Thunder Bay Thunder Cats

Thunder Bay Thunder Cats
City	Thunder Bay, Ontario
League	CoHL 1991–1997 UHL 1997–1999
Operated	1991 (1991)–2007
Home arena	Fort William Gardens
Colours	Black, Grey, and White
Franchise history
1991–1993	Thunder Bay Thunder Hawks
1993–1996	Thunder Bay Senators
1996–1999	Thunder Bay Thunder Cats
1999–2007	Rockford IceHogs

The Thunder Bay Thunder Cats was the name of the Rockford IceHogs of the United Hockey League prior to moving to Rockford. The team went through a number of different names prior to being the Thunder Cats, including the Thunder Bay Thunder Hawks and the Thunder Bay Senators.

History

After the success of the 5-time Allan Cup champion Thunder Bay Twins, the Colonial Hockey League took interest in expanding to the Northwestern Ontario city. In 1991, the Colonial league introduced the Thunder Bay Thunder Hawks, spelling the end of the 21-year Twins franchise that stepped aside for the new Semi-Pro team. In 1993, the team changed its name to the Thunder Bay Senators to reflect the teams affiliation with the National Hockey League's Ottawa Senators. Soon after, the CoHL changed its name to the United Hockey League and in 1996 the team became the Thunder Bay Thunder Cats.

After eight seasons in Thunder Bay, the Thunder Cats were bought, moved to Rockford, Illinois, and renamed the Rockford IceHogs in 1999.

Season-by-season results

References

• International Hockey League History