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Cincinnati Mohawks

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cincinnati Mohawks
CityCincinnati, Ohio
LeagueAmerican Hockey League
International Hockey League
Operated1949–1958
Home arenaCincinnati Gardens
Colorsred, white and black
Franchise history
1941–1943Washington Lions
1947–1949Washington Lions
1949–1952 AHLCincinnati Mohawks
1952–1958 IHLCincinnati Mohawks
Championships
Regular season titlessix in the IHL
(1952–53, 1953–54, 1954–55, 1955–56, 1956–57, 1957–58)
Turner Cupsfive (1952–53, 1953–54, 1954–55, 1955–56, 1956–57)

The Cincinnati Mohawks was the name of two professional ice hockey teams in Cincinnati, Ohio who played their home games at the Cincinnati Gardens. The first Mohawks' club were members of the American Hockey League (AHL) between 1949 and 1952 while the second Mohawks' club played in the International Hockey League from 1952 to 1958.

In 1949, the Washington Lions relocated to Cincinnati and took on the name Mohawks. The club would be the first ice hockey team to serve the city of Cincinnati and were a farm team to the Montreal Canadiens from 1949 to 1951 and the New York Rangers from 1950 to 1952. The AHL variation of the Mohawks were less than impressive on the ice and finished last in their first two seasons. The club managed a playoff berth in the third season and advanced to the second round of the playoffs where they were knocked out by the Providence Reds 3 games to 1. However, during the AHL Mohawks three-year run, the club reportedly lost $200,000 so ownership decided to take a leave of absence from the league and reorganize. The organization formed a new company called the Cincinnati Mohawks, Inc., and obtained a franchise in the smaller and more manageable IHL.

The new Mohawks club were loaded with highly-talented young players such as Phil Goyette, Don Marshall, Charlie Hodge, Duke Edmundson, Billy Goold, John "Bun" Smith, Eddie Kachur, and coach Rollie McLenahan. Most of the club's players were provided by the Montreal Canadiens. While the Canadiens dominated the National Hockey League during the era, the Mohawks dominated the IHL. In their six-year stint in the league, Cincinnati's dynasty won six-straight regular season titles and five Turner Cup Championships. The IHL never saw another club match the Mohawks success during its 56-year run as a league.

Regular season

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Cincinnati Mohawks of the AHL

Season Games Won Lost Tied Points GF GA Standing
1949–50 70 19 37 14 52 185 257 5th, West
1950–51 70 28 34 8 64 203 228 5th, West
1951–52 68 29 33 6 64 183 228 3rd, West

Cincinnati Mohawks of the IHL

Season Games Won Lost Tied Points GF GA Standing
1952–53 60 43 13 4 90 310 152 1st, IHL
1953–54 64 47 15 2 96 325 153 1st, IHL
1954–55 60 40 19 1 81 268 164 1st, IHL
1955–56 60 45 13 2 92 336 159 1st, IHL
1956–57 60 50 9 1 101 245 113 1st, IHL
1957–58 64 43 16 5 91 303 176 1st, IHL

Playoffs

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Cincinnati Mohawks of the AHL

Season 1st round 2nd round Finals
1949–50 Out of Playoffs
1950–51 Out of Playoffs
1951–52 W, 3–0, Buffalo L, 1–3, Providence

Cincinnati Mohawks of the IHL

Season 1st round 2nd round Finals
1952–53 W, 4–1, Toledo None W, 4–0, Grand Rapids
1953–54 W, 4–1, Marion Bye W, 4–2, Johnstown
1954–55 W, 3–0, Toledo None W, 4–3, Troy
1955–56 W, 3–0, Fort Wayne None W, 4–0, Toledo-Marion
1956–57 W, 3–1, Huntington None W, 3–0, Indianapolis
1957–58 L, 1–3, Louisville

References

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10-23-1975 – Cincinnati Enquirer (Page 57)

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