Niagara Falls Thunder

The Niagara Falls Thunder began play at the Memorial Arena in Niagara Falls, Ontario, in 1988-89 after relocating from Hamilton, where they were known as the Steelhawks. The team spent eight seasons in Niagara Falls and enjoyed success on the ice, making the playoffs in seven of those eight seasons.

Their first season in Niagara Falls, 1988-89, was arguably their most successful, winning 41 of 66 games and advancing to the finals before losing to Peterborough. The team's first five seasons were strong, recording 39+ wins three times and making five playoff appearances. However, by 1996, their on-ice success had cooled, and so had attendance. Though the team made the playoffs in their last two seasons, those campaigns included only 18 and 29 wins. With attendance continuing to lag, the team relocated across the border to Pennsylvania in 1996.

The Thunder produced several NHL alumni, including Stan Drulia, Brad May, Ethan Moreau, and Keith Primeau.