Toronto Huskies
In 1946, a group of arena owners gathered in New York to establish the Basketball Association of America. The majority of these potential basketball owners were already involved with the National Hockey League and sought to fill empty dates on their schedules. Only one Canadian delegation received an invitation from Maple Leaf Gardens. Frank Selke Sr., who managed the Gardens while Conn Smythe served overseas, contacted Ben Newman. Newman had previously coached two Canadian national championship teams and staged games at the Gardens. The franchise cost approximately $150,000, funded mostly by Bay Street backers in Toronto. Major partners included Eric Cradock, Harold Shannon, and Newman himself.
On the 1st of November 1946, the Huskies hosted the first game in BAA league history before an opening night crowd of 7,090. Ossie Schectman scored the opening basket for the New York Knickerbockers against the Toronto Huskies that evening. Anyone taller than George Nostrand received free admission on that specific date. Attendance quickly dwindled despite gimmicks like free stockings for all women in attendance. The hardships started almost immediately when Newman's father took ill soon after the first game. Newman left the team to take over his family scrap and steel metal business in St. Catharines, Ontario. Lack of cooperation from local media kept crowds low throughout the season. Lew Hayman served as managing director, coach, and general manager during this turbulent period.
Future all-star Ed Sadowski began the season as player-coach and was initially the team's top performer. Three weeks into the season, the Star reported that players had divided into two or three cliques that rarely spoke to each other. Sadowski quit just a month after the first game following open questioning of his coaching abilities. Four games with interim coaches followed before Hayman hired former Major League Baseball player Red Rolfe. Mike McCarron led the team with 649 points across 60 games. He and Fitzgerald were the only players to appear in every single contest. Hank Biasatti and Gino Sovran were the only Canadians on the Huskies roster, each playing just six games. Hermsen became the last active NBA player from the Huskies roster, retiring in 1953 as a member of the Indianapolis Olympians.
On the 27th of July 1947, the Huskies joined the Pittsburgh Ironmen in folding their teams simultaneously. This marked them among the first four BAA franchises ever to fold in league history alongside Detroit Falcons and Cleveland Rebels. The team compiled a 22, 38 win-loss record during its only season before disbanding. They never appeared in the playoffs despite participating in the inaugural 1947 BAA draft at The Leland Hotel. The Star published an estimate that team owners lost $100,000 in one season of operations. Ralph Siewert averaged just 1.1 points per game with the Huskies after being acquired from St. Louis Bombers in February 1947. Neither head coach would ever coach another game in the BAA or NBA following their time in Toronto.
Reviving the Huskies name was originally considered when selecting a name for Toronto's new NBA team in 1995. Management ruled out the option because no suitable logo could be designed without resembling Minnesota Timberwolves branding. A group of fans created a 'Bring back the Huskies' campaign complete with website TorontoHuskies.org. On the 8th of December 2009, the Raptors introduced throwback jerseys to commemorate the original Huskies. These uniforms were worn in six games during the 2009, 10 season and later used as retro alternatives. An alternate Air Canada Centre floor featured the Huskies dog logo at center court on these special nights. The Raptors unveiled the Huskies throwbacks again on the 23rd of August 2016 alongside Chinese New Year jerseys.
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Common questions
When did the Toronto Huskies play their first game in 1946?
The Toronto Huskies played their first game on the 1st of November 1946. This match hosted the New York Knickerbockers before an opening night crowd of 7,090 people.
Who managed and coached the Toronto Huskies during the 1946 season?
Lew Hayman served as managing director, coach, and general manager for the Toronto Huskies throughout the turbulent season. He took over after interim coaches failed to stabilize the team following Ed Sadowski's departure.
Why did the Toronto Huskies fold in July 1947?
The Toronto Huskies folded on the 27th of July 1947 alongside the Pittsburgh Ironmen due to financial losses and low attendance. Team owners lost approximately $100,000 during the single season of operations.
How many wins and losses did the Toronto Huskies record in their only season?
The Toronto Huskies compiled a win-loss record of 22 wins and 38 losses during their sole season. They never appeared in the playoffs despite participating in the inaugural 1947 BAA draft at The Leland Hotel.
When did the Toronto Raptors introduce throwback jerseys for the Toronto Huskies?
The Toronto Raptors introduced throwback jerseys to commemorate the original Toronto Huskies on the 8th of December 2009. These uniforms were worn in six games during the 2009-10 season and unveiled again on the 23rd of August 2016.