The Hamilton Tigers history is a key chapter in early NHL development. Playing from 1920 to 1925, the Hamilton Tigers hockey team was Canada’s first NHL franchise outside Quebec and Ontario’s original cities. Known for their strong play and groundbreaking labor dispute, the Tigers set precedents that shaped the league and influenced hockey culture for decades.
Established
1919
City
Quebec – Hamilton – New York – Brooklyn
League History
1919 – 1942 / National Hockey League
Team History
1941 – 1942 / Brooklyn Americans
1925 – 1941 / New York Americans
1920 – 1925 / Hamilton Tigers
1919 – 1920 / Quebec Bulldogs
Nickname
Tigers – The Hamilton Tigers are one of the oldest teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), founded in 1920. The team has a long and storied history, and its nickname has an interesting origin story.
Hamilton Tigers Origin
The name “Tigers” was first used by a group of local hockey players who competed against each other for fun in 1914. The team was made up mostly of players from Hamilton, Ontario, known as “the Tiger Town” due to its large population of tigers that roam freely there. It's said that these passionate hockey fans adopted this nickname out of admiration for their beloved city animal!
When the NHL formed two years later, it seemed only natural for them to adopt this famous moniker as well - thus officially becoming known as the Hamilton Tigers! Over time they've become synonymous with professional hockey excellence, winning three Stanley Cups during their tenure before ultimately merging with another franchise in 1925 to form what we now know today as the Detroit Red Wings.
While many things have changed since then – including several rebrandings throughout different eras – one thing remains true: when you think about great Canadian sports teams, you can't help but remember those fierce-fighting Hamilton Tigers!
Championship
Stanley Cup 0
Arena
*New York*
1925 – 1942 / Madison Square Garden
*Hamilton*
1920 – 1925 / Barton Street Arena
*Quebec*
1919 – 1920 / Quebec Arena
Owner
1936 – 1942 / Mervyn “Red” Dutton
1925 – 1936 / Bill Dwyer
1920 – 1925 / Abso Pure Ice Company
1919 – 1920 / Quebec Athletic Club
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history
- 1920
- 1925
-
Move to Hamilton
After the 1919 – 1920 season, the NHL took back the Quebec franchise and sold the team to the Abso Pure Ice Company of Hamilton, Ontario. The club was moved to Hamilton for the 1920 – 1921 season and renamed the Hamilton Tigers. This was done to prevent the startup of a rival league, which was trying to land a ... -
Sold to Dwyer of New York
Thomas Duggan of Montreal, owner of the Mount Royal Arena, held two options for expansion teams in the United States. He sold the first of the two to Boston grocery magnate Charles Adams, who used it to start the Boston Bruins. He sold the second to a New York bootlegger named “Big Bill” Dwyer for a team to play in ...
Hamilton Tigers History
The Hamilton Tigers history represents one of the most important chapters in the early NHL. The Hamilton Tigers hockey team played in the National Hockey League from 1920 to 1925 and was based in Hamilton, Ontario. They competed against legendary clubs like the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto St. Patricks, helping shape the league’s competitive foundation.
The Hamilton Tigers history began when the franchise moved from Quebec (the former Quebec Bulldogs) to Hamilton under new ownership. They quickly built a strong roster featuring Hall of Famer George Hay, Billy Burch, Joe Malone, Harry Meeking, Jack Walker, and goaltender Hap Holmes. This talented group helped the Hamilton Tigers hockey club become a contender and even win the NHL regular-season title in 1924–25, though they were denied a Stanley Cup Final appearance due to a historic players’ strike over pay disputes.
Despite their short existence, the Hamilton Tigers hockey team stood out for its star players and influence on the NHL. Their 1924–25 strike led directly to major changes in player rights and salary structures, making them one of the first teams to challenge league policies. The club’s battles with financial issues, high salaries, and attendance problems forced its sale after the 1924–25 season, and the franchise rights were transferred to create the New York Americans.
Tigers Achievements
The Hamilton Tigers history also includes achievements such as producing future Hall of Famers like Billy Burch, who won the Hart Trophy as league MVP in 1925, and George Hay, who later starred in the American Hockey League. Even without a Stanley Cup championship, their regular-season dominance and pioneering labor action left a permanent mark on hockey history.
Today, the Hamilton Tigers hockey legacy is remembered for its role in shaping the NHL’s early years. By standing up for players’ rights, winning the regular-season championship, and helping produce multiple Hall of Fame stars, the Tigers set a precedent for future generations and remain a cornerstone of Canadian hockey history despite their brief time on the ice.
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