Des Moines Oak Leafs
The Des Moines Oak Leafs debuted in the USHL in 1961, playing in the Des Moines Ice Arena, which still stands today. The Oak Leafs played two years in that league before stepping up to the IHL, where they competed against other midwestern clubs. However, Iowa was a new state for the league, which had clubs from Ontario, Michigan, and Indiana in 1963.
The Oak Leafs had a strong start in the IHL, reaching the league championships in 1965 after winning 39 of their first 70 games. During this period, they were captained by John Annable, who would go on to become the club's all-time leading scorer with 403 points in 338 games. The Oak Leafs were defeated in the 1965 championship game by Fort Wayne.
The club would participate in the IHL until 1971-72, with another finals appearance in 1971 in which they were defeated by Port Huron. Overall, the squad had a successful tenure, making the playoffs in six of ten seasons. After 1971-72, the team rebranded as the Des Moines Capitols, removing the emblem of the charming little hockey player off their jerseys.
The Oak Leafs had a strong start in the IHL, reaching the league championships in 1965 after winning 39 of their first 70 games. During this period, they were captained by John Annable, who would go on to become the club's all-time leading scorer with 403 points in 338 games. The Oak Leafs were defeated in the 1965 championship game by Fort Wayne.
The club would participate in the IHL until 1971-72, with another finals appearance in 1971 in which they were defeated by Port Huron. Overall, the squad had a successful tenure, making the playoffs in six of ten seasons. After 1971-72, the team rebranded as the Des Moines Capitols, removing the emblem of the charming little hockey player off their jerseys.
