[2] In 1961, the team changed names and became known as the Hamilton Steelers and moved to the Eastern Canada Professional Soccer League.

When DiBartolemeo's partners decided to not return, he formed the Steelers on his own in 1981, choosing the name to give the club more of a Canadian identity.

[7] In 1982, they finished in second place during the regular season, but advanced to the playoff championship final where they defeated Toronto Italia to win their second consecutive title.

[6] Their first match was on May 22 against the Edmonton Eagles, in which they were defeated by the visiting side 2–1 in front of approximately 4,000 fans at Ivor Wynne Stadium.

After finishing in second at the time of the regular season suspension, Hamilton defeated Mississauga Croatia in the semi-finals, before falling to the Edmonton Eagles in the championship match.

[16] Following the 1991 season, the club folded due to financial difficulties,[16] despite offers of cost sharing with the Vancouver and Montreal team owners.