HOME > Toronto Marlies Name Origin
Introduction
The Toronto Marlies are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League (AHL) and are affiliated with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). The team was founded in 2005 and has since become a beloved part of the Toronto hockey community. The Marlies have had a successful history, winning two Calder Cup championships in 2018 and 2019. However, many fans may not know the history and meaning behind the team's name. In this article, we will explore the origin story of the Toronto Marlies name.
Early Hockey in Toronto
To understand the origin of the Toronto Marlies name, we must first look at the early history of hockey in Toronto. The sport was introduced to the city in the late 1800s and quickly gained popularity. By the early 1900s, Toronto had several amateur and professional hockey teams, including the Toronto Blueshirts, Toronto Tecumsehs, and Toronto Shamrocks.
The Toronto Marlboros
One of the most successful and well-known hockey teams in Toronto during this time was the Toronto Marlboros. The team was founded in 1904 and played in the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA). The Marlboros quickly became a dominant force in the league, winning several championships in the early 1900s. The team's success continued into the 1920s and 1930s, with the Marlboros winning seven Memorial Cup championships between 1922 and 1938.
The Origin of the Marlies Name
The Toronto Marlies name has its roots in the Toronto Marlboros. In 1937, the Marlboros were purchased by a group of businessmen who wanted to bring professional hockey to Toronto. The team was renamed the Toronto Maple Leafs and became a member of the National Hockey League (NHL).
The Return of the Marlies
Despite the success of the Toronto Maple Leafs, many fans still had fond memories of the Toronto Marlboros. In 2005, the Maple Leafs organization decided to bring back the Marlies name for their AHL affiliate team. The decision was made to honor the history and legacy of the Toronto Marlboros and to give fans a chance to relive the glory days of the team.
Conclusion
The Toronto Marlies name has a rich history that dates back to the early days of hockey in Toronto. The team's name is a tribute to the successful and beloved Toronto Marlboros, who were a dominant force in the sport for several decades. Today, the Marlies continue to honor the legacy of the Marlboros and are a beloved part of the Toronto hockey community.
