Eastern Hockey League (1978–1981)

"Northeastern Hockey League" redirects here. For the league that operated from 2003 to 2008, see North Eastern Hockey League.
Eastern Hockey League
SportIce hockey
Founded1978
Ceased1981
No. of teams6
CountryUnited States
Last
champion(s)		Erie Blades (1980–81)
Most titlesErie Blades (3), (1978–79; 1979–80; 1980–81)

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.

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.[citation needed]

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.
A different franchise, 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

Timeline


References

  1. ^ "Named commissioner". Brandon Sun. Brandon, Manitoba. June 14, 1979. p. 8.Free access icon
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ "Eastern Hockey League (1979-1981)". www.hockeyleaguehistory.com. Retrieved 2024-03-04.