Mike Mahoney was a championship hockey and baseball player. As a teenager he moved to Guelph from South Porcupine, Ontario to join the Biltmore Madhatters. Under the coaching of legendary Eddie Bush, Mahoney helped lead the team to the Ontario Hockey Association championship during the 1956-57 season along with teammates Bill Sweeney and Eddie Shack. This tough, defensive defenceman would go on to play over 600 games in the American Hockey League, including 538 with the Hershey Bears. Only five players have played more games for the Bears in their 72-year history.
During the 1968-69 season with Hershey, Mahoney had his best offensive season with 13 goals and 36 points and helped guide the team to the Calder Cup championship.
During the off-season the power hitter would come back to Guelph to play baseball with the local Inter-County League team. In 1967 Mahoney, an outfielder, was named a first-team all-star and the Guelph CJOY’s most valuable player. He was also an all-star in 1965. Mahoney was always quick with a smile and well liked by his teammates and it seemed wherever he played, success was soon to follow. It is hard not to wonder how many years Mahoney would have spent in the NHL had he played today where there are 30 teams and not just the original six of his era. Regardless, his career was well respected by hockey minds everywhere and especially appreciated by the residents of Guelph.
Inducted into the Guelph Sports Hall of Fame – Athlete category – on October 27, 2010
