Hockey History

The Fincups of 1974-78
Hamilton team moved on due to lack of proper hockey facility

Fincup captain Dale McCourt: “The Hamilton fans were really good.” Courtesy of the Hamilton Spectator.

One of Hamilton’s greatest hockey teams was the Hamilton Fincups of the mid 1970s. The team, which was the former Hamilton Red Wings OHA franchise, had roots dating back to the Tiger Cubs of the 1950s.

The team provided great hockey while in Hamilton, and therein lays the rub.

The Fincups took to the ice in the antiquated Forum in 1974, and team owners Joe Finochio and the Cupido brothers, Ron and Mario, were constantly at loggerheads with the city in their quest for a new arena.

After only two seasons in Hamilton, the owners transferred the operations of the club to Saint Catharines just three weeks before the start of the 1976-77 season.

And many of the players were a little apprehensive about the move.

“I don’t know what to think,” stated team captain Dale McCourt about the move. “I thought the city would do more than they did, especially since we won the Memorial Cup,” he added in an August 1976 interview.

Joe Contini: “I feel badly about leaving the Hamilton fans. They’re the best in the world. I’d rather be in Hamilton.” Courtesy of the Hamilton Spectator.

McCourt, the only remaining player from the Red Wings, continued. “The Hamilton fans were really good. They helped us by turning out again after the new owners took over.”

Teammate Mark Locken agreed with McCourt with the team leaving the Forum for Saint Catharines.

“I feel it’s better for the team although I wouldn’t have to change schools if we stayed in Hamilton,” said Locken, who was ready to go into Grade 13. “The thing I liked about playing in Hamilton was the fans. I hope the Saint Catharines fans get behind us the way they did in Hamilton.”

“I was shocked when I heard we were moving but I’m glad to get out of the Forum because it’s a fire trap,” said Ric Seiling.

“I can’t understand the lack of interest as far as a new arena in Hamilton is concerned. It’s a shame a city of this size is going to lose a Memorial Cup team.”

Mike Keating said he would miss the fan involvement in Hamilton, but added the team would continue to play well.

“It will be a new experience,” he said, “playing in a newer rink, but we’ll miss the Hamilton fans.

“But the move won’t affect our attitude, that’s for sure.”

Joe Conini was another Fincup who said he would miss the fans.

“It’s too bad we have to move after a successful year, but what can you say? I feel badly about leaving the Hamilton fans. They’re the best in the world. I’d rather be in Hamilton.”

Also by August of 1976, the ice-making equipment in the Forum was trashed, as was the rest of the old building, and a deal could not be struck with the Mountain Arena in Hamilton at the time, so the owners did what they felt was best in moving the franchise down the QEW.

But the team remained in Saint Catharines for only one season, and returned to Hamilton for the 1977-78 season, playing to small crowds at the Mountain Arena, a facility not adequate for hockey of this caliber.

Losing money, and with no options for a new larger permanent home, the team moved again out of Hamilton, this time west to Brantford, where it became known as the Brantford Alexanders.

Ironically, the Alexanders stayed in the Bell City until 1984, when it returned to Hamilton, and became known as the Hamilton Steelhawks.

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