFL/Hamilton/index.htm|title=Ivor Wynne Stadium Information|accessdate=2007-01-16]

On Wednesday, November 3 1869, in a room above George Lee's Fruit Store, the Hamilton Football Club was formed. Hamilton Football Clubs have captured the Grey Cup in every decade of the 20th century, a feat matchedby only one other franchise in the North American Major Leagues, the Montreal Canadiens. In 1908, the Tigers won the "Dominion Championship", a year before the Grey Cup was presented. Prior to World War II, the football team of the City of Hamilton was known as the Tigers. The only time that football was interrupted in Hamilton as a spectator sport was during the First and Second World Wars. After World War II the Tiger Football Team started competition once again. At the same time a new group in the City was formed and they became known as the Hamilton Wildcats. The competition for fan participation was so great that both teams were unable to operate on a sound financial basis. it was decided that the two Clubs should amalgamate and form one representative team for Hamilton. The present name, "Tiger-Cats", and what is known as the modern era of football started in 1950. cite web| last = Canuck| first = Johnny| title = Hamilton Tiger Cats Fan Site- HISTORY| url=http://www.johnnycanuck.com/paw/history.htm| accessdate = 2006-12-31] Hamilton based football teams have captured the Grey Cup a total of 15-times, which is second best among Canadian cities (Toronto teams have won 21-times). Hamilton Tiger-Cats-8, Hamilton Tigers-5, Hamilton Flying Wildcats-1 and the Hamilton Alerts-1. The Hamilton Alerts were the first team from Hamilton to win the Grey Cup back in 1912 against the Toronto Argonauts in Hamilton at the old A.A.A. Grounds.cite web|url=http://www.footballcanada.com/history_timeline.asp|title=A.A.A. Grounds: Canadian Football Timelines; Canadian Football web site|accessdate=2007-01-16] The city of Hamilton has hosted the Grey Cup Finals a total of 10-times, the last one being in 1996 (84th Grey Cup) in the "Snow Bowl" where the Toronto Argonauts defeated the Edmonton Eskimos by a score of 43-37.cite web| title = History of the Grey Cup| url=http://www.cfl.ca//| accessdate = 2007-01-06]

Ivor Wynne Stadium is the home of the CFL Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The stadium originally known as Civic Stadium was constructed in 1930 to host the 1930 British Empire Games; Canada's first major international athletic event, held in Hamilton from August 16 to 23, 1930.cite web| last = Wilson| first = Paul| title = Ivor Wynne Stadium
url=http://football.ballparks.com/CFL/Hamilton/index.htm| accessdate = 2006-12-31] Notable residents and former players include "King Kong" Angelo Mosca.

The CFL's annual Eastern Division Labour Day Classic pits the Hamilton Tiger-Cats against perennial rivals the Toronto Argonauts. This particular weekend, typically the tenth or eleventh week in the season, is known for its fixtures that do not change from year to year. Oddly, for many years before his death, Harold Ballard owned both the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Toronto Maple Leafs, the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise in rival city Toronto. The team's prowess has fallen dramatically from its glory days in the 1960s and early 1970s, when it was a powerhouse. cite book| last = Beddoes| first = Dick| title = Pal Hal: An uninhibited, no-holds-barred account of the life and times of Harold Ballard| publisher = Macmillan of Canada| year = 1989| id = ISBN 1572433906 ]

Hamilton and area pro football players and personalities over the years include;cite press release| title = "Tigertown Triumphs"| publisher =The Hamilton Spectator-Memory Project (Souvenir Edition) page MP56| date =2006-06-10| accessdate = 2006-12-30]

*John Bonk, (1950- ), was an all star offensive lineman in the Canadian Football League. The four-time All-Star played from 1973 to 1985 for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
*Less Browne, (1959- ), was a CFL defensive back for the Hamilton, Winnipeg, Ottawa and B.C. He holds the CFL and all-pro records for most interceptions in a career with 87. Resides in Hamilton.cite web| title =Official Web Site: Less Browne| url=http://www.lessbrowne.com/| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Bob Cameron, (1954- ), Played 23 seasons (1980-2002) with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League.
*Steve Christie, (1967- ), ex-placekicker in the NFL, who holds a Super Bowl record for longest field goal kicked at 54 yards.cite web| title =Blink Bits: Steve Christie| url=http://www.blinkbits.com/bits/viewforum/steve_christie_bio?f=7885| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Tommy Joe Coffey, was a Canadian Football League receiver who played for the Hamilton Tigercats. Currently resides in Burlington, Ontario.cite web| title = CFL Legends Bio: Tommy Joe Coffey| url=http://www.cfl.ca/index.php?module=page&id=49| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Peter Dalla Riva, (1946- ), a former professional Canadian football player with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League at the tight end and wide receiver positions. 3-time CFL Allstar.cite web| title =CFL Historical: Peter Dalla Rivaa, Montreal Alouettes| url=http://www.geocities.com/cfl_historical/DallaRiva.Peter.htm| accessdate = 2008-09-01]
*Bernie Faloney, (1932-1999), was a star quarterback football player in the United States and Canada.cite web| title =Info Please: Bernie Faloney| url=http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0778464.html| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Tony Gabriel, (1948- ), Canadian Football Pass Receiver; inducted into Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1985 (from Burlington ON).cite press release| title = "Tigertown Triumphs"| publisher =The Hamilton Spectator-Memory Project (Souvenir Edition) page MP56| date =2006-06-10| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Corey Grant, (1976- ), wide receiver playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League. (Stoney Creek, Ontario)cite web| title =Saskatchewan Roughriders Bio: Corey Grant| url=http://www.riderville.com/player_bio.php?f_player_id=42| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Russ Jackson, (1936- ), Canadian Football quarterback, 3 Grey Cups with the Ottawa Roughriders.cite web| title = McMaster University Alumni| url=http://www.mcmaster.ca/ua/alumni/| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Joe Krol, (1919- ), Canadian Football quarterback (1932-53), Lou Marsh Trophy winner as Canada's top athlete in 1946.cite press release| title = "Tigertown Triumphs"| publisher =The Hamilton Spectator-Memory Project (Souvenir Edition) page MP56| date =2006-06-10| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Ron Lancaster, (1938-2008), Former football player, coach and general manager in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and sports announcer for CBC Television.cite web| title = Ron Lancaster-Hamilton citation| url=http://www.universitysport.ca/e/story_detail.cfm?id=389 | accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Jesse Lumsden, (1982- ), is a running back with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League and McMaster University alumnus.cite web| title = McMaster University Alumni| url=http://www.mcmaster.ca/ua/alumni/| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Mike Morreale, (1971- ), award winning receiver in the Canadian Football League.cite web| title = Hamilton Tiger-Cats; Mike Morreale Bio| url=http://www.ticats.ca/index.php?module=roster&func=display&ros_id=26| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Rocco Romano, CFL's DeMarco-Becket Memorial Trophy winner in 1994 & 1996 for the Calgary Stampeders; Awarded originally to the player selected as the outstanding lineman in the West Division. Inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2007.cite press release| title = "Local duo score spot in Hall" (Rocco Romano)| publisher =The Hamilton Spectator page SP4-SP5| date =2007-02-20| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Ralph Sazio, Player, coach, GM and president of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He won four Eastern finals and three Grey Cups as coach from 1963 to 1967.cite web| title = Canadian Football Hall-of-Fame Biography: Ralph Sazio| url=http://www.footballhof.com/famers/player.asp?id=187| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Vince Scott, (1925-1992), played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and was later a Hamilton city councillor. [cite web| url=http://www.leroyfootball.com/boomerHOF07/boomer_hof07.htm| title=Section V Hall of Fame 2007 - 'Boomer' Scott| publisher=leroyfootball.com]
*Jim Young, (1943- ), former pro American football and Canadian football player.cite press release| title = Celebrity High: Westdale Secondary Alumni (Jim Young)| publisher = The Hamilton Spectator| date = 2006-05-19| url = http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1147989017565&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1014656511815| accessdate = 2008-01-15]

Combat Sports

Boxing

*Jackie Callura, (1914-1943), Canadian featherweight Boxer, World featherweight champion 1943.cite press release| title = "Tigertown Triumphs"| publisher =The Hamilton Spectator-Memory Project (Souvenir Edition) page MP56| date =2006-06-10| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Jessica Rakoczy, (1977- ), female Boxer, WBC lightweight Champion (July 21, 2005)cite web| title =Official Web Site: Jessica Rakoczy| url=http://www.jessieboxing.com/| accessdate = 2008-01-15]

Mixed martial arts

Hamilton has also produced a couple of noteworthy mixed martial arts fighters. The most noteworthy is Jeff Joslin, who has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu under Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti, and a 4th degree black belt in Wado Ryu Karate. He has also trained in wrestling and boxing.cite web| title = Official Web Site: Jeff Joslin| url=http://www.jeffjoslin.ca/| accessdate = 2008-01-15] The second noteworthy fighter from steeltown is Samir Seif.cite news | last = Radley| first = Scott| title = Meet the Sandman| publisher = The Hamilton Spectator| date = 2007-05-13| accessdate = 2008-01-15]

Pro wrestling

The city of Hamilton has played host to a number of high profile wrestling events over the years including 1998 when the city played host to the World Wrestling Federation's, Royal Rumble.

Hamilton is also home to a wrestling school called "Wrestlecorps Pro Wrestling Academy" found on Kenilworth Avenue North near Barton Street and has a rich and colourful history of producing a number of well known pro wrestlers. Some of these include:

*Johnny K-9, (1965- ), "Ion William Croitoru", 4-years in the WWF including match against Hulk Hogan.cite web| title = Canadian Wrestling Hall-of-Fame: Johnny K-9| url=http://www.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBios/k9.html| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Billy Lyons, "Billy "Red" Lyons", ex-Pro Wrestler and TV announcer for Maple Leaf Wrestling.cite web| title = Canadian Pro Wrestling Page-of-Fame: Billy Red Lyons| url=http://www.garywill.com/wrestling/canada/lyons.htm| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Angelo Mosca, (1938- ), was a Canadian Football League player between 1958 and 1969 with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but he was better known for his pro wrestling career.cite web| last = Canuck| first = Johnny| title = Hamilton Tiger Cats Fan Site- HISTORY| url=http://www.johnnycanuck.com/paw/history.htm| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*"Big John" Quinn, (1944- ), is a retired Canadian professional wrestler who competed in North American regional promotions including NWA All-Star Wrestling, Pacific Northwest Wrestling and Stampede Wrestling during the 1960s and early 1970s. Cousin of former NHL coach and Hamiltonian, Pat Quinn.cite web| last = Johns| first = Fred| title =SLAM SPORTS "In Celebration of John Quinn."| url=http://www.johnnycanuck.com/paw/history.htm| accessdate = 2008-08-24]
*Dewey Robertson, (1939-2007), "The Missing Link" ex-Pro Wrestler.cite web| title = Canadian Pro Wrestling Page-of-Fame: Dewey Robertson| url=http://www.garywill.com/wrestling/canada/robertso.htm| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Johnny Powers, (1943- ), ex-Pro Wrestler. 2-time NWF World champion, 1970, 73.cite web| title = Canadian Wrestling Hall-of-Fame: Johnny Powers| url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBios/powers_johnny.html| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Ben & Mike Sharpe, ex-Pro Wrestlers. 18 time NWA World tag champions.cite web| title = Canadian Pro Wrestling Page-of-Fame: Ben & Mike Sharpe| url=http://www.garywill.com/wrestling/canada/sharpemb.htm
accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Iron Mike Sharpe Jr., ex-Pro Wrestler. The self-proclaimed "Canada's Greatest Athlete"."cite web| title = Canadian Wrestling Hall-of-Fame: Iron Mike Sharpe| url=http://slam.canoe.ca/SlamWrestlingBiosS/sharpe_ironmike-can.html| accessdate = 2008-01-15]

Hockey

The Hamilton Tigers played in the NHL during the early 1920s but then the team folded after a player's strike. Tigers owner Percy Thompson of the Abso Pure Ice Company of Hamilton then sold the players rights to New York City bootleggers and the new team was then named the New York Americans and became the first pro sports team to play out of the newly built Madison Square Garden in downtown Manhattan, New York. Hockey Hall-of-Famer Joe Malone was a player/manager for the Tigers hockey club in the 1921-22 season. The team's home rink was the Barton Street Arena.cite book| last = Wesley| first = Sam, David| title = Hamilton's Hockey Tigers| publisher = James Lorimer & Company Ltd.| date = 2005| id = ISBN 1550288873] There are 35 ice rinks in 27 Arenas in the Greater Hamilton area including Copps Coliseum, Dave Andreychuk Mountain Arena & Skating Centre, Pat Quinn Parkdale Arena, Mohawk 4 Ice Centre, (4 rinks) at Mohawk Sports Park and Chedoke Twin Pad Arena, (2-rinks), on the West mountain.cite web|url=http://www.hamiltonhockey.com/|title=Hamilton Arenas Listing|accessdate=2006-12-23] cite web|url=http://www.arenamaps.com/arenas/Ontario_city.htm|title=Arenas Maps: Ontario|accessdate=2008-08-20]

A number of NHL hockey players have come from the Hamilton region over the years. Some of these include:cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]

* Dave Andreychuk, (1963- ), retired NHL hockey player.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
* Syl Apps, (1915-1998), Toronto Maple Leafs captain who lead the Leafs to 3-Stanley Cups. 1936-37 Calder Trophy winner (Top NHL rookie), 1941-42 Lady Byng Trophy winner. McMaster University Alumni. (Paris Ontario).cite web| title = McMaster University Alumni| url=http://www.mcmaster.ca/ua/alumni/| accessdate = 2007-01-10]
* Allan Bester, (1964- ), retired NHL hockey goalie, Toronto Maple Leafs.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
* Andy Brown, (1944- ), credited with being the last pro goaltender to play barefaced. Last played his NHL hockey for the Pittsburgh Penguins.cite web| title = Virtual Museum: Evolution of the Hockey Goalie| url=http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Hockey/English/Pregame/Evolution/goaltender.html| accessdate = 2008-08-14]
*David Brown, (1985- ), Notre Dame Fighting Irish hockey goalie, named team MVP in 2006, named (CCHA), Central Collegiate Hockey Association's Player-of-the-week 3-times in 2007 and favorite to win the 2007 Hobey Baker Award which is awarded to the top collegiate player in the United States. A Pittsburg Penguins draft pick in 2004.cite news | last = Fitzgerald| first = T.| title = Out of the Shadows (Stoney Creek's Dan Brown)| pages = SP8-SP9| publisher = The Hamilton Spectator| date = 2007-02-19| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Frank Caprice, (1962- ), retired NHL hockey goalie, 6-seasons with Vancouver Canucks (1982-88).cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Joe Cirella, (1963- ), retired NHL defenseman, 821-games played, #5-pick overall in 1981 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Rockies.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Ken Dryden, (1947- ), retired NHL hockey goalie, elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Dave Dryden, (1941- ), retired NHL hockey goalie, 201-NHL games for Buffalo, Edmonton, Chicago and NY Rangers. Also serves the distinction of creating (as well as being the first goaltender to employ) the modern day goaltending mask consisting of a fiberglass mask with a cage.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Blake Dunlop, (1953- ), retired NHL hockey player, winner of the 1980-81 Bill Masterton trophy.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Cecil "Babe" Dye, (1898-1962), NHL hockey winger, NHL's top goal scorer of the 1920s, inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1970. He was nick named "Babe" because he was considered to be 'the Babe Ruth of hockey.'cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Don Edwards, (1955- ), retired NHL hockey goalie, winner of Vezina trophy in 1979-80.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Nelson Emerson, (1967- ), retired NHL hockey player.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Ray Emery, (1982- ), KHL hockey goalie, and former NHL goalie, currently playing for Atlant Mytishchi.
*Todd Harvey, (1975- ), NHL hockey player.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Red Horner, (1909-2005), retired NHL hockey defenseman, helped Toronto Maple Leafs win their first Stanley Cup in 1932.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Harry Howell, (1932- ), retired NHL hockey defenseman. Winner of the 1966-67 James Norris Trophy.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Willie Huber, (1958- ), retired NHL hockey defenseman. Born in Germany, grew up in Hamilton.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Dick Irvin Sr., (1892-1957), NHL hockey player. Former head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs & Montreal Canadiens.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Al Jensen, (1958- ), retired NHL hockey goalie. Winner of the 1983-84 William Jennings trophy.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Derek King, (1967- ), retired NHL hockey player.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Jamie Macoun, (1961- ), retired NHL hockey defenseman. Played 1,128 NHL games.cite web| title = Hockeydb.com: Jamie Macoun| url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=3312| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Adam Mair, (1979- ), NHL hockey player.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Brian McGrattan, (1981- ), NHL hockey player for the Phoenix Coyotes. NHL enforcer.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Marty McSorley, (1963- ), retired NHL hockey player infamous for his assault of Donald Brashear in a game on February 21, 2001.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Ron Murphy, (1933- ), retired NHL player who played in 889-games.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Ric Nattress, (1962- ), retired NHL hockey defenseman.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Murray Oliver, (1937- ), retired NHL hockey player, played in 1,127 NHL games.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*George Owen, (1901-1986), retired NHL hockey defenceman for the Boston Bruins. Served as the Bruins captain in the 1931-32 season. The first player credited with wearing a helmet in his rookie season in 1928.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Keith Primeau, (1971- ), retired NHL hockey player. Born in Toronto, grew up in Hamilton.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Pat Quinn, (1943- ), retired NHL hockey player, and former head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Los Angeles Kings and the Philadelphia Flyers.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Leo Reise Jr., (1922- ), retired NHL hockey defenseman. 494-games played in the 1940s & 50s for Detroit, Chicago and NY Rangers.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Rick Smith, (1948- ), retired NHL hockey defenseman. 687-games played. #7-pick in 1966 NHL Entry draft by the Boston Bruins.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Steve Staios, (1973- ), NHL hockey defenseman.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]
*Danny Syvret, 1985- ), NHL hockey defenseman, who spent his junior career with the London Knights of the OHL, eventually being named team captain. In his final year of junior hockey, he was Captain of a powerhouse team that broke numerous junior hockey records and won the 2005 Memorial Cup. (Millgrove, ON)cite web| title = Sportsnet.ca Bio:: Danny Syvret| url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/players/Danny_Syvret/| accessdate = 2008-03-15]
*John Tonelli, (1957- ), retired NHL hockey player. 1984 Canada Cup MVP.cite book|title=The Canadian Hockey Atlas|first=Stephen|last=Cole|publisher=Doubleday Canada|year=2006|id=ISBN 978-0-385-66093-8 (0-385-66093-6)]

Note: Tim Horton, retired NHL hockey defenseman, opened his first Tim Horton's Donut Shop in Hamilton, Ontario in 1964.cite web| title = Tim Horton's Official History| url=http://www.timhortons.com/en/pdfs/en_media_kit.pdf| accessdate = 2008-01-15]

AHL Hamilton

Copps Coliseum Arena has been the home ice for the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League since 1996. When the Edmonton Oilers announced plans to suspend operations of the previous Hamilton Bulldogs franchise, local interests in conjunction with the Oilers, Montreal Canadians and the AHL secured ownership of the Quebec Citadelles and relocated them to Hamilton assuring the continuation of the Bulldogs franchise. The team's primary affiliate is the Montreal Canadiens The Bulldogs are currently the longest serving Canadian franchise in the American Hockey League. The Bulldogs reached the final of the Calder Cup Championship in 1997 and 2003 only to lose in the finals on both occasions and then finally winning it all, their third attempt, in 2007 defeating the Hershey Bears. cite web| title = Hamilton Bulldogs (Official web site)| url=http://www.hamiltonbulldogs.com/| accessdate = 2006-12-30] cite web| title = Hamilton Bulldogs Crowned 2007 Calder Cup Champions (www.sportsdomain.com)| url=http://www.sportzdomain.com/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=42208| accessdate = 2007-06-29]

Hockey tournaments

The Victor K. Copps Coliseum was built downtown on Bay Street North. cite web|url=http://www.hecfi.on.ca/coppscoliseum/event_listing.asp|title=Copps Coliseum Arena information|accessdate=2007-01-16] The sports and entertainment arena, named for a former mayor and father of Sheila Copps, has hosted the 1986 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship Games where the Soviets captured gold against Team Canada with a top scoring line that consisted of Sergei Fedorov, Alexander Mogilny and Pavel Bure.

Hamilton also hosted the 1987 Canada Cup, which featured dynamic duo Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux combine forces to defeat the Soviets. Hamilton also hosted the 1991 Canada Cup where Canada won the tournament once more, this time against Brett Hull and the Americans.

In 1990 Copps Coliseum hosted the Memorial Cup tournament that featured a young Eric Lindros playing on the eventual winners; Oshawa Generals. The Generals defeated the Kitchener Rangers in an All-Ontario Finals, the game went into triple overtime.

Hamilton also set attendance records at the time of hosting each one of the above mentioned hockey tournaments.cite news| last = Joyce| first = Gary| title = "The Puck Stopped Where?"| publisher = Hamilton This Month (magazine) Pg:40-47| date = 1991-04-13| accessdate = 2006-12-30]

Hamilton based hockey teams have captured the Memorial Cup twice. The Hamilton Red Wings in 1962 which featured Pit Martin & the 1972 Summit Series hero Paul Henderson. In 1976 the Hamilton Fincups captured the trophy which featured future NHL stars Willie Huber, Al Jensen, Dale McCourt, Al Secord and Ric Seiling.cite press release| title = "Tigertown Triumphs"| publisher =The Hamilton Spectator-Memory Project (Souvenir Edition) page MP56| date =2006-06-10| accessdate = 2006-12-30]

NHL expansion

In recent decades, Hamilton has yearned and applied for an NHL franchise. It has been continually disappointed, and voted against by nearby Buffalo and Toronto who would lose revenue if Hamilton had an NHL franchise. Hamilton argurably came closest to landing an NHL franchise in 1990, when 14,000 Hamilton hockey fans made Non-refundable downpayments for season's tickets in less than 24-hours. However, according to Phil Esposito, the bid was blocked by Seymour Knox III (then owner of the Buffalo Sabres) and the Toronto Maple Leafs organizations.cite news| last = Humphreys| first = Adrian| title = Hamilton hopes for move (NHL)| publisher = Canada Post| date = 2006-08-06| url = http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/editorialsletters/news/story.html?id=b3a45cfc-d9c2-4ccc-b37d-5f3dcfdc7bde| accessdate = 2006-12-30] cite news| last = Joyce| first = Gary| title = "The Puck Stopped Where?"| publisher = Hamilton This Month (magazine) Pg:40-47| date = 1991-04-13| accessdate = 2006-12-30] Out of all the bids submitted, the Hamilton bid became the only group to meet all the necessary criteria established by the NHL. Here is a list of what the NHL wanted and what Hamilton’s bid had:cite web| title = Hamilton Tigers (c. 1920; 20??)| url=http://hamiltontigers.blogspot.com/| accessdate = 2006-12-31]

* An NHL-calibre Arena (Copps Coliseum)
* 20 year lease in place.
* Local owner (Ron Joyce)
* Owner with deep pockets (Owner of Tim Hortons)
* Minimum of 10,000 season tickets sold (14,000 sold in 24 hours)
* Market that would support hockey team (50 mile radius, 5 million people, though the market would be shared by Toronto and Buffalo) and over 2 million people in a 25 mile radius which does not include the GTA and Western New York population numbers (1990 figures).
* Corporate support (70 corporate companies committed to purchasing 70 corporate boxes for a minimum of 5 years)cite news| last = Joyce| first = Gary| title = "The Puck Stopped Where?"| publisher = Hamilton This Month (magazine) Pg:40-47| date = 1991-04-13| accessdate = 2006-12-30]

Neither Ottawa nor Tampa had a building, local owner, or a market comparable to Hamilton’s. At the time, no other bid came close to Hamilton’s—the media began talking about Hamilton as being the favouriteFact|date=September 2008. However, the NHL awarded Ottawa and Tampa Bay the new expansion teams, as the two cities were the only applicants who could pay the full expansion fee of fifty million dollars. Joyce could not afford to pay upfront, and instead proposed annual payments.cite web| title = Hamilton Tigers (c. 1920; 20??)| url=http://hamiltontigers.blogspot.com/| accessdate = 2006-12-31]

One of the biggest endorsements for Hamilton's quest for a NHL team came from hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, who was quoted as saying that "Hamilton and the Southwestern Ontario region could definitely support a National Hockey League team" and also that "there is a lot of red tape but these kind of things have a way of working themselves out and both the corporate and commercial support would be there for a team in Hamilton".cite news | title = Gretzky sees Hamilton as NHL city. (Page S3)| publisher = The Hamilton Spectator| date = 2008-09-13| accessdate = 2008-09-14] An NHL team based out of Copps Coliseum would make it the closest NHL rink to Wayne Gretzky's hometown of Brantford, Ontario.

Racing sports

Auto racing

Hamilton and area is also the home of two auto race tracks. The first one is the Cayuga International Speedway, in Hagersville, a 5/8-mile oval auto racing track which is under new ownership and currently under major renovations. The last major event there was on September 2-3 (2006); The Canadian Association for Stock Car Racing (CASCAR) Labour Day Classic which featured the Super and Sportsman series. Rogers Sportsnet televised the Super Series race. The touring CASCAR series has been staging races since 1981. Cayuga International Speedway was considered one of Canada's top racing venues and attracted some of racing's top drivers, including Richard Petty, Al Unser, Cale Yarborough, Dale Earnhardt, the Allisons (Bobby, Davey, Donnie and Kenny) and Benny Parsons.cite web| title = New owners give Cayuga International Speedway its old name| url=http://www.hamiltonscores.com/autoracing/news/?article=061508168|publisher= Hamilton Scores!| accessdate = 2007-01-01] The second auto race track in Hamilton is the Flamboro Speedway, 1/3-mile semi banked asphalt oval auto racing track. Established in 1961 and has provided excellent grass roots stock car racing action every year since - Making it one of Canada's longest running stock car tracks.cite web| title = Flamboro Speedway Race Track| url=http://flamborospeedway.itgo.com/02TrackInfo.htm|publisher= Official web site| accessdate = 2007-01-16]

Horse racing

Hamilton is also home of Flamboro Downs; Canada's fastest half-mile harness horse racing track. Set on 220 acres (89 ha) on Highway #5 west, between highways 6 and 8, flamboro downs has grown substantially since its April 1975 opening. Races are held five days a week. A typical flamboro downs live race card will include at least 10 or 11 races, and often more. In addition to the live flamboro downs harness racing, both thoroughbred and standardbred racing from other tracks across North America are simulcast daily from 12 noon. An off-track betting network offers racing from teletheatres in Hamilton, Brantford, Burlington and Stoney Creek.cite web| title = Flamboro Downs| url=http://www.flamborodowns.com/about_us.htm|publisher= Official web site| accessdate = 2007-01-01]

Hamilton is the birthplace of three jockeys in Thoroughbred horse racing whose success led to them being inducted in the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame and they are; Jeffrey Fell,cite web| title = Canadian Horse Racing Hall-of-Fame: Jeffrey Fell| url=http://www.canadianhorseracinghalloffame.com/jockeys/1993/Jeff_Fell.asp| accessdate = 2008-01-15] Chris Rogerscite web| title = Canadian Horse Racing Hall-of-Fame: Chris Rogers| url=http://www.canadianhorseracinghalloffame.com/jockeys/1977/Chris_Rogers.asp| accessdate = 2008-01-15] and Don Seymour.cite web| title = Canadian Horse Racing Hall-of-Fame: Don Seymour| url=http://www.canadianhorseracinghalloffame.com/jockeys/1999/Don_Seymour.asp| accessdate = 2008-01-15]

Soccer

Hamilton is home of the "Hamilton and District Soccer Association". The H & D S.A. is one of Ontario's oldest soccer organizations. The Association represents many soccer organization from many surrounding communities such as Brantford, Glanbrook, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Dundas and Hamilton.cite web| title = Hamilton & District Soccer Asssociation| url=http://www.hamiltonsoccer.net/league.php?scriptName=HOME&leagueID=6224| accessdate = 2008-09-07]

Hamilton is also home to 3 soccer leagues and they include; the "Hamilton & District Multi-Jurisdictional Soccer League"cite web| title = Hamilton & District Multi-Jurisdictional Soccer League| url=http://www.hdselectleague.com/league.php?scriptName=HOME&leagueID=10873| accessdate = 2008-09-07] the "Hamilton & District Oldtimers Soccer League"cite web| title = Hamilton & District Oldtimers Soccer League| url=http://www.oldtimerssoccer.com/league.php?scriptName=HOME&leagueID=5734| accessdate = 2008-09-07] and the third is the "Hamilton Senior Mens Soccer League".cite web| title = Hamilton Senior Mens Soccer League| url=http://www.hdssl.com/league.php?scriptName=HOME&leagueID=9178| accessdate = 2008-09-07]

Hamilton was home of the Hamilton Steelers of the CSL- (Canadian Soccer League) between 1982-1992. They were the 1986 National Champions and played their home games at the 5,000 seat Brian Timmis Stadium. Currently the Hamilton Avalanche, a Canadian women's soccer team from the W-League play there. They were founded in 2006.Hamilton has been home to or has produced a number of pro soccer players over the years. Some of these include:

*Valerio Alesi, (1966- ), first Canadian-born player to play in the Serie A Soccer.cite web| title = Nuke Soccer: Valerio Alesi| url=http://soccer.loop48.com/modules.php?name=News&new_topic=11| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Chris Baker, (1985- ), is a Canadian soccer goalkeeper. (Waterdown, ON)cite web| title = Toronto Lynx Official site: Chris Baker Bio| url=http://www.lynxsoccer.com/site.html| accessdate = 2008-03-15]
*Bob Bearpark, (1943-1996), was a Canadian soccer head coach.cite web| title = Canadian Soccer Hall-of-Fame: Bob Bearpark| url=http://www.thesoccerhalloffame.ca/OSN.nsf/c1bfa845a2dec3bf85256b0b005d4116/e1afe35fec8ed6848525713e006de23c?OpenDocument| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Alex Bunbury, (1967- ), Played 4 seasons with the Hamilton Steelers (CSL) 1987-90, Voted best Foreign player in the Portuguese first division club Maritimo in 1994-95 season where he scored 12-goals. Canadian Soccer Hall-of-Fame inductee in 2006.cite web| title = Canadian Soccer Hall-of-Fame: Alex Bunbury| url=http://www.thesoccerhalloffame.ca/OSN.nsf/c1bfa845a2dec3bf85256b0b005d4116/b70c12e31d49e6278525713e006b9811?OpenDocument| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Jamie Dodds, (1981- ), Canadian soccer player who currently plays for the Toronto Lynx in the USL First Division.cite web| title = Robert Morris University: Jamie Dodds| url=http://www.robert-morris.edu/SentryOWS/owa/wpnews.full_story?icalledby=wpnews&ipage=60511&it=&iattr=&ivisitor=&inwc_seqno=3668&inws_seqno=3233&ihide_header=0| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Rhian Dodds, (1979- ), is a midfielder for Kilmarnock F.C., (Scottish Soccer).cite web| title = 2002 NEC Men's Soccer All-Conference Team : Rhian Dodds| url=http://www.northeastconference.org/sports/msoc/2002/msocallconf02.asp| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Milan Kojic, (1976- ), Canadian soccer player who currently plays for the F.K. Haugesund in Adeccoligaen.cite web| title = Toronto Lynx Ulumni Profile: Milan Kojic| url=http://www.lynxsoccer.com/site.html| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Robert McDonald, (1902-1956), was a Canadian soccer player from the 1920s and 30s who spent a decade playing for famous Scottish football club Glasgow Rangers.cite web| title = Canadian Soccer Hall-of-Fame Bio: Robert McDonald| url=http://www.thesoccerhalloffame.ca/OSN.nsf/c1bfa845a2dec3bf85256b0b005d4116/eb0496b61075916c85256b0d006e6d43?OpenDocument| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*John McGrane, ( - ), He played nine North American Soccer League seasons and 17 times for the Canadian national soccer team in 'A' internationals. He also played in the Montreal Olympics. In 2008 was inducted into the Canada's Soccer Hall-of-Fame.cite news | last = Kernaghan| first = John| title = From Hamilton to the Hall| publisher = The Hamilton Spectator| date = 2008-04-27| accessdate = 2008-05-01]
*Jimmy Nicholl, (1956- ), Northern Irish Football player, 73 International caps.cite web| title = Northern Ireland Footballing Greats: Jimmy Nicholl| url=http://nifootball.blogspot.com/2007/04/jimmy-nicholl.html| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Carrie Serwetnyk, (1965- ), Played 19-times for Canada's Women's National team. Canadian Soccer Hall-of-Fame inductee in 2001.cite web| title = Canadian Soccer Hall-of-Fame: Carrie Serwetnyk| url=http://www.thesoccerhalloffame.ca/OSN.nsf/c1bfa845a2dec3bf85256b0b005d4116/44edd91ed7da20f085256b0c007319bd?OpenDocument| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Greg Sutton, (1977- ), Canadian International Soccer Goalkeeper (Toronto FC).cite web| title = CBC Sports: "Fired up Greg Sutton looks to make big impact with Toronto FC" (Hamilton citation)| url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/indepth/feature-sutton.html| accessdate = 2008-01-15]

Other Sports

*Frank O'Rourke, (1894-1986), ex-pro baseball player and long time New York Yankees scout.cite web| title = www.baseball-reference.com/: Frank O'Rourke| url=http://www.baseball-reference.com/o/o'roufr01.shtml| accessdate = 2008-01-15]
*Shona Thorburn, (1982- ), WNBA pro basketball player, currently playing for the Minnesota Lynx. Attended Westdale Secondary School in Hamilton.cite web| title = Westdale Secondary Alumni Web Site| url=http://www.mywestdale.com/| accessdate = 2008-01-15] cite press release| title = Celebrity High: Westdale Secondary Alumni (Shona Thorburn)| publisher = The Hamilton Spectator| date = 2006-05-19| url = http://www.hamiltonspectator.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=hamilton/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1147989017565&call_pageid=1020420665036&col=1014656511815| accessdate = 2008-01-15]

References

External links

* [http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fodepapaso.org%2Fodepahome.html&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=es&tl=en Pan Am Games (Official)]
* [http://www.guernseycga.org.gg/1930can.html 1930 British Empire Games] at the official Guernsey site
* [http://www.hhof.com/html/GamesSummaryCCUP1987.shtml 1987 Canada Cup: Hockey Hall of Fame tournament summary]
* [http://www.aroundthebayroadrace.com/ Around the Bay Road Race]
* [http://www.cfhof.ca/ Canadian Football Hall of Fame Museum (Official)]
* [http://www.canusagames.com/ Canusa Games (Official)]
* [http://www.commonwealthgames.com/ Commonwealth Games Official Site]
* [http://www.hamiltonsoccer.net/league.php?scriptName=HOME&leagueID=6224 Hamilton & District Soccer Association]
* [http://www.hamiltonbulldogs.com/index.php Hamilton Bulldogs (Official-AHL)]
* [http://www.hgcc.ca Hamilton Golf and Country Club]
* [http://www.ticats.ca/ Hamilton Ti-Cats (Official-CFL)]
* [http://www1.curling.ca/content/Championships/tickets.asp Tim Hortons Brier (Official)]

Video links

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IgSfWhPQBg Gretzky on Hamilton franchise & gives young Leafs fan some sage advice] - Youtube