Fergus Whalers

Canadian junior ice hockey team

Fergus Whalers

City| Fergus, Ontario
League| Provincial Junior Hockey League
Division| Pollock (North Conf)
Home arena| Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex
Colours| green, Royalblue, and White
General manager| Craig Dool
Head coach| Ryan Black
Franchise history
1971-1987| Fergus Green Machine
1990-2015| Fergus Devils
2023-Present| Fergus Whalers
Championships
League champions| NJDHL: 1980
GMOHL: 1995, 1999, 2000, and 2001

The Fergus Whalers are a Junior ice hockey team based in Fergus, Ontario, Canada. They played in the PJHL), joining the league as an expansion franchise prior to the 2023-24. The team will play in the Pollock Division of the North Conference.

The Whalers will be a continuation of Fergus involvement in junior hockey taking the place of the Fergus Devils who were a Junior ice hockey team that played in the former Georgian Mid-Ontario Junior C Hockey League (now a part of the PJHL). They took a leave of absence for the 2015/16 season and have not returned.

## History

[edit]

The Fergus Green Machine were founded in 1971 in the South-Central Junior D Hockey League.[1] In 1973, the league was promoted to the Central Ontario Junior C Hockey League.[1] In 1974, the team seemed to have dropped off the map, but it turns out they had probably dropped to the fairly local Northern Junior D Hockey League.[2] In 1979-80, while in the Northern, the Green Machine picked up a 16-year-old Scottish defenseman named James Stephen Smith.[3] Smith led the team to a league championship, and all the way to the Ontario Hockey Association Cup final against the Belmont Bombers of the Western Ontario Junior D Hockey League. The Bombers knocked off the Machine 2-games-to-none in a best-of-3 series to win the All-Ontario championship.[4] Smith went on to play three seasons of Ontario Hockey League hockey with the London Knights before eventually winning three Stanley Cups with the National Hockey League's Edmonton Oilers.[3]

In 1983, the Green Machine returned to their old Junior "C" loop,[1] now known as the Mid-Ontario Junior C Hockey League. The Northern Junior D Hockey League folded two seasons later without the Fergus franchise.[5] In 1987 the Green Machine folded.

In 1990, the town of Fergus resurrected the team as the Fergus Devils. Still in the Mid-Ontario Junior C Hockey League, the Devils played two seasons of interlock with the Western Junior C Hockey League. Two years later, the Mid-Ontario merged with the Georgian Bay Junior C Hockey League to form the Georgian Mid-Ontario Junior C Hockey League.[6] It is unknown if the Devils won any Mid-Ontario championships. The Devils found their niche in the new league and won the league title in 1995, 1999, 2000, and 2001. The Devils have never reached the Clarence Schmalz Cup finals.[4]

The 2005-06 season saw the Devils finish in second play in the Georgian Mid-Ontario. In the league quarter-final, the Devils laid out the seventh-seeded Bradford Bulls 4 games to none. With a head of steam, the Devils played the fourth seeded Erin Shamrocks in the semi-final. The result was a 4-games-to-1 series win for the Devils. In the finals, the Devils locked horns with the first seed Penetang Kings. The Devils were no match for the Kings as Penetang swept the series 4-games-to-none to win the league championship. The Kings went on to win the Clarence Schmalz Cup.[7]

In 2006-07, a late season surge saw the Fergus Devils surpass the Alliston Hornets and Penetang Kings to gain the top seed in the league. As the Bradford Bulls had left the league to try their chances on an Independent Junior A league, the Devils received a bye in the league quarter-finals. The well rested Devils took on the fifth seeded Stayner Siskins in the league semi-final and beat them 4-games-to-1. Again in the finals, the Devils again faced the Penetang Kings. The Kings went up 2-games-to-none on the Devils with a pair of double overtime victories. The Devils came back ane won game 3 and 4 just to lose game 5 and 6. For the second straight year the Penetang Kings beat the Devils for the league title and again went on to win the Clarence Schmalz Cup.[7]

The Devils folded following the 2014/15 season.

Prior to the start of the 2023-24 Provincial Junior Hockey League season, Jason Baier secured a new franchise and introduced the Fergus Whalers. The team competed in the North Conference and the Pollock Division.

## Season-by-season standings

[edit]

Season | GP | W | L | T | OTL | GF | GA | P | Results | Playoffs

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1971-72 | 30 | 21 | 6 | 3 | - | 215 | 107 | 45 | 1st SCJDHL | Won league, lost OHA Cup SF
1972-73 | 29 | 21 | 3 | 5 | - | 214 | 132 | 49 | 1st SCJDHL | Lost final
1973-74 | 30 | 2 | 25 | 3 | - | 114 | 239 | 7 | 7th Central G1 | DNQ
1974-75 | 28 | 10 | 15 | 3 | - | 158 | 164 | 25 | 5th of 7 NJDHL | DNQ
1975-76 | 28 | 16 | 9 | 3 | - | 162 | 133 | 35 | 4th of 8 NJDHL | Lost semi-final, 1-4 (Ironmen)
1976-77 | 24 | 14 | 6 | 4 | - | 164 | 129 | 32 | 2nd of 5 NJDHL | Won semi-final, 4-1 (Ironmen)
1977-78 |
1978-79 | 34 | 22 | 8 | 4 | - | 230 | 155 | 48 | 2nd NJDHL |
1979-80 |
1980-81 | 30 | 12 | 15 | 3 | - | 158 | 198 | 27 | 4th WOJCHL |
1981-82 | 30 | 13 | 14 | 3 | - | 168 | 164 | 29 | 5th WOJCHL |
1982-83 | Did not participate
1983-84 | 34 | 12 | 21 | 1 | - | 166 | 202 | 25 | 6th MOJCHL | Lost quarter-final 1-3 (Hornets)
1984-85 | 36 | 23 | 12 | 1 | - | 224 | 135 | 45 | 2nd MOJCHL | Lost quarter-final 0-3 (Crushers)
1985-86 | 34 | 20 | 14 | 0 | - | 183 | 178 | 40 | 3rd MOJCHL |
1986-87 | 33 | 21 | 11 | 1 | - | 235 | 166 | 43 | 2nd MOJCHL | Won quarter-final 4-0 (Harvesters)
Won semi-final 4-1 (Crushers)
Lost final 0-4 (Blues)
1987-90 | Did not participate
1990-91 | 34 | 3 | 31 | 0 | - | \-- | \-- | 6 | 6th MOJCHL | Lost quarter-final 1-4 (Sabres)
1991-92 | 34 | 7 | 24 | 3 | - | 136 | 220 | 17 | 6th MOJCHL | Won quarter-final 4-1 (Hornets)
Lost semi-final 0-4 (Crushers)
1992-93 | 38 | 19 | 14 | 4 | 1 | 200 | 187 | 43 | 2nd MOJCHL | no data
1993-94 | 40 | 18 | 21 | 1 | - | 233 | 248 | 37 | 4th MOJCHL | Lost quarter-final (Shamrocks)
1994-95 | 36 | 21 | 14 | 1 | - | \-- | \-- | 43 | 3rd GMOHL | Won quarter-final 4-0 (Shamrocks)
Won semi-final 4-3 (Hornets)
Won League 4-0 (Kings)
Lost CSC quarter-final (Patriots)
1995-96 | 44 | 18 | 24 | 2 | - | 204 | 226 | 38 | 7th GMOHL | DNQ
1996-97 | 36 | 16 | 20 | 0 | - | 171 | 162 | 32 | 7th GMOHL | Won quarter-final 3-0 (Siskins)
Won semi-final 4-1 (Bulls)
Lost final 3-4 (Cubs)
1997-98 | 36 | 22 | 14 | 0 | - | 159 | 123 | 44 | 2nd GMOHL | Won quarter-final 3-2 (Cubs)
Lost semi-final 2-4 (Bulls)
1998-99 | 36 | 25 | 9 | 2 | - | 178 | 130 | 52 | 2nd GMOHL | Won quarter-final 4-1 (Shamrocks)
Won semi-final 4-0 (Siskins)
Won League 4-2 (Flyers)
Lost CSC quarter-final 3-4 (Bulldogs)
1999-00 | 36 | 31 | 5 | 0 | - | 226 | 123 | 62 | 1st GMOHL | Won quarter-final 4-0 (Hornets)
Won semi-final 4-1 (Cubs)
Won League 4-0 (Siskins)
Lost CSC quarter-final 3-4 (Bulldogs)
2000-01 | 36 | 22 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 185 | 140 | 45 | 2nd GMOHL | Won quarter-final 4-0 (Hornets)
Won semi-final 4-3 (Flyers)
Won League 4-2 (Siskins)
Lost CSC quarter-final 1-4 (Barons)
2001-02 | 36 | 21 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 165 | 135 | 46 | 3rd GMOHL | Won quarter-final 4-3 (Cougars)
Lost semi-final 0-4 (Shamrocks)
2002-03 | 36 | 17 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 126 | 130 | 35 | 6th GMOHL | Lost quarter-final 1-4 (Cougars)
2003-04 | 36 | 16 | 17 | 1 | 2 | 165 | 178 | 35 | 5th GMOHL | Lost quarter-final 1-4 (Kings)
2004-05 | 40 | 25 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 160 | 117 | 55 | 2nd GMOHL | Won quarter-final 4-2 (Cougars)
Lost semi-final 2-4 (Kings)
2005-06 | 42 | 25 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 170 | 128 | 58 | 2nd GMOHL | Won quarter-final 4-0 (Hornets)
Won semi-final 4-1 (Shamrocks)
Lost final 0-4 (Kings)
2006-07 | 41 | 29 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 220 | 104 | 63 | 1st GMOHL | Quarter-final BYE
Won semi-final 4-1 (Siskins)
Lost final 2-4 (Kings)
2007-08 | 42 | 27 | 11 | 1 | 3 | 208 | 147 | 58 | 3rd GMOHL | Won quarter-final 4-1 (Siskins)
Lost semi-final 2-4 (Kings)
2008-09 | 42 | 14 | 27 | - | 1 | 134 | 202 | 29 | 6th GMOHL | Lost quarter-final 0-4 (Shamrocks)
2009-10 | 42 | 13 | 26 | - | 3 | 133 | 219 | 29 | 5th GMOHL | Lost quarter-final 3-4 (Shamrocks)
2010-11 | 40 | 13 | 25 | - | 2 | 132 | 174 | 28 | 7th GMOHL | Lost quarter-final 1-4 (Shamrocks)
2011-12 | 40 | 2 | 38 | - | 0 | 79 | 267 | 4 | 8th GMOHL | Lost quarter-final 0-4 (Siskins)
2012-13 | 40 | 12 | 27 | - | 1 | 89 | 165 | 25 | 8th GMOHL | DNQ
2013-14 | 40 | 17 | 19 | - | 4 | 143 | 170 | 38 | 8th GMOHL | Lost quarter-final 0-4 (Hornets)
2014-15 | 40 | 16 | 20 | - | 4 | 130 | 169 | 36 | 8th GMOHL | Lost quarter-final 0-4 (Hornets)
2015-16 | LEAVE OF ABSENCE
2016-17 | Assumed to have folded the franchise
Fergus Whalers
2023-24 | 42 | 20 | 17 | 3 | 2 | 152 | 135 | 45 | 4th of 8
Pollock Div-PJHL  | Won Div.quarterfinal, 4-0 (Capitals)
Lost Div Semifinals, 2-4 (Barons)
2024-25 | 42 | 27 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 176 | 116 | 59 | 3rd of 8 Pollock Div
6th of 15 North Conf
18th of 63-PJHL  | Won Div.quarterfinal, 4-1 (Hawks)
Won Div Semifinals 4-1 (Patriots)
Lost Div Final 1-4 (Barons)

* 2000-2004[8]
* 2004–Present[7]

## Notable alumni

[edit]

* James Stephen Smith[3]
* Chris Driscoll[9] (NLL Pro lacrosse player)
* Greg Jacina[10]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c Fergus Green Machine
2. ^ Owen Sound Sun Times Sports section, Februarys 1975, 1978, 1981
3. ^ a b c Legends of Hockey – NHL Player Search – Player – Steve Smith
4. ^ a b Ontario Hockey Association 2006-2007 Constitution, Regulations and Rules of Competition by The Ontario Hockey Association (2006)
5. ^ AncasterShamrocks
6. ^ ExeterHawks
7. ^ a b c Home | Ontario Hockey Association
8. ^ http://www.ohahockey.org/ Provided by GMO League statistician
9. ^ Chris Driscoll's profile at hockeydb.com
10. ^ Fergus Devils Junior C Hockey

## External links

[edit]

* Devils' Webpage

* v
* t
* e

Provincial Junior Hockey League

Carruthers|

* Alliston Hornets
* Huntsville Otters
* Innisfil Spartans
* Midland Flyers
* Muskoka Bears
* Orillia Terriers
* Penetang Kings
* Stayner Siskins
* (See also: GMOHL)

Pollock|

* Fergus Whalers
* Goderich Flyers
* Hanover Barons
* Kincardine Bulldogs
* Mitchell Hawks
* Mount Forest Patriots
* Walkerton Capitals
* Wingham Ironmen
* (See also: WOJCHL)

Bloomfield|

* Dundas Blues
* Dunnville Jr. Mudcats
* Glanbrook Rangers
* Grimsby Peach Kings
* Hagersville Hawks
* Niagara Riverhawks
* Port Dover Sailors
* Streetsville Derbys
* (See also: NDJCHL)

Doherty|

* Dorchester Dolphins
* Hespeler Shamrocks
* New Hamburg Firebirds
* Norwich Merchants
* Paris Titans
* Tavistock Braves
* Wellesley Applejacks
* Woodstock Navy-Vets
* (See also: MWJCHL)

Orr|

* Caledon Golden Hawks
* Clarington Eagles
* Georgina Ice
* Little Britain Merchants
* Port Perry Lumberjacks
* Schomberg Cougars
* Uxbridge Bruins
* (See also: COJCHL)

Tod|

* Amherstview Jets
* Campbellford Rebels
* Frankford Huskies
* Lakefield Chiefs
* Napanee Raiders
* North Kawartha Knights
* Picton Pirates
* Port Hope Panthers
* (See also: EBJCHL)

Stobbs|

* Amherstburg Admirals
* Blenheim Blades
* Dresden Jr. Kings
* Essex 73's
* Lakeshore Canadiens
* Mooretown Flags
* Walpole Island Wild
* Wheatley Sharks
* (See also: GLJCHL)

Yeck|

* Aylmer Spitfires
* Exeter Hawks
* Lucan Irish
* Mount Brydges Bulldogs
* North Middlesex Stars
* Petrolia Flyers
* Port Stanley Sailors
* Thamesford Trojans
* (See also: SOJHL)

Seasons|

*   * 2016–17
* 2017–18
* 2018–19
* 2019–20
* 2020–21
* 2021–22
* 2022–23
* 2023–24
* 2024–25

Former teams|

* Ayr Centennials
* Burford Bulldogs
* Delhi Travellers
* Gananoque Islanders
* Lambeth Lancers

* Clarence Schmalz Cup
* Ontario Hockey Association
* Ontario Hockey Federation
* Hockey Canada

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