Niagara Predators

File:Toronto Predators goalie blue 2015.JPG

The Toronto Predators joined the GMHL as an expansion franchise in February 2013.{{Cite web|url = http://gmhl.net/sponsors/427-predators-join-gmhl-call-maple-leaf-gardens-home|title = Predators Join GMHL: Call Maple Leaf Gardens Home|date = 28 February 2013|website = GMHL}} Founded by Allan Donnan,{{Cite web|url = https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/09/06/victim_of_maple_leaf_gardens_abuse_reclaims_building_through_new_predators_hockey_team.html|title = Victim of Maple Leaf Gardens abuse reclaims building through new Predators hockey team|date = 6 September 2013|website = Toronto Star}}{{Cite web|url = http://www.torontosun.com/2013/09/06/stuckless-victim-returns-with-hockey-team-to-take-back-gardens|title = Stuckless victim returns with hockey team to 'take back' Gardens 27|date = 6 September 2013|website = Toronto Sun}}{{Cite web|url = http://www.torontosun.com/2013/09/07/abuse-survivor-returns-to-maple-leaf-gradens|title = Abuse survivor returns to Maple Leaf Gardens|date = 7 September 2013|website = Toronto Sun}} the Predators called the historic Maple Leaf Gardens (now known as Mattamy Athletic Centre) home.

The Predators played their first game on September 7, 2013, at home, against the Orangeville Americans. Hockey Hall of Famers Ken Dryden and Darryl Sittler, and singer John McDermott did the opening puck drop, as the Americans won the game 4–2. Mitch Hebert scored the first goal in team history, just five seconds into the game, while goaltender Marc Villeneuve made 49 saves in a losing effort.{{Cite web|url = http://gmhl.net/wrapper/game.php?game_id=103900|title = Game Information|date = 7 September 2013|website = GMHL}} On September 28, 2013, Robin Bonvin scored in overtime to give the Predators their first franchise victory. Playing on home ice, Marc Villeneuve made 58 saves in net, against the Knights of Meaford, in the 3–2 victory.{{Cite web|url = http://gmhl.net/wrapper/game.php?game_id=103903|title = Game Information|date = 28 September 2013|website = GMHL}} Mitch Hebert scored a franchise record four goals on October 27, 2013, against the Powassan Eagles. Hebert was the first Predator to notch a hat trick.{{Cite web|url = http://gmhl.net/wrapper/game.php?game_id=103908|title = Game Information|date = 27 October 2013|website = GMHL}}

After their inaugural season the Predators were taken over by Robert Turnbull.{{Cite web|url = http://www.torontopredators.com/story/43/turnbull-brings-wealth-of-experience-to-predators|title = Turnbull brings wealth of experience to Predators|date = 2 June 2014|website = Toronto Predators}} A longtime Hamilton Red Wings (1999–2014) general manager and team president, Turnbull took over from previous owner Allan Donnan (who also owned the Toronto Attack). Before the 2017–18 season, the Predators had relocated their home games to Canlan Ice Sports – York in North York.{{Cite web |url=https://gmhl.net/team/_/58331?&slug=_&area=schedule |title=Toronto Predators - 2017-2018 Schedule |website=GMHL |access-date=14 May 2021}}

Following the 2020–21 season that was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team relocated to Niagara-on-the-Lake for the 2021–22 season.{{Cite web |url=https://gmhl.net/news/predators-relocate-to-niagara-on-the-lake/57656 |title=Predators Relocate to Niagara-on-the-Lake |website=GMHL |date=10 May 2021}}

File:Toronto Predators player blue 2015.JPG

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• [http://www.niagarapredators.com Niagara Predators website]

{{GMHL}}

Category:2013 establishments in Ontario

Category:Ice hockey clubs established in 2013

Category:Ice hockey teams in Ontario

Category:Niagara-on-the-Lake