COPPS COLISEUM

KS-9057

Hamilton Steelhawks (OHL) (1985–1988) Dukes of Hamilton (OHL) (1989–1991) Hamilton Canucks (AHL) (1992–1994) Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL) (1996–present) Ontario Raiders (NLL) (1998) Toronto Raptors (NBA) (occasionally for home games) (1995–1997)

While Copps Coliseum was built in the hope that Hamilton could draw an NHL franchise, for the past 12 seasons, beginning in October 1996, Copps Coliseum has been home to the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League. The Bulldogs, the top affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers (1996–2002) and the Montreal Canadiens (2002–present) have brought over 2 million fans to Copps Coliseum, and are the longest serving pro hockey team in Southern Ontario, aside from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Bulldogs are the sole primary tenant in the facility. On Thursday June 7th, 2007 the Hamilton Bulldogs won their first Calder Cup Championship in franchise history at home in Copps Coliseum by defeating the Hershey Bears.

Though the Coliseum has never been able to attract a full-time NHL tenant, it did host a number of regular-season neutral-site games in 1992–93 and 1993–94. Most of these games featured either the nearby Toronto Maple Leafs or Buffalo Sabres.

In 1994, the Coliseum was one of the homes to the FIBA World Basketball Championships, along with Maple Leaf Gardens and SkyDome. From 1995-96 to 1996-97, the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association played three regular season home games at the Coliseum (while using SkyDome as their primary home).

Unused 4" x 6" continental size chrome

Dist. by Len Martin Sales