The team was based in Hamilton, Ontario, and played at Copps Coliseum.

The modernized name and logo was designed to catch on with a young fan base as well.

The team enjoyed three successful playoff runs, although they never made a trip to the league finals.

Wayne Gretzky's younger brother Keith Gretzky also played for the Steelhawks, and was the co-winner 1986–87 William Hanley Trophy as the OHA's Most Sportsmanlike Player.

The Hamilton Steelhawks played home games at Mountain Arena for 1984–85 and then moved to Copps Coliseum in December 1985 as the arena was not ready in time for the start of the season .