Eastern Hockey League (1978–1981)
The Eastern Hockey League began operation in 1978 as the Northeastern Hockey League, filling the void in the former territory of the Eastern Hockey League.
| Sport | Ice hockey |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1978 |
| Ceased | 1981 |
| No. of teams | 6 |
| Country | United States |
| Last champion(s) | Erie Blades (1980–81) |
| Most titles | Erie Blades (3), (1978–79; 1979–80; 1980–81) |
Bill Beagan was named commissioner of the Northeastern Hockey League on June 14, 1979, to replace Jack Timmins who resigned.[1] The league was rebranded as the Eastern Hockey League, which Beagan oversaw for two seasons until 1981.[2] The league was not successful and after an owners' meeting on July 19, 1981, it was decided to fold the league.[3]
Two of the teams – Baltimore Clippers and the Salem Raiders – joined the Atlantic Coast Hockey League in 1981. One team – the Erie Blades – joined the American Hockey League that same season. The remaining teams folded with the league and ceased operations.
Teams
| Team | Year Founded | Year Ended | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Clippers | 1979 | 1981 | League folded; joined the Atlantic Coast Hockey League (ACHL) |
| Erie Blades | 1978 | 1981 | Only team to win league championship (1978-79; 1979-80; 1980-81). The Blades joined the American Hockey League in 1981-82 and later merged with the Baltimore Skipjacks. The Erie Golden Blades joined the ACHL in 1982 |
| Jersey/Hampton Aces | 1978 | 1981 | Franchise became defunct when the Eastern Hockey League folded |
| Johnstown Wings/Red Wings | 1978 | 1980 | Franchise ceased operations after the 1979-80 EHL season |
| New Hampshire/Cape Cod Freedoms | 1978 | 1979 | Franchise started season in New Hampshire before moving to Cape Cod midseason. Franchise ceased operations after 1978–79 season. |
| Richmond Rifles | 1979 | 1981 | Franchise became defunct when the Eastern Hockey League folded |
| Salem Raiders | 1980 | 1981 | Joined the Atlantic Coast Hockey League in 1981 |
| Syracuse Hornets | 1980 | 1981 | Franchise folded after ten games, going 0–9–1 |
| Utica Mohawks | 1978 | 1980 | Franchise moved to Salem, VA and became the Salem Raiders in 1980–81 |
References
- "Named commissioner". Brandon Sun. Brandon, Manitoba. June 14, 1979. p. 8.
- Bacon, John U. (2001). Blue Ice: The Story of Michigan Hockey. Ann Arbor, Michigan: University of Michigan Press. p. 285. ISBN 0-472-09781-4 – via Google Books.
- HockeyLeagueHistory.com: Eastern Hockey League (1979–81)