International Hockey League (1969-1985)
Tombstone
Born: 1969 – IHL expansion franchise
Moved: July 9, 1985 (Saginaw Generals)
First Game: October 17, 1969 (W 6-4 @ Des Moines Oak Leafs)
Last Game: April 28, 1985 (L 4-3 @ Kalamazoo Wings)
IHL Turner Cup Champions: 1984
Arena
IMA Sports Arena (4,021)
Opened: 1969
Marketing
Team Colors: Royal Blue, Gold and White
Ownership
Owners:
- 1969-1975: Frank Gallagher
- 1975-????: Robert Stork, Jack DeYonker, Eugene Chardoul & Bernard McAra
- ????-1985: Eugene Chardoul, et al.
Background
The Flint Generals were the long-time minor league hockey franchise for the auto-making city of Flint, Michigan. The club derived its name from the city’s once close association with General Motors. The Generals competed in the International Hockey League against a slate of Rust Belt opponents from Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin.
The Generals finest hour came in the spring of 1984. Flint swept the Toledo Goaldiggers in a best-of-7 series to win their first and only Turner Cup championship.
A little over a year later, the Generals left town after a dispute with IMA Sports Arena over weekend playing dates. The Generals moved to Saginaw, Michigan in July 1985. The franchise eventually folded in 1989 after four years in Saginaw.
Flint Generals Shop
Our Favorite Gear
International Hockey League
When it comes to replica jerseys, we turn to our friends at Royal Retros, who put extraordinary detail into their fully customizable football jerseys and T-Shirts, including those from the International Hockey League. Jerseys feature:
Free Customization Included
Each jersey individually handmade
Any name and number
Sewn tackle twill crest, numbers & letters
100% polyester
Heavyweight fabric made to game standards
Fight strap
Relive the days of the one of the most storied leagues in minor league hockey in great apparel from Royal Retros. Choose from jerseys, T-Shirts, hoodies, and hats. Multiple styles and colors available.
Flint Generals Video
Fantastic archival video of the Generals’ 1984 Turner Cup Finals victory over the Toledo Goaldiggers from WNEM TV5.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation documentary feature on the Flint Generals from the 1981-82 season
Links
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One Response
Denny McLean passed away yesterday in Grand Rapids MI, he played for the Flint Generals 1977-1978.