The franchise was originally founded as an NLL expansion team for Hamilton, Ontario to begin play in the 1998 season. They were known as the Ontario Raiders, and played their home games at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton during their first year. Former Buffalo Bandits coach Les Bartley was hired to coach the new team, and he lured former Bandit Jim Veltman to join him, becoming the Raiders' captain. The Raiders finished a respectable 6-6, barely missing the playoffs.
At the conclusion of the season the team was sold to a group of investors led by Bill Watters, then the Assistant GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL, and relocated to Toronto.[1] They were subsequently renamed the "Toronto Rock", and began play at Maple Leaf Gardens in the 1999 season.
Wall Tapestry
jane iredale
At the conclusion of the season the team was sold to a group of investors led by Bill Watters, then the Assistant GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL, and relocated to Toronto.[1] They were subsequently renamed the "Toronto Rock", and began play at Maple Leaf Gardens in the 1999 season.
Wall Tapestry
jane iredale
