The Saginaw Hawks competed in the International Hockey League from 1987–89. Prominent former Saginaw Hawks include goalie Ed Belfour. The team was formerly known as the Saginaw Generals from 1985–87. The Saginaw Generals came into existence upon the relocation of the Flint Generals to Saginaw for the 1985–86 International Hockey League season. The Generals were renamed the Saginaw Hawks for the 1987–88 season to reflect their primary affiliation with the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League. After the 1988–89 season, the Chicago Blackhawks transferred their affiliated players from the Saginaw Hawks to the Indianapolis Ice.