North American Hockey League
Encyclopedia
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) is one of the top junior hockey leagues in the United States
and is enterting its 36th season in 2011-12. It is currently the only Junior A Tier II league, sanctioned by USA Hockey
. The NAHL currently acts as an alternative to the United States Hockey League
(USHL). The NAHL is the oldest and largest junior hockey league in the United States.
The league currently consists of five divisions with a total of 28 teams. The teams span the United States
from New York
in the East to California
in the West; from Alaska
in the North to Texas
in the South. The teams play a 58-game regular season, starting in mid-September and ending in early April. The winner of each division will join the host team of the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament
, a six team round-robin
event.
From its beginning in 1975, the NAHL was primarily a 6-12 team league based in the Midwest. All that changed in 2003 when the league and the defunct America West Hockey League merged to form a 19-team league, which has since grown to an all-time high of 28 for the 2011-12 season
, Billings Bulls
, and Helena Bighorns
left the league for the Northern Pacific Hockey League
. Cleveland Jr. Barons
were granted inactive status for the season. Wasilla Spirit changed name to Alaska Avalanche. Minnesota Blizzard changed name to Alexandria Blizzard. Texarkana Bandits moved to Chesterfield, Missouri
and changed name to St. Louis Bandits
. Marquette Rangers were added to the league.
2007–2008 season: Santa Fe Roadrunners moved to Topeka, Kansas
. The Topeka Roadrunners
now play at Landon Arena
. The Kenai River Brown Bears
started playing in the league.
2008-2009 season: The Southern Minnesota Express moved to Detroit and changed their name to the Motor City Machine. However, the Express' home city of Owatonna was granted another NAHL team for 2008-09, named the Owatonna Express. The Express are joined by another new Minnesota NAHL franschise, the Albert Lea Thunder. The Texas Tornado franchise will go dark for a year as they await renovations on their arena. Wenatchee, Washington
has been awarded an expansion franchise for the 2008-09 season. The Fargo-Moorhead Jets
are approved for dormancy. .
2009-2010 season: The Janesville Jets
are awarded an expansion franchise. The Mahoning Valley Phantoms
leave the league for the USHL. The USNTDP also leave the league. The Texas Tornado
return to the league after taking a year off while their home arena was undergoing renovations. The Motor City franchise's new ownership changes the team's nickname from Machine to Metal Jackets.
2010-2011 season: The NAHL Board of Governors accepted membership of several new teams to play this season in the league. The Fresno Monsters are awarded an expansion franchise. The Monsters played in the Tier III A Western States Hockey League before getting switched over to the North American Hockey League for the 2010-2011 season. They will play at the Selland Arena in Fresno, California. The Corpus Christi IceRays are awarded an expansion franchise. The IceRays were known as the Alpena IceDiggers and Toledo in the North America Hockey League [the same league, no new league change, just name change]. They will play in the South Division at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Chicago Hitmen joined the North Division and will play starting this season at West Meadows Ice Arena in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The Marquette Rangers moved to Flint, Michigan and changed their name to Michigan Warriors. The Michigan Warriors will play in the North Division at the Perani Arena and Event Center. Port Huron joined the North Division and will play starting this season at McMorran Place in Port Huron, Michigan. The Coulee Region Chill joined the Central Division and will play at Onalaska OmniCenter in Onalaska, Wisconsin. The Aberdeen Wings joined the Central Division and will play at the Odde Ice Center in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The Austin Bruins joined the Central Division and will play at the Riverside Arena in Austin, Minnesota. The Dawson Creek Rage joined the West Division and will play at EnCana Events Centre in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. The Amarillo Bulls joined the South Division and will play at Amarillo Civic Center in Amarillo, Texas. The New Mexico Mustangs joined the South Division and will play at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and is enterting its 36th season in 2011-12. It is currently the only Junior A Tier II league, sanctioned by USA Hockey
USA Hockey
USA Hockey is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and the United States Olympic Committee as the governing body for amateur ice hockey in the United States and is a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation. The organization is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and has...
. The NAHL currently acts as an alternative to the United States Hockey League
United States Hockey League
The United States Hockey League is the top junior ice hockey league in the United States. The USHL has 16 member teams located in the Midwestern United States, consisting of players who are 20 years of age and younger...
(USHL). The NAHL is the oldest and largest junior hockey league in the United States.
The league currently consists of five divisions with a total of 28 teams. The teams span the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
from New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
in the East to California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
in the West; from Alaska
Alaska
Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
in the North to Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
in the South. The teams play a 58-game regular season, starting in mid-September and ending in early April. The winner of each division will join the host team of the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament
Robertson Cup Championship Tournament
The Robertson Cup is a 6-day, round-robin tournament held at the end of the NAHL season. The trophy is awarded to the national playoff champion of the NAHL. The oldest junior hockey trophy in the United States, the Robertson Cup is named in honor of Chuck Robertson, a pioneer of junior hockey in...
, a six team round-robin
Round-robin tournament
A round-robin tournament is a competition "in which each contestant meets all other contestants in turn".-Terminology:...
event.
From its beginning in 1975, the NAHL was primarily a 6-12 team league based in the Midwest. All that changed in 2003 when the league and the defunct America West Hockey League merged to form a 19-team league, which has since grown to an all-time high of 28 for the 2011-12 season
Current teams
The 2011-12 season has 28 teams playing in 5 divisions:| Midwest Division | |||||||||||||||||||
| Team | Arena | Location | |||||||||||||||||
| Chicago Hitmen Chicago Hitmen The Chicago Hitmen are a Junior A Tier II ice hockey team based out of Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The Hitmen play in the North American Hockey League's Midwest Division. The team plays in the 1,000 seat West Meadows Ice Arena... |
Fox Valley Ice Arena | Geneva, Illinois Geneva, Illinois Geneva is the county seat of Kane County, Illinois. It is located on the western fringe of the Chicago suburbs. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 26,652. Geneva is part of a tri-city area, along with St. Charles and Batavia... |
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| Coulee Region Chill Coulee Region Chill The Coulee Region Chill is a Junior A Tier II ice hockey team based out of Onalaska, Wisconsin . For the 2010-2011 season, the Chill debuted in the North American Hockey League's Central Division... |
Onalaska OmniCenter | Onalaska, Wisconsin Onalaska, Wisconsin Onalaska is a city in La Crosse County, Wisconsin. The 2011 Census Bureau estimates the city had a population of 18,097. It is part of the La Crosse Metropolitan Area.... |
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| Janesville Jets Janesville Jets The Janesville Jets are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League. Based in Janesville, Wisconsin, their home games are played at the Janesville Ice Arena.-History:... |
Janesville Ice Arena Janesville Ice Arena Janesville Ice Arena is an ice arena and skating center in Janesville Wisconsin. It is home to high school and youth hockey programs and now the Janesville Jets NAHL hockey team. The rink is located at 821 Beloit AveJanesville, Wisconsin... |
Janesville, Wisconsin Janesville, Wisconsin Janesville is a city in southern Wisconsin, United States. It is the county seat of Rock County and the principal municipality of the Janesville, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 62,998.-History:... |
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| Springfield Jr. Blues Springfield Jr. Blues The Springfield Jr. Blues are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's Mid-west Division. The team plays their home games at the Nelson Center in Springfield, Illinois. The Jr. Blues are coached by Head Coach Joe Dibble and Assistant Coach Jason... |
Nelson Center Nelson Center The Nelson Center is a 2,100-seat multi purpose ice arena and recreational facility located in Springfield, Illinois. The ice arena has two NHL regulation-sized ice sheets.It is also the home to the Springfield Jr... |
Springfield, Illinois Springfield, Illinois Springfield is the third and current capital of the US state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County with a population of 117,400 , making it the sixth most populated city in the state and the second most populated Illinois city outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area... |
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| St. Louis Bandits St. Louis Bandits The St. Louis Bandits are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's Midwest Division. The team plays their home games at the 2,200-seat Hardee's Iceplex in Chesterfield, Missouri.... |
Hardee's Iceplex | Chesterfield, Missouri Chesterfield, Missouri Chesterfield is a second-ring western suburb of St. Louis and is the largest city in west St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. As of the 2010 census the population is 47,484. Chesterfield also celebrated its 20th birthday in 2008.- Geography :... |
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| North Division | |||||||||||||||||||
| Team | Arena | Location | |||||||||||||||||
| Jamestown Ironmen | James Saving Bank Arena Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena is a multi-purpose arena in Jamestown, New York, USA. It hosts local sporting events and concerts. It has been the home of two short-lived minor league hockey teams: the Jamestown Titans of the North Eastern Hockey League in 2003-04 and the Jamestown Vikings of the... |
Jamestown, New York Jamestown, New York Jamestown is a city in Chautauqua County, New York in the United States. The population was 31,146 at the 2010 census.The City of Jamestown is adjacent to Town of Ellicott and is at the southern tip of Chautauqua Lake... |
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| Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings The Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings are an American junior A ice hockey team based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings will begin their inaugural season in 2011. The K-Wings play their home games at Wings West Arena which seats 1,500... |
Wings West | Kalamazoo, Michigan Kalamazoo, Michigan The area on which the modern city stands was once home to Native Americans of the Hopewell culture, who migrated into the area sometime before the first millennium. Evidence of their early residency remains in the form of a small mound in downtown's Bronson Park. The Hopewell civilization began to... |
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| Michigan Warriors Michigan Warriors The Michigan Warriors are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team based in Flint, Michigan. The Warriors play in the North American Hockey League's North Division. Previously known as the Marquette Rangers, the Warriors will play their home games at Perani Arena and Event Center.Even as a junior club,... |
Perani Arena and Event Center | Flint, Michigan Flint, Michigan Flint is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and is located along the Flint River, northwest of Detroit. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the 2010 population to be placed at 102,434, making Flint the seventh largest city in Michigan. It is the county seat of Genesee County which lies in the... |
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| Port Huron Fighting Falcons Port Huron Fighting Falcons The Port Huron Fighting Falcons are a Junior A Tier II ice hockey team based out of Port Huron, Michigan began play in 2010-11. A member of the North American Hockey League's North Division, the team plays their home games in the McMorran Arena. On July 10, 2010 the team announced its name as... |
McMorran Arena | Port Huron, Michigan Port Huron, Michigan Port Huron is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and the county seat of St. Clair County. The population was 30,184 at the 2010 census. The city is adjacent to Port Huron Township but is administratively autonomous. It is joined by the Blue Water Bridge over the St. Clair River to Sarnia,... |
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| Traverse City North Stars Traverse City North Stars The Traverse City North Stars are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's North Division, and play out of 1,500-seat Centre ICE Arena in Traverse City, Michigan, recently re-branded Hockeytown North via a branding relationship with the Detroit Red Wings who use the... |
Centre ICE Arena | Traverse City, Michigan Traverse City, Michigan Traverse City is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the county seat of Grand Traverse County, although a small portion extends into Leelanau County. It is the largest city in the 21-county Northern Michigan region. The population was 14,674 at the 2010 census, with 143,372 in the Traverse... |
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| Central Division | |||||||||||||||||||
| Team | Arena | Location | |||||||||||||||||
| Aberdeen Wings Aberdeen Wings The Aberdeen Wings are a Junior A Tier II ice hockey team based out of Aberdeen, South Dakota set to begin play for 2010-11. A member of the North American Hockey League in the Central Division, the Wings will play their home games in the Odde Ice Center. Their first head coach will be Pete... |
Odde Ice Center | Aberdeen, South Dakota Aberdeen, South Dakota Aberdeen is a city in and the county seat of Brown County, South Dakota, United States, about 125 mi northeast of Pierre. Settled in 1880, it was incorporated in 1882. The city population was 26,091 at the 2010 census. The American News is the local newspaper... |
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| Alexandria Blizzard Alexandria Blizzard The Alexandria Blizzard are a Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's central division. For the 2005-2006 season, the team was known as the Minnesota Blizzard, one of four expansion teams that started operations that year... |
Runestone Community Center Runestone Community Center The Runestone Community Center is a multi purpose ice arena and recreational facility located in Alexandria, Minnesota. The ice arena serves as the home to the Alexandria Blizzard of the North American Hockey League The facility is also home to several local high school ice hockey teams, local... |
Alexandria, Minnesota Alexandria, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 8,820 people, however the most recent count suggests a population upwards of 10,000, which is displayed on Alexandria's city limits signs. The census lists 4,047 households, and 2,011 families residing in the city. The population density was 992.5 people per... |
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| Austin Bruins Austin Bruins The Austin Bruins are a Junior A Tier II ice hockey team based in Austin, Minnesota. The team began play during the 2010-11 season. A member of the North American Hockey League in the Central Division, the Bruins play their home games in the Riverside Arena. On March 1, 2010, the Bruins announced... |
Riverside Arena | Austin, Minnesota Austin, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 23,314 people, 9,897 households, and 6,076 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,168.2 people per square mile . There were 10,261 housing units at an average density of 954.3 per square mile... |
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| Bismarck Bobcats Bismarck Bobcats The Bismarck Bobcats are a Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's Central Division, and play out of Bismarck, North Dakota, in the V.F.W. Sports Center. Originally a part of the America West Hockey League, the Bobcats joined the NAHL in a merger of the two leagues in 2003... |
V.F.W. Sports Center V.F.W. Sports Center The V.F.W. Sports Center is a multi purpose ice arena and recreational facility located in Bismarck, North Dakota. The ice arena serves as the home to the Bismarck Bobcats of the North American Hockey League The facility is also home to several local high school ice hockey teams, local figure... |
Bismarck, North Dakota Bismarck, North Dakota Bismarck is the capital of the U.S. state of North Dakota and the county seat of Burleigh County. It is the second most populous city in North Dakota after Fargo. The city's population was 61,272 at the 2010 census, while its metropolitan population was 108,779... |
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| Minot Minotauros Minot Minotauros The Minot Minotauros are an american junior ice hockey team set to begin play for the 2011-12 season. Based in Minot, North Dakota, the Tauros will play their home games at Maysa Arena.... |
Maysa Arena Maysa Arena Maysa Arena is a multi-purpose venue located in Minot, North Dakota. It is home to the Minot Minotauros of the North American Hockey League-External links:*... |
Minot, North Dakota Minot, North Dakota Minot is a city located in north central North Dakota in the United States. It is most widely known for the Air Force base located approximately 15 miles north of the city. With a population of 40,888 at the 2010 census, Minot is the fourth largest city in the state... |
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| South Division South Division (NAHL) The South Division is one of five divisions in the North American Hockey League. The division currently has six teams and have had as many seven teams in the past... |
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| Team | Arena | Location | |||||||||||||||||
| Amarillo Bulls Amarillo Bulls The Amarillo Bulls are a Junior A Tier II ice hockey team based out of Amarillo, Texas. A member of the North American Hockey League's South Division, the team play their home games in the Amarillo Civic Center... |
Amarillo Civic Center Amarillo Civic Center The Amarillo Civic Center is a multi-purpose convention center in Amarillo, Texas. Built in 1964, it consists of multiple facilities including:* A 2,848-seat auditorium with 2,324 permanent seats and used for concerts, Broadway shows and other events.... |
Amarillo, Texas Amarillo, Texas Amarillo is the 14th-largest city, by population, in the state of Texas, the largest in the Texas Panhandle, and the seat of Potter County. A portion of the city extends into Randall County. The population was 190,695 at the 2010 census... |
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| Corpus Christi IceRays Corpus Christi IceRays The Corpus Christi IceRays are a Junior A ice hockey team playing in the North American Hockey League . The IceRays are based in Corpus Christi, Texas and play in the North American Hockey League's South Division. The "IceRays" moniker derives from the many different species of stingrays who... |
American Bank Center American Bank Center The American Bank Center is an entertainment complex located in Corpus Christi, Texas. The complex consists of an auditorium convention center and arena. The facility hosts numerous conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, live performances and sporting events. It is home to the Corpus Christi... |
Corpus Christi, Texas Corpus Christi, Texas Corpus Christi is a coastal city in the South Texas region of the U.S. state of Texas. The county seat of Nueces County, it also extends into Aransas, Kleberg, and San Patricio counties. The MSA population in 2008 was 416,376. The population was 305,215 at the 2010 census making it the... |
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| New Mexico Mustangs New Mexico Mustangs The New Mexico Mustangs are a Junior A Tier II ice hockey team based out of Rio Rancho, New Mexico set to begin play for 2010-11. A member of the North American Hockey League and play in the South Division, the Mustangs will play their home games in the Santa Ana Star Center... |
Santa Ana Star Center Santa Ana Star Center Santa Ana Star Center is an 7,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, a suburb of Albuquerque. The arena is located near the intersection of Unser Boulevard and Paseo del Volcan... |
Rio Rancho, New Mexico Rio Rancho, New Mexico There were 18,995 households out of which 40.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.4% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.7% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.9% had... |
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| Odessa Jackalopes Odessa Jackalopes The Odessa Jackalopes were a minor professional ice hockey team based in Odessa, Texas. The team played in the Central Hockey League , and was an affiliate of the New York Islanders... |
Ector County Coliseum Ector County Coliseum The Ector County Coliseum is a 5,131 seat multi-purpose arena in Odessa, Texas.It is home to the Odessa Roughnecks , the Odessa Jackalopes , the Sand Hills Rodeo, and the biennial Permian Basin International Oil Show.The Coliseum was built in 1954 and was previously the home of the original... |
Odessa, Texas Odessa, Texas Odessa is a city in and the county seat of Ector County, Texas, United States. It is located primarily in Ector County, although a small portion of the city extends into Midland County. Odessa's population was 99,940 at the 2010 census. It is the principal city of the Odessa, Texas Metropolitan... |
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| Texas Tornado Texas Tornado The Texas Tornado are a Junior A hockey team located in Frisco, Texas, USA. The team joined the North American Hockey League's Central division in 1999 while located in North Richland Hills, Texas, and have enjoyed unprecedented success since their expansion year... |
Dr Pepper Arena | Frisco, Texas Frisco, Texas Frisco is an affluent city in Collin and Denton Counties in the U.S. state of Texas and a rapidly growing suburb of Dallas. As of the 2010 Census, 116,989 people were living in Frisco up from 33,714 in the previous census. Frisco was the fastest growing city in the United States in 2009, and also... |
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| Topeka RoadRunners Topeka Roadrunners The Topeka RoadRunners is a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's Southern Division. The team's home arena is the 7,777-seat Landon Arena in Topeka, Kansas.-Lone Star Cavalry:... |
Landon Arena Landon Arena Landon Arena, better known as the Kansas Expocentre, is a 10,000-seat multi-purpose arena built in 1987 in Topeka, Kansas. It is currently home to the Kansas Koyotes indoor football team and the Topeka Roadrunners ice hockey team. Previously, Topeka Sizzlers of the Continental Basketball... |
Topeka, Kansas Topeka, Kansas Topeka |Kansa]]: Tó Pee Kuh) is the capital city of the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County. It is situated along the Kansas River in the central part of Shawnee County, located in northeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was... |
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| Wichita Falls Wildcats Wichita Falls Wildcats The Wichita Falls Wildcats are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's South Division. The Wildcats play out of the 6,500-seat Kay Yeager Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas. Current coaches of the team are Paul Baxter, Brian Huebel, and Sean Fish.The team's games... |
Kay Yeager Coliseum Kay Yeager Coliseum The Kay Yeager Coliseum is a 6,500-seat multi-purpose arena in Wichita Falls, Texas. It was built in 2003.It is home to the Wichita Falls Wildcats ice hockey team.-External links:*... |
Wichita Falls, Texas Wichita Falls, Texas Wichita Falls is a city in and the county seat of Wichita County, Texas, United States, United States. Wichita Falls is the principal city of the Wichita Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Archer, Clay and Wichita counties. According to the U.S. Census estimate of 2010,... |
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| West Division West Division (NAHL) The West Division is one of four divisions in the North American Hockey League. The division currently has six teams and was formed in 2008 when the Wenatchee Wild became the fourth team required for a division. Prior to the 2010 expansion, only four teams operated in the West... |
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| Team | Arena | Location | |||||||||||||||||
| Alaska Avalanche Alaska Avalanche The Alaska Avalanche are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's West Division. The team plays their home games at the Palmer Ice Arena in Palmer, Alaska.-Franchise history:... |
Palmer Ice Arena | Palmer, Alaska Palmer, Alaska Palmer is the borough seat of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in the state of Alaska, USA. It is part of the Anchorage Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census, the population of the city is 5,937.... |
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| Dawson Creek Rage Dawson Creek Rage The Dawson Creek Rage is a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team based out of Dawson Creek, British Columbia. The team plays in the 4,500 seat EnCana Events Centre... |
EnCana Events Centre EnCana Events Centre The EnCana Events Centre is a multipurpose arena located in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. The facility has 4,500 permanent seats and can seat up to 6,500 for non-ice hockey events.-External links:*... |
Dawson Creek, BC Dawson Creek, British Columbia Dawson Creek is a small city in northeastern British Columbia, Canada. The municipality of had a population of 11,529 in 2009. Dawson Creek derives its name from the creek of the same name that runs through the community. The creek was named after George Mercer Dawson by a member of his land... , Canada Canada Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean... |
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| Fairbanks Ice Dogs Fairbanks Ice Dogs The Fairbanks Ice Dogs is a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's West Division. The Ice Dogs play home games at the 2,200-seat Big Dipper Ice Arena in Fairbanks, Alaska... |
Big Dipper Ice Arena Big Dipper Ice Arena The Big Dipper Ice Arena, colloquially known as "The Big Dipper", is a multi-purpose arena in Fairbanks, Alaska. The arena is owned and operated by the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Originally constructed as an airplane hangar for the Lend-Lease program in Tanacross, southeast of Fairbanks, the... |
Fairbanks, Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska Fairbanks is a home rule city in and the borough seat of the Fairbanks North Star Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska.Fairbanks is the largest city in the Interior region of Alaska, and second largest in the state behind Anchorage... |
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| Fresno Monsters Fresno Monsters The Fresno Monsters are a Junior A Tier II ice hockey team based out of Fresno, California. The team is currently a member of the North American Hockey League and play in the West Division. as well as continuing to field a WSHL team... |
Selland Arena Selland Arena The Selland Arena is a multi-purpose arena built in 1966 that makes up part of a five-venue complex of the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center in Fresno, California. It is named after former Fresno mayor Arthur L. Selland and has had over ten million people walk through its doors in its over... |
Fresno, California Fresno, California Fresno is a city in central California, United States, the county seat of Fresno County. As of the 2010 census, the city's population was 510,365, making it the fifth largest city in California, the largest inland city in California, and the 34th largest in the nation... |
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| Kenai River Brown Bears Kenai River Brown Bears The Kenai River Brown Bears is a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's West Division based in Soldotna, Alaska... |
Soldotna Sports Center Soldotna Sports Center The City of Soldotna Sports Center is a 2,000-seat multipurpose arena located in Soldotna, Alaska. The arena opened in 1983. It is the current home of the Kenai River Brown Bears of the North American Hockey League... |
Soldotna, Alaska Soldotna, Alaska As of the census of 2000, there were 3,759 people, 1,465 households, and 969 families residing in the city. As of 2008, the population was close to 4,200. The population density was 541.9 people per square mile . There were 1,670 housing units at an average density of 240.7 per square mile... |
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| Wenatchee Wild Wenatchee Wild The Wenatchee Wild is a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's West Division based in Wenatchee, Washington. The team joined the NAHL as an expansion team for the 2008-09 season, the team plays its home games at the 4,300-seat Town Toyota Center... |
Town Toyota Center | Wenatchee, Washington Wenatchee, Washington Wenatchee is located in North Central Washington and is the largest city and county seat of Chelan County, Washington, United States. The population within the city limits in 2010 was 31,925... |
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Past teams
- Albert Lea ThunderAlbert Lea ThunderThe Albert Lea Thunder was a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's Central Division. The team was an expansion franchise for the 2008-2009 season and played their home games at the Albert Lea Ice Arena in Albert Lea, Minnesota....
(Moved to Amarillo, TX, became Amarillo Bulls). - Alpena IceDiggers (moved to Corpus Christi, TX, renamed Corpus Christi IceRays).
- Billings BullsBillings BullsThe Billings Bulls are a Tier III Junior A ice hockey team currently playing in the American West Hockey League. The Bulls are based in Billings, Montana and play home games at the 550-seat Centennial Ice Arena, due to the size, the Bulls frequently sell out games and broadcast their games on...
(Joined the NorPacNorthern Pacific Hockey LeagueThe Northern Pacific Hockey League is an American Tier III Junior A ice hockey league sanctioned by USA Hockey. Its championship trophy is the Cascade Cup.-Current teams:-Suspended teams:...
). - Bozeman IcedogsBozeman IcedogsThe Bozeman Icedogs are a Tier III Junior A ice hockey team located in Bozeman, Montana. The team is a member of the American West Hockey League . The Icedogs play home games at the Haynes Pavilion located at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds....
(Joined the NorPacNorthern Pacific Hockey LeagueThe Northern Pacific Hockey League is an American Tier III Junior A ice hockey league sanctioned by USA Hockey. Its championship trophy is the Cascade Cup.-Current teams:-Suspended teams:...
). - Central Texas Blackhawks (renamed Central Texas Marshals).
- Chicago FreezeChicago FreezeThe Chicago Freeze was a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's West Division. The team was originally the Detroit Freeze until it relocated to a Chicago suburb of Geneva...
(folded after 2002-03 due to "increased operation costs and low attendance"). - Cleveland Jr. BaronsCleveland Jr. BaronsThe Cleveland Jr. Barons were a junior ice hockey team that played in the North American Hockey League and played out of Parma, Ohio. They were a branch of the Cleveland Barons Hockey Association. Their top accomplishment was winning the 2006 North Division playoff title, allowing them to advance...
. - Detroit Compuware AmbassadorsDetroit Compuware AmbassadorsThe Detroit Compuware Ambassadors are an elite Midget Major ice hockey team playing in the Tier I Elite Hockey League. The Ambassadors have previously had separate franchises that competed in North American Hockey League and in the Ontario Hockey League for two seasons from 1990 to 1992...
. - Danville WingsDanville WingsThe Danville Wings were a Tier I ice hockey team that played the 2003–04 season in the United States Hockey League , the top junior ice hockey league in the United States. The Wings played their home games at the David S. Palmer Arena in Danville, Illinois....
(Moved to USHL). - Dayton Gems dissolved after 21 games, roster dispersed amongst remaining teams.
- Dearborn Heights Nationals (Relocated to become St. Louis Sting).
- Detroit Jr. Red WingsDetroit Jr. Red WingsThis article is about the Junior Red Wings team in the Ontario Hockey League. For the team in the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League from the 1970s, see Detroit Jr. Red Wings .----...
(later Detroit Freeze). - Detroit Freeze (Moved to Chicago, became Chicago FreezeChicago FreezeThe Chicago Freeze was a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's West Division. The team was originally the Detroit Freeze until it relocated to a Chicago suburb of Geneva...
). - Fargo-Moorhead JetsFargo-Moorhead JetsThe Fargo-Moorhead Jets were a Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's central division, and played out of John E. Carlson Coliseum in Fargo, North Dakota. Their inaugural season was the 2003-2004 season and they folded after the 2007-08 season....
. - Helena BighornsHelena BighornsThe Helena Bighorns is a Tier III Junior A ice hockey team in the American West Hockey League based in Helena, Montana USA. The team plays their home games at the 1,600-seat Helena Ice Arena...
(Joined the NorPacNorthern Pacific Hockey LeagueThe Northern Pacific Hockey League is an American Tier III Junior A ice hockey league sanctioned by USA Hockey. Its championship trophy is the Cascade Cup.-Current teams:-Suspended teams:...
). - Kalamazoo Jr. K-WingsKalamazoo Jr. K-WingsThe Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings are an American junior A ice hockey team based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings will begin their inaugural season in 2011. The K-Wings play their home games at Wings West Arena which seats 1,500...
(Moved to Danville). - Lone Star Cavalry (Moved to Santa Fe, renamed RoadRunners).
- Marquette Rangers (Moved to Flint, renamed Michigan Warriors).
- Minnesota Blizzard (Name changed to Alexandria BlizzardAlexandria BlizzardThe Alexandria Blizzard are a Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's central division. For the 2005-2006 season, the team was known as the Minnesota Blizzard, one of four expansion teams that started operations that year...
). - Motor City Metal Jackets (Moved to Jamestown, renamed Ironmen).
- North Iowa OutlawsNorth Iowa OutlawsThe North Iowa Outlaws were a Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's central division, and played out of North Iowa Ice Arena in Mason City, Iowa. They have relocated to Onalaska, WI for the 2010 - 2011 season and will be known as the Coulee Region Chill-Regular Season...
(Moved to Onalaska, renamed Coulee Region Chill). - Pittsburgh ForgePittsburgh ForgeThe Pittsburgh Forge are a defunct Junior A Tier II ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which played in the North American Hockey League. The team was founded in 2001 by Kevin Constantine, a former coach of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins. They played at the Island Sports Center. The...
(moved to Toledo, became Toledo IceDiggers). - Santa Fe RoadRunners (Moved to Topeka).
- Southern Minnesota Express (Relocated to become Motor City Machine).
- Springfield Spirit (Relocated to become Wasilla Spirit).
- St. Louis Sting (Moved to Springfield).
- Texarkana Bandits (Relocated to become St. Louis Bandits).
- Toledo IceDiggers (Moved to Alpena, MI).
- USA Hockey National Team Development ProgramUSA Hockey National Team Development ProgramThe National Team Development Program was started in 1996 by USA Hockey as a way to identify elite ice hockey players in the country under the age of 18, and centralize their training. There are two teams in the program, an Under-17 squad and an Under-18 squad. The teams are both based in Ann...
(Moved to USHL). - Wasilla Spirit (Name changed to Alaska AvalancheAlaska AvalancheThe Alaska Avalanche are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's West Division. The team plays their home games at the Palmer Ice Arena in Palmer, Alaska.-Franchise history:...
now in Anchorage, AK). - Wichita Falls Rustlers (Name changed to Wichita Falls WildcatsWichita Falls WildcatsThe Wichita Falls Wildcats are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's South Division. The Wildcats play out of the 6,500-seat Kay Yeager Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas. Current coaches of the team are Paul Baxter, Brian Huebel, and Sean Fish.The team's games...
). - Youngstown Phantoms/Mahoning Valley Phantoms (Moved to USHL).
League changes
2006–2007 season: Bozeman IcedogsBozeman Icedogs
The Bozeman Icedogs are a Tier III Junior A ice hockey team located in Bozeman, Montana. The team is a member of the American West Hockey League . The Icedogs play home games at the Haynes Pavilion located at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds....
, Billings Bulls
Billings Bulls
The Billings Bulls are a Tier III Junior A ice hockey team currently playing in the American West Hockey League. The Bulls are based in Billings, Montana and play home games at the 550-seat Centennial Ice Arena, due to the size, the Bulls frequently sell out games and broadcast their games on...
, and Helena Bighorns
Helena Bighorns
The Helena Bighorns is a Tier III Junior A ice hockey team in the American West Hockey League based in Helena, Montana USA. The team plays their home games at the 1,600-seat Helena Ice Arena...
left the league for the Northern Pacific Hockey League
Northern Pacific Hockey League
The Northern Pacific Hockey League is an American Tier III Junior A ice hockey league sanctioned by USA Hockey. Its championship trophy is the Cascade Cup.-Current teams:-Suspended teams:...
. Cleveland Jr. Barons
Cleveland Jr. Barons
The Cleveland Jr. Barons were a junior ice hockey team that played in the North American Hockey League and played out of Parma, Ohio. They were a branch of the Cleveland Barons Hockey Association. Their top accomplishment was winning the 2006 North Division playoff title, allowing them to advance...
were granted inactive status for the season. Wasilla Spirit changed name to Alaska Avalanche. Minnesota Blizzard changed name to Alexandria Blizzard. Texarkana Bandits moved to Chesterfield, Missouri
Chesterfield, Missouri
Chesterfield is a second-ring western suburb of St. Louis and is the largest city in west St. Louis County, Missouri, United States. As of the 2010 census the population is 47,484. Chesterfield also celebrated its 20th birthday in 2008.- Geography :...
and changed name to St. Louis Bandits
St. Louis Bandits
The St. Louis Bandits are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's Midwest Division. The team plays their home games at the 2,200-seat Hardee's Iceplex in Chesterfield, Missouri....
. Marquette Rangers were added to the league.
2007–2008 season: Santa Fe Roadrunners moved to Topeka, Kansas
Topeka, Kansas
Topeka |Kansa]]: Tó Pee Kuh) is the capital city of the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County. It is situated along the Kansas River in the central part of Shawnee County, located in northeast Kansas, in the Central United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was...
. The Topeka Roadrunners
Topeka Roadrunners
The Topeka RoadRunners is a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's Southern Division. The team's home arena is the 7,777-seat Landon Arena in Topeka, Kansas.-Lone Star Cavalry:...
now play at Landon Arena
Landon Arena
Landon Arena, better known as the Kansas Expocentre, is a 10,000-seat multi-purpose arena built in 1987 in Topeka, Kansas. It is currently home to the Kansas Koyotes indoor football team and the Topeka Roadrunners ice hockey team. Previously, Topeka Sizzlers of the Continental Basketball...
. The Kenai River Brown Bears
Kenai River Brown Bears
The Kenai River Brown Bears is a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's West Division based in Soldotna, Alaska...
started playing in the league.
2008-2009 season: The Southern Minnesota Express moved to Detroit and changed their name to the Motor City Machine. However, the Express' home city of Owatonna was granted another NAHL team for 2008-09, named the Owatonna Express. The Express are joined by another new Minnesota NAHL franschise, the Albert Lea Thunder. The Texas Tornado franchise will go dark for a year as they await renovations on their arena. Wenatchee, Washington
Wenatchee, Washington
Wenatchee is located in North Central Washington and is the largest city and county seat of Chelan County, Washington, United States. The population within the city limits in 2010 was 31,925...
has been awarded an expansion franchise for the 2008-09 season. The Fargo-Moorhead Jets
Fargo-Moorhead Jets
The Fargo-Moorhead Jets were a Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's central division, and played out of John E. Carlson Coliseum in Fargo, North Dakota. Their inaugural season was the 2003-2004 season and they folded after the 2007-08 season....
are approved for dormancy. .
2009-2010 season: The Janesville Jets
Janesville Jets
The Janesville Jets are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League. Based in Janesville, Wisconsin, their home games are played at the Janesville Ice Arena.-History:...
are awarded an expansion franchise. The Mahoning Valley Phantoms
Mahoning Valley Phantoms
The Youngstown Phantoms are a Tier I Junior A ice hockey team that plays in the East Division of the United States Hockey League. The team plays home games at the 5,200-seat Covelli Centre in Youngstown, Ohio. The team is owned by Bruce J...
leave the league for the USHL. The USNTDP also leave the league. The Texas Tornado
Texas Tornado
The Texas Tornado are a Junior A hockey team located in Frisco, Texas, USA. The team joined the North American Hockey League's Central division in 1999 while located in North Richland Hills, Texas, and have enjoyed unprecedented success since their expansion year...
return to the league after taking a year off while their home arena was undergoing renovations. The Motor City franchise's new ownership changes the team's nickname from Machine to Metal Jackets.
2010-2011 season: The NAHL Board of Governors accepted membership of several new teams to play this season in the league. The Fresno Monsters are awarded an expansion franchise. The Monsters played in the Tier III A Western States Hockey League before getting switched over to the North American Hockey League for the 2010-2011 season. They will play at the Selland Arena in Fresno, California. The Corpus Christi IceRays are awarded an expansion franchise. The IceRays were known as the Alpena IceDiggers and Toledo in the North America Hockey League [the same league, no new league change, just name change]. They will play in the South Division at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. The Chicago Hitmen joined the North Division and will play starting this season at West Meadows Ice Arena in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The Marquette Rangers moved to Flint, Michigan and changed their name to Michigan Warriors. The Michigan Warriors will play in the North Division at the Perani Arena and Event Center. Port Huron joined the North Division and will play starting this season at McMorran Place in Port Huron, Michigan. The Coulee Region Chill joined the Central Division and will play at Onalaska OmniCenter in Onalaska, Wisconsin. The Aberdeen Wings joined the Central Division and will play at the Odde Ice Center in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The Austin Bruins joined the Central Division and will play at the Riverside Arena in Austin, Minnesota. The Dawson Creek Rage joined the West Division and will play at EnCana Events Centre in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. The Amarillo Bulls joined the South Division and will play at Amarillo Civic Center in Amarillo, Texas. The New Mexico Mustangs joined the South Division and will play at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Robertson Cup winners
- 2011 - Fairbanks Ice DogsFairbanks Ice DogsThe Fairbanks Ice Dogs is a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's West Division. The Ice Dogs play home games at the 2,200-seat Big Dipper Ice Arena in Fairbanks, Alaska...
- 2010 - Bismarck BobcatsBismarck BobcatsThe Bismarck Bobcats are a Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's Central Division, and play out of Bismarck, North Dakota, in the V.F.W. Sports Center. Originally a part of the America West Hockey League, the Bobcats joined the NAHL in a merger of the two leagues in 2003...
- 2009 - St. Louis BanditsSt. Louis BanditsThe St. Louis Bandits are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's Midwest Division. The team plays their home games at the 2,200-seat Hardee's Iceplex in Chesterfield, Missouri....
- 2008 - St. Louis BanditsSt. Louis BanditsThe St. Louis Bandits are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's Midwest Division. The team plays their home games at the 2,200-seat Hardee's Iceplex in Chesterfield, Missouri....
- 2007 - St. Louis BanditsSt. Louis BanditsThe St. Louis Bandits are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's Midwest Division. The team plays their home games at the 2,200-seat Hardee's Iceplex in Chesterfield, Missouri....
- 2006 - Texas TornadoTexas TornadoThe Texas Tornado are a Junior A hockey team located in Frisco, Texas, USA. The team joined the North American Hockey League's Central division in 1999 while located in North Richland Hills, Texas, and have enjoyed unprecedented success since their expansion year...
- 2005 - Texas TornadoTexas TornadoThe Texas Tornado are a Junior A hockey team located in Frisco, Texas, USA. The team joined the North American Hockey League's Central division in 1999 while located in North Richland Hills, Texas, and have enjoyed unprecedented success since their expansion year...
- 2004 - Texas TornadoTexas TornadoThe Texas Tornado are a Junior A hockey team located in Frisco, Texas, USA. The team joined the North American Hockey League's Central division in 1999 while located in North Richland Hills, Texas, and have enjoyed unprecedented success since their expansion year...
- 2003 - Pittsburgh ForgePittsburgh ForgeThe Pittsburgh Forge are a defunct Junior A Tier II ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which played in the North American Hockey League. The team was founded in 2001 by Kevin Constantine, a former coach of the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins. They played at the Island Sports Center. The...
- 2002 - Compuware AmbassadorsDetroit Jr. Red Wings (SOJHL)The Detroit Jr. Red Wings are a defunct Tier II Junior "A" ice hockey team that was based out of Detroit, Michigan. They played out of the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League and were the feeder team for the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings....
- 2001 - Texas TornadoTexas TornadoThe Texas Tornado are a Junior A hockey team located in Frisco, Texas, USA. The team joined the North American Hockey League's Central division in 1999 while located in North Richland Hills, Texas, and have enjoyed unprecedented success since their expansion year...
- 2000 - Danville Wings
- 1999 - Compuware AmbassadorsDetroit Jr. Red Wings (SOJHL)The Detroit Jr. Red Wings are a defunct Tier II Junior "A" ice hockey team that was based out of Detroit, Michigan. They played out of the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League and were the feeder team for the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings....
- 1998 - Compuware AmbassadorsDetroit Jr. Red Wings (SOJHL)The Detroit Jr. Red Wings are a defunct Tier II Junior "A" ice hockey team that was based out of Detroit, Michigan. They played out of the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League and were the feeder team for the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings....
- 1997 - Springfield Jr. BluesSpringfield Jr. BluesThe Springfield Jr. Blues are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's Mid-west Division. The team plays their home games at the Nelson Center in Springfield, Illinois. The Jr. Blues are coached by Head Coach Joe Dibble and Assistant Coach Jason...
- 1996 - Springfield Jr. BluesSpringfield Jr. BluesThe Springfield Jr. Blues are a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's Mid-west Division. The team plays their home games at the Nelson Center in Springfield, Illinois. The Jr. Blues are coached by Head Coach Joe Dibble and Assistant Coach Jason...
- 1995 - Compuware AmbassadorsDetroit Jr. Red Wings (SOJHL)The Detroit Jr. Red Wings are a defunct Tier II Junior "A" ice hockey team that was based out of Detroit, Michigan. They played out of the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League and were the feeder team for the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings....
- 1994 - Compuware AmbassadorsDetroit Jr. Red Wings (SOJHL)The Detroit Jr. Red Wings are a defunct Tier II Junior "A" ice hockey team that was based out of Detroit, Michigan. They played out of the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League and were the feeder team for the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings....
- 1993 - Kalamazoo Jr. K Wings
- 1992 - Compuware AmbassadorsDetroit Jr. Red Wings (SOJHL)The Detroit Jr. Red Wings are a defunct Tier II Junior "A" ice hockey team that was based out of Detroit, Michigan. They played out of the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League and were the feeder team for the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings....
- 1991 - Kalamazoo Jr. K Wings
- 1990 - Compuware AmbassadorsDetroit Jr. Red Wings (SOJHL)The Detroit Jr. Red Wings are a defunct Tier II Junior "A" ice hockey team that was based out of Detroit, Michigan. They played out of the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League and were the feeder team for the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings....
- 1989 - Compuware AmbassadorsDetroit Jr. Red Wings (SOJHL)The Detroit Jr. Red Wings are a defunct Tier II Junior "A" ice hockey team that was based out of Detroit, Michigan. They played out of the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League and were the feeder team for the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings....
- 1988 - Compuware AmbassadorsDetroit Jr. Red Wings (SOJHL)The Detroit Jr. Red Wings are a defunct Tier II Junior "A" ice hockey team that was based out of Detroit, Michigan. They played out of the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League and were the feeder team for the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings....
- 1987 - Compuware AmbassadorsDetroit Jr. Red Wings (SOJHL)The Detroit Jr. Red Wings are a defunct Tier II Junior "A" ice hockey team that was based out of Detroit, Michigan. They played out of the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League and were the feeder team for the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings....
- 1986 - Compuware AmbassadorsDetroit Jr. Red Wings (SOJHL)The Detroit Jr. Red Wings are a defunct Tier II Junior "A" ice hockey team that was based out of Detroit, Michigan. They played out of the Southern Ontario Junior A Hockey League and were the feeder team for the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings....
- 1985 - St. Clair Shores Falcons
- 1984 - St. Clair Shores Falcons
- 1983 - Paddock Pools
- 1982 - Paddock Pools
- 1981 - Paddock Pools
- 1980 - Paddock Pools
- 1979 - Paddock Pools
- 1978 - Paddock Pools
- 1977 - Paddock Pools
- 1976 - Little Caesars