Toledo Hockey
Growing up in Toledo, I have many fond hockey memories. Our teams were up and down, but it was always fun. Toledo is a great hockey town. The layout of the Sports Arena put fans “up close and personal,” and the “in your face” fans made Toledo a tough place for visiting teams. Between 1947 and 1986 (except for two seasons), Toledo teams played in the International Hockey League. The Toledo Storm was a member of the ECHL from 1991 to 2007. Minor league hockey will return to Toledo in 2009 with its new team, the Walleye.
The Joseph Turner Memorial Cup
The Turner Cup was awarded to the International Hockey League Playoff Champions between 1946 and 2001, when the league ceased operations. Teams from Toledo have won the Cup nine times, more than any other city. Toledo's IHL Championship Teams include the Toledo Mercurys (1947-48; 1950-51; 1951-52); Toledo Blaldes (1963-64; 1966-67); and theToledo Goaldiggers (1974-75; 1977-78; 1980-81; 1981-82). In 2001, the Orlando Solar Bears became the last team to win the Turner Cup. Today, the Turner Cup is on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
My Favorite Season
“The Miracle on Main Street”
The 1974-75 season was a hockey fan’s dream, as the expansion Toledo Goaldiggers pulled off a stunning upset to win the Turner Cup. After several years of mediocre-poor teams, the Hornets left Toledo and relocated to Lansing, MI. It looked as if Toledo would be without a team in 1974, but a new ownership group was able to acquire an expansion franchise. Ted Garvin, a legendary, colorful coach who had won Turner Cups with Port Huron was hired as coach. He put together a group of mostly young players who were enthusiastic and exciting to watch. They developed a reputation for toughness, and Garvin nicknamed his enforcer line "Murder Incorporated" and three players were among the top 10 penalty minute leaders in the league. In the win-loss column, the team held its own (34-38-4) , but they finished 3rd out of four teams in their division during the regular season.
However, as the season progressed, Garvin was able to acquire a few veteran players who provided valuable experience and stability. By the time playoffs rolled around, the Goaldiggers had solidified into a contender. They beat the Columbus Owls in the first round and the highly-favored Dayton Gems for the Division title. In the finals, the Diggers faced the Saginaw Gears. It took seven games, but on May 7, 2005, the Goaldiggers completed their incredible season by defeating the Gears.
I had the good fortune to be at the first day of training camp for the Goaldiggers and I was in Saginaw when they skated the Turner Cup around the ice. The 1974-75 Goaldiggers came to be known as the "Miracle on Main Street" and to a 21-year old fan who was there from start to finish, it was an unforgettable journey. I have watched many exciting teams over the years since then but, except for the 1980 USA Olympic team, nothing has come close to matching the excitement of that season.
Footnote: The Lansing Lancers (formerly the Toledo Hornets) ceased operation after 41 games with a record of 12-28-1. I guess Toledo wound up better off after all.
The "Miracle on Main Street" gather for the 30th Reunion in 2005
Photo by Steve Herwat
