Toronto Nationals (ice hockey)

Jr. A Nationals

In 1975, the Nationals won their one and only Junior "A" league title. They went on to the Ontario Hockey Association Championship and met the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League Champion Guelph CMC's. Guelph came out on top 4-games-to-2. The Nationals folded in 1977.

Playoffs

1973 Lost Final

Toronto Nationals defeated Aurora Tigers 4-games-to-none Toronto Nationals defeated Richmond Hill Rams 4-games-to-2 Wexford Raiders defeated Toronto Nationals 4-games-to-1

1974 Lost Quarter-final

North Bay Trappers defeated Toronto Nationals 4-games-to-3

1975 Won League, Lost OHA Buckland Cup

Toronto Nationals defeated Richmond Hill Rams 4-games-to-2 Toronto Nationals defeated Seneca Flyers 4-games-to-none Toronto Nationals defeated Wexford Raiders 4-games-to-1 OPJHL CHAMPIONS Guelph CMC's (SOJHL) defeated Toronto Nationals 4-games-to-2

1976 Lost Semi-final

Toronto Nationals defeated Royal York Royals 3-games-to-2 Toronto Nationals defeated Weston Dodgers 2-games-to-none North York Rangers defeated Toronto Nationals 4-games-to-1

1977 Lost Quarter-final

Markham Waxers defeated Toronto Nationals 4-games-to-none

Jr. B Nationals

In the early 1970s, the Toronto Nationals also had an entry in the Metro Junior B Hockey League who were 1973 Metro Champions and runners up for the Sutherland Cup All-Ontario title. The 1975-76 season saw a 14-year-old Wayne Gretzky challenge the wishes of the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association and sign with the Toronto Nationals. Barely 16 years old, Gretzky had played two seasons with the Nationals and scored 63 goals for 132 points in just 60 games. The Nationals won the 1977 Metro championship, led by the young Gretzky with 75 points in just 23 playoff games. The next season he signed with the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, a quick stop before going professional and starting what is considered by many hockey enthusiasts as the greatest career in hockey history.

Sutherland Cup appearances

1973: Sarnia Bees defeated Toronto Nationals 4-games-to-2

Notable Jr. B alumni

Bill Gardner

Wayne Gretzky

Basil McRae

Stu Smith

Daryl Evans