Guelph Platers
Order classic Guelph Platers tees, hoodies and hats. Named for the electroplating trade in Guelph's industrial past, the Platers came out of nowhere in 1985-86 under coach Jacques Martin to win 41 games, the league title and the Memorial Cup, with Kirk Muller and Gary Roberts among their alumni. Celebrate Guelph junior hockey by browsing all of our Platers gear, then read the team history below. We are a small business dedicated to bringing back the history and designs of fondly remembered and long-lost hockey teams from throughout hockey history.
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Guelph Platers History
The Guelph Platers began their major junior hockey journey in 1982 when they joined the league as an expansion team. The team's name, the Platers, was inspired by electroplating, reflecting the industrial roots of the Guelph area. Initially, success was hard to come by for the Platers, as the team struggled through its early years, managing only 48 wins in their first three seasons.
However, in 1985-86, the team came out of nowhere with a surprisingly good season. Under the guidance of legendary coach Jacques Martin, the Platers made a remarkable turnaround. That season they won 41 games and the league title. They furthered that accomplishment by going on to win the Memorial Cup.
Unfortunately, the Platers' success was fleeting. After their Memorial Cup triumph, Jacques Martin moved on to the NHL in the summer of 1986. In the years following Martin's departure, the Platers never regained their championship form, failing to win more than 30 games in a season. By 1989, the franchise relocated to Owen Sound, ending the Guelph chapter of the team's history.
Two of the most famous alumni from the Platers' Guelph days are Kirk Muller and Gary Roberts, both of whom enjoyed successful careers in the NHL.
