Springfield Express

The Springfield Express was an AAU-sanctioned junior ice hockey team based in Springfield, Missouri and plays home games at the Mediacom Ice Park. The team is a member of the Western States Hockey League (WSHL).[1]

Springfield Express
CitySpringfield, Missouri
LeagueWSHL
DivisionMidwest
Founded2005
Home arenaMediacom Ice Park
ColorsRed, white and blue
     
WebsiteSpringfieldExpress.com
Franchise history
2005–2008Cajun Catahoulas
2008–2009Texas Renegades
2009–2014New Mexico Renegades
2014–2018Springfield Express

History

The franchise was founded in 2005 as the Cajun Catahoulas, based in Carencro, Louisiana. It moved after the 2008–09 season to North Richland Hills, Texas and was renamed the Texas Renegades. After the 2008–09 season in North Richland Hills, the team was moved to Blades Multiplex Arena in Rio Rancho, New Mexico and became the New Mexico Renegades. In 2011, the Renegades were purchased by Revolution Sports Management, Inc.

Following the 2013–14 season, the team announced a move to Springfield, Missouri and the Mediacom Ice Park and a name change to the Springfield Express. The team becomes the first junior hockey franchise in Springfield since the Springfield Spirit of the NAHL relocated to Alaska in 2005.[2]

On April 29, 2016, after a successful 2015–16 season, it was announced that Revolution Sports Management had finalized the sale of the Express to 417 Sports Management. The new ownership group, based in Springfield, is owned by Dr. Brenton and Andrea Coger, formerly a billet family and team physician.[3] Co-owner Andrea Coger was later accused stalking, sexually harassing, threatening a former player with whom she had apparently had a relationship while he was one of her legal-age billet players during the 2016–17 season.[4]

During the 2017–18 season, the team went through an ownership transition with four investors to keep the team operating. After the season, the owners announced they could not negotiate lower fees for an arena lease and would suspend operations for the 2018–19 season.

Season-by-season records
SeasonGPWLOTLSOLPtsGFGAPIMRegular SeasonPlayoffs
2014–1546251911521871829333rd of 6, Midwest
15th of 28, WSHL[5]		Won Div. Quarterfinals, 2–0 vs. Tulsa Jr. Oilers
Lost Div. Semifinals, 1–2 vs. Oklahoma City Blazers
2015–165227178—622372088052nd of 6, Midwest
12th of 29, WSHL		Div. Quarterfinals bye
Won Div. Semifinals, 2–0 vs. Wichita Jr. Thunder
Lost Div. Finals, 1–2 vs. Oklahoma City Blazers
2016–175236151—732631788674th of 6, Midwest
9th of 27, WSHL		Won Div. Quarterfinals, 2–0 vs. Tulsa Jr. Oilers
Lost Div. Semifinals, 1–2 vs. El Paso Rhinos
2017–185129166—6433419410033rd of 5, Midwest
14th of 23, WSHL		Lost Div. Semifinals, 1–2 vs. Oklahoma City Jr. Blazers

References
  1. "Springfield Express Junior A hockey team moving to Mediacom Ice Park". Ozarks Sports Zone. April 23, 2014. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  2. Maranto, Brent (April 23, 2014). "New Mexico Renegades move to Springfield, Missouri". Junior Hockey News. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
  3. "Springfield Express Hockey - WSHL". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2016-05-23.
  4. "Former Springfield Express owner accused of sexual harassment, banned from Olympic sports". Springfield News-Leader. March 12, 2019.
  5. "2014-15 WSHL Standings". Elite Prospects. Retrieved April 2, 2015.


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