Moncton Hawks

The Moncton Hawks, who played out of the Moncton Coliseum from 1987 to 1994, were part of a number of minor league teams that called Moncton home in the 80s and 90s. While the Hawks' name dates back to the 1930s, this particular iteration of the team was originally founded as the Moncton Golden Flames in 1984. After three seasons, they rebranded as the Moncton Hawks in 1987, marking the beginning of a new era.

During their time in Moncton, the Hawks were affiliated with Winnipeg, and their roster featured numerous players who would go on to make a significant impact in coaching professional hockey. Among the most notable were future NHL head coaches Dallas Eakins, Claude Julien, and Dan Bylsma, all of whom played for the Hawks before moving into coaching roles. The team was also coached by Rick Bowness, who would later become a long-serving NHL coach.

Several future NHL stars developed their skills with the Hawks as well, including Stu Barnes, known for his lengthy NHL career, and Kris Draper, who became a crucial member of the Detroit Red Wings during their dominance in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

The Hawks were competitive throughout their time, and their final season, 1993-94, was especially memorable. That year, they advancing all the way to the Calder Cup Finals, beating Saint John, St. John's, and Cornwall before losing to Portland. Unfortunately, the 1993-94 season would be the last for the Moncton Hawks, as financial difficulties and shifting dynamics in their affiliation led to the team's dissolution following that season.