This article refers to the Saginaw Gears of the IHL. For the Saginaw Gears of the UHL, see Saginaw Gears (UHL). The Saginaw Gears were a minor-league ice hockey franchise that played in the defunct International Hockey League (IHL). The Gears existed from 1972 to 1983. The Gears played their home games at Wendler Arena in the Saginaw Civic Center (now known as The Dow Event Center). IHL hockey would later return to the Tri-Cities when the Flint Generals were moved to Saginaw, Michigan to become the Saginaw Generals for the 1985–86 season. Championships The Gears made the playoffs for nine straight seasons, from 1973–82. The Gears reached the Turner Cup Finals five times in that stretch, and won the following championships: Trivia The Turner Cup replica at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto has Saginaw misspelled as "Sagimaw" for the 1976-77 championship. Notable players The Gears sent several players to the National Hockey League in their 11-year existence. The biggest names include: John Gibson Lou Franceschetti Bob Froese Greg Hotham, whose sons Scott and Andrew played for the Saginaw Spirit Mario Lessard Mike Palmateer In 1974–75, longtime NHL forward/defenceman Reg Fleming joined the Gears in time for the 1975 playoffs. Head Coach Don Perry also made it to the NHL, coaching the Los Angeles Kings from 1981–84. Marcel Comeau, 1980–81 IHL's top scorer and most valuable player Dennis Desrosiers 10 year veteran of the Gears. High scoring right wing / tough guy. Color commentator of Saginaw Spirit Decades long career as a coach References External links Saginaw Gears statistics at Hockey Database Professional ice hockey teams in Michigan Defunct ice hockey teams in the United States International Hockey League (1945–2001) teams 1972 establishments in Michigan 1983 disestablishments in Michigan Ice hockey clubs established in 1972 Boston Bruins minor league affiliates