In October 1988, with the Toronto Marlboros losing hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, Maple Leaf Gardens Limited reached an agreement to sell the team for a reported $500,000 to a group from Hamilton.

When they finished last in the standings, the Dukes declined their berth as hosts of the Memorial Cup tournament.

Also of note are Jeff Bes (Captain), Dino Felicetti, Rob Leask and Kayle Short for their careers in other professional leagues.

The colour of the top of the crown on the logo was either red or white, opposite or the background of the home or away jersey.

The Dukes played their home games at Copps Coliseum, which hosted the Memorial Cup in 1990.