Springfield Indians
Encyclopedia
The Springfield Indians were a minor professional ice hockey
franchise, originally based in West Springfield, Massachusetts
and later Springfield, Massachusetts
. The Indians were founding members of the American Hockey League
. They were in existence for a total of 60 seasons from 1926 to 1994, with three interruptions. The Indians had two brief hiatuses from 1933-35, and from 1942-46. The team was known as the Syracuse Warriors from 1951-54; in addition, the team was named the Springfield Kings from 1967-74. The Indians won seven Calder Cup
championships, one while known as the Kings in 1971.
in 1926. The "Can-Am," as it was called, was founded in Springfield and the Indians were one of the five initial franchises. It was run at the time by Lester Patrick
and the National Hockey League
's New York Rangers
, and future NHL stars such as Charlie Rayner, Earl Seibert
(who after his playing days were through would be the Indians' long time coach), Cecil Dillon
and Ott Heller saw their start in Springfield uniforms. The Indians played in the Can-Am League until the 1932–33 season, having to fold thirteen games into the season. http://hockeyleaguehistory.com/Canadian_American_Hockey_League_1926.htm In 1935-36, Lucien Garneau transferred his Quebec Beavers franchise to Springfield, resurrecting the Indians name; the team was now associated with the NHL's Montreal Canadiens
.
The Great Depression
caused cutbacks all around, and the Can-Am merged with the International Hockey League
to form the International-American Hockey League
, which changed its name to the American Hockey League
, having lost its last Canadian franchises, in 1941.
But before that time, the man who cast his shadow over the team for most of its existence, Boston Bruins
's superstar defenseman Eddie Shore
, purchased the team in 1939. Industriously, he split games between the Bruins and the Indians, even going so far as to provoke a trade to the Amerks to make the train commute easier. He retired from the NHL after that season, but played for Springfield for two more seasons. Shore's often-controversial but ever-colorful management style would permeate the team for the next three decades and provide generations of hockey players and fans with anecdotes.
Despite early stars like Shore, Fred Thurier
, Frank Beisler
and Pete Kelly
, success eluded the Indians on the ice. However, in the 1941–42 season, the Indians finished in first place.
Disaster struck in the following season. With World War II
, the United States
army requisitioned the Eastern States Coliseum, Springfield's home arena, for the war effort, leaving the Indians homeless. Shore loaned Indians players to the Buffalo Bisons
for the duration, returning the players to Springfield for the 1946–47 season. However, on ice success continued to elude the team, and despite the presence of stars such as Harry Pidhirny
and Jim Anderson
the franchise failed to have a winning record for over a decade more, including a temporary franchise relocation as the Syracuse Warriors from 1951-54.
During those three seasons, Shore fielded a Springfield team in the low-minor Eastern Hockey League
and later the Quebec Hockey League using the Indians name. Led by future Boston Bruins
goaltender Don Simmons
and scoring leader Vern Pachal, the EHL Indians finished 3rd and 1st their two seasons in the loop, but finished in last place in 1954 in the QHL, the only team in the loop ever located outside of the province of Quebec.
Meanwhile, disappointed with attendance in Syracuse, Shore moved the AHL franchise back to Springfield - disbanding the QHL team - for good for the 1955 season
. The team's few superlatives for the rest of the decade included the 1955 season - during which Ross Lowe
won the only league MVP award in franchise history and Anderson was named rookie of the year - and All-Star Team citations to Eldie Kobussen at center in 1948, Billy Gooden
in 1951, Lowe, Gordon Tottle and Don Simmons
in 1955, Gerry Ehman
and Cal Gardner
in 1958, and Pidhirny in 1959.
Matters turned around in dramatic fashion for the 1959–60 season. Behind an affiliation with the Rangers bringing stars Bill Sweeney
and goaltender Marcel Paille
over from Providence, and an immensely deep team with star forwards Pidhirny, Anderson, Ken Schinkel
, Bruce Cline
, Brian Kilrea
, and defensemen Ted Harris, Kent Douglas
, Noel Price
and Bob McCord
, the Indians led the league in the regular season three straight years and won three straight Calder Cup
s, losing only five playoff games in that span. Sweeney won the league scoring title three years in a row, Paille the best goaltending record two years running, and Springfield defensemen won the best defenseman award two years running. With the most dominant team the AHL has ever seen -- no team before or since won three straight regular season OR playoff championships -- the stands in the old Coliseum were filled night after night, and it was said of the 1959-1962 Indians that they could have played in the NHL ... and not have finished last.
1959–60: Sweeney finished second in league scoring behind Fred Glover of Cleveland with 96 points, Floyd Smith
finished third and Bruce Cline
ninth. The Indians led the league with a 43-23-6 record, and defeated Rochester four games to one in the finals for the franchise's first Calder Cup. Sweeney was named to the First All-Star Team at center, Paille to the Second Team at goal, McCord to the Second Team at defense, Smith to the Second Team at left wing, and Parker McDonald to the Second Team at right wing.
1960–61: Indians led the league with a 49-22-1 record, a mark unsurpassed until the 1973 season. The magnificent offense scored 344 goals, nearly a hundred more than any other team. Sweeney led the league in scoring, while Cline placed third, Kilrea fourth, Bill McCreary Sr. fifth and Anderson seventh in a show of offensive dominance unique in the history of the AHL, while Paille led the league in goaltending. The Indians became the second team in league history to go undefeated in the playoffs, sweeping the Cleveland Barons and the Hershey Bears
. Paille was named to the First All-Star Team, as was Cline at right wing, McCord was awarded the Eddie Shore Award
as the league's best defenseman, and Sweeney and Anderson were named to the Second Team.
1961–62: Indians led the league with a 45-22-3 record. Sweeney defended his scoring title, while Kilrea placed fourth and Anderson tenth, and Paille led the league in goaltending once more. Springfield defeated Buffalo four games to one in the finals to win its record third Calder Cup in a row. Douglas won best defenseman honors, Sweeney and Paille repeated as First Team All-Stars, and McCord and Smith were named to the Second Team again.
In the meantime, Eddie Shore's oft-capricious and notoriously miserly ownership style caused increasing friction with his players, who staged wildcat strikes in 1966 and 1967. Representing them, a young lawyer named Alan Eagleson
gained prominence, and went on to form the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA).
In consequence, Shore sold his players and leased the franchise to the Los Angeles Kings
of the NHL for the 1968 season, while retaining control of the team. The Kings renamed the franchise the Springfield Kings, and changed the team's colors from their traditional blue, white and red to a purple-and-gold scheme similar to the parent team. With Gord Labossiere
, star defenseman Noel Price
and goaltender Bruce Landon
(a name that subsequently loomed large in Springfield hockey annals) the team had a winning record in the 1969 season, reaching the Cup finals before being swept by the Buffalo Bisons
.
The following season the Kings had the benefit of a league lacking powerful teams -- only Baltimore and Cleveland had winning records. The team just squeaked into the playoffs with a losing record -- winning a one-game playoff with the Quebec Aces
to do it -- and rampaged to Springfield's fourth Calder Cup
championship with a sparkling 11-1 playoff record, led by future NHL star center Butch Goring
and Hockey Hall of Fame
goaltender Billy Smith
and sweeping a shellshocked Providence Reds
squad. The 1971 Kings were, and remain, the team with the poorest regular season record ever to win the Calder Cup.
The following year Goring and Smith were gone, and the franchise spent two more years in the wilderness. But in the 1974–75 season, Eddie Shore
enjoyed his final hurrah, taking full control of the team once more, changing its name midseason back to the Indians and reverting to the old blue-white-red uniforms, all to popular acclaim. With a cast of no-names, the club won its fifth Calder Cup championship (becoming only the second fourth place team ever to do so), beating the New Haven Nighthawks
four games to one in the finals. An elderly Shore sold the team after the next season, ending an era inextricably linking his name to Springfield hockey.
The next fourteen years were hard ones for the once-proud franchise. Springfield went through a dizzying array of NHL affiliations, while no coach stayed longer than a single season. The revolving door did their on-ice record no good. Over that stretch, the Indians recorded only two winning seasons and only made the playoffs four times, winning but four playoff games. There were only sporadic bright spots; a scoring title from minor-league great Bruce Boudreau
in 1988, quality seasons from future NHLers Charlie Simmer
and Mario Lessard
in 1978, and a league-leading season in goal in 1983 from Bob Janecyk
.
. A gallant squad coached by ex-NHL defensive whiz Jim Roberts
sneaked into the playoffs in the final week in part due to veteran minor-league goaltender Rick Knickle
's (signed when injuries both in Springfield and Long Island sidelined the Indians' top three goaltenders) eight game undefeated streak, and on May 18, 1990, the team knocked off the heavily favored Rochester Americans
in six games in the finals for the franchise's sixth Calder Cup. Future NHL goaltender Jeff Hackett
won the playoff MVP, inspirational leader Rod Dallman
provided tons of grit, while names such as Marc Bergevin
, Tom Fitzgerald, team captain Rob DiMaio
, Jeff Finley
and Bill Berg
were heard from by NHL fans for many years to come.
In the middle of a dispute over leasing at the Springfield Civic Center, the Indians' home for much of the previous two decades, the team's affiliation changed again to the Hartford Whalers
. The fans were very angry at the loss of their favorites, especially since their replacements came mostly from a Binghamton Whalers
team recording the worst record in league history. However, the 1990–91 new look Indians proved their naysayers wrong. Behind Roberts' veteran coaching, they rampaged to the second best record in the league behind a powerful offense led by future NHLer Terry Yake
, James Black, Chris Tancill
and Michel Picard
(who led the league with a franchise-record 56 goals), and a rock solid defense led by captain John Stevens and Bergevin, who had been acquired by the Whalers in an early-season trade. In so doing, the team won the North Division regular season title, the Indians' first division title since the Cup-winning squad of 1962. Goaltender Kay Whitmore
won the playoff MVP as Springfield defended their title against Rochester. The victory would be the Springfield franchise's seventh and final Calder Cup championship.
), they never again gained the finals nor thereafter had a winning record. In 1993 the Indians made the conference finals before being devastated by eventual champion Cape Breton Oilers
. The team's last game was at home in the first round of the 1994 playoffs against the Adirondack Red Wings
.
In the fall of 1994, the franchise was bought by out-of-town interests and moved to Worcester, Massachusetts
, to become the Worcester IceCats
. With good will from an American Hockey League with central offices across the river in West Springfield
and run by ex-Indians Jack Butterfield
and Gordon Anziano, longtime Springfield General Manager Bruce Landon
secured a new franchise from the league and started play that season (with the same Whalers'-owned players as the previous season) as the Springfield Falcons
. Springfield has thus fielded a team in the AHL and its predecessors for all but seven years since 1926, and continuously since 1954. The only city with a longer unbroken run in the AHL is Hershey, where the Bears have played continuously since joining the AHL in 1938.
The original franchise moved to Peoria, Illinois
for the 2005–06 AHL season
, where it now plays as the Peoria Rivermen
and is the oldest minor league franchise still in existence. The only professional hockey franchises older are the Montreal Canadiens
, Toronto Maple Leafs
and Boston Bruins
of the NHL.
The final Springfield Indian playing any significant time with the franchise active in the NHL was Rob DiMaio
, who last played in the 2006 preseason with the Dallas Stars
; the final Indians playing significant time with the franchise active in professional hockey were Michel Picard
and Terry Yake
, active respectively in the Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey
and the Swiss Nationalliga B through the end of the 2009 season. The last active player who ever wore an Indians jersey is Michael Nylander
, who played seven games in Springfield between the 1993 and 1994 seasons, active as of 2011 with the Rochester Americans
.
.
and/or World Hockey Association
or were otherwise notable hockey executives.
These are the top-ten point-scorers in franchise history.
Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games Played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points
†Defeated Quebec Aces 4-3 in a single tiebreaker game to determine final playoff position.
†Defeated Quebec Aces
4-3 in a single tiebreaker game to determine final playoff position.
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
franchise, originally based in West Springfield, Massachusetts
West Springfield, Massachusetts
The Town of West Springfield is a city in Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 28,391 at the 2010 census...
and later Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield is the most populous city in Western New England, and the seat of Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. Springfield sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River near its confluence with three rivers; the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern...
. The Indians were founding members of the American Hockey League
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
. They were in existence for a total of 60 seasons from 1926 to 1994, with three interruptions. The Indians had two brief hiatuses from 1933-35, and from 1942-46. The team was known as the Syracuse Warriors from 1951-54; in addition, the team was named the Springfield Kings from 1967-74. The Indians won seven Calder Cup
Calder Cup
The Calder Cup is awarded annually to the playoff champion of the American Hockey League. The trophy is the world's second oldest continuous professional ice hockey championship, having first been awarded in 1937 following the 1936-37 AHL season, and continuously being awarded every year.The cup...
championships, one while known as the Kings in 1971.
Early history
The Indians had their start in the Canadian-American Hockey LeagueCanadian-American Hockey League
The Canadian-American Hockey League, popularly known as the Can-Am League, was a professional ice hockey league that operated from 1926 to 1936. It was a direct ancestor of the American Hockey League....
in 1926. The "Can-Am," as it was called, was founded in Springfield and the Indians were one of the five initial franchises. It was run at the time by Lester Patrick
Lester Patrick
Curtis Lester "The Silver Fox" Patrick born in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada, was a professional ice hockey player and coach associated with the Victoria Aristocrats/Cougars of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association , and the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League...
and the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
's New York Rangers
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...
, and future NHL stars such as Charlie Rayner, Earl Seibert
Earl Seibert
Earl Walter Seibert was a Canadian ice hockey defenceman who played for 15 seasons for the Chicago Black Hawks, New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings.-Playing career:...
(who after his playing days were through would be the Indians' long time coach), Cecil Dillon
Cecil Dillon
Cecil Graham "Ceece" Dillon was an Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who played 10 seasons in the National Hockey League for the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings...
and Ott Heller saw their start in Springfield uniforms. The Indians played in the Can-Am League until the 1932–33 season, having to fold thirteen games into the season. http://hockeyleaguehistory.com/Canadian_American_Hockey_League_1926.htm In 1935-36, Lucien Garneau transferred his Quebec Beavers franchise to Springfield, resurrecting the Indians name; the team was now associated with the NHL's Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
.
The Great Depression
Great Depression
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s or early 1940s...
caused cutbacks all around, and the Can-Am merged with the International Hockey League
International Hockey League (1929-36)
The International Hockey League was a professional ice hockey league operating in Canada and the United States from 1929 to 1936. It was a direct ancestor of the American Hockey League....
to form the International-American Hockey League
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
, which changed its name to the American Hockey League
American Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
, having lost its last Canadian franchises, in 1941.
But before that time, the man who cast his shadow over the team for most of its existence, Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
's superstar defenseman Eddie Shore
Eddie Shore
Edward William Shore was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman, principally for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League, and the longtime owner of the Springfield Indians of the American Hockey League, iconic for his toughness and defensive skill.Shore won the Hart Trophy as the...
, purchased the team in 1939. Industriously, he split games between the Bruins and the Indians, even going so far as to provoke a trade to the Amerks to make the train commute easier. He retired from the NHL after that season, but played for Springfield for two more seasons. Shore's often-controversial but ever-colorful management style would permeate the team for the next three decades and provide generations of hockey players and fans with anecdotes.
Despite early stars like Shore, Fred Thurier
Fred Thurier
Alfred Michael Thurier was a Canadian professional ice hockey centre.-Playing career:...
, Frank Beisler
Frank Beisler
Frank Beisler was an American ice hockey defenceman. He played in the NHL for the New York Americans, totalling 2 games and no points. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut.-External links:...
and Pete Kelly
Pete Kelly
Peter Cameron Kelly was a professional ice hockey right winger who played 7 seasons in the National Hockey League for the St. Louis Eagles, Detroit Red Wings, New York Americans and Brooklyn Americans...
, success eluded the Indians on the ice. However, in the 1941–42 season, the Indians finished in first place.
Disaster struck in the following season. With World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
army requisitioned the Eastern States Coliseum, Springfield's home arena, for the war effort, leaving the Indians homeless. Shore loaned Indians players to the Buffalo Bisons
Buffalo Bisons (AHL)
The Buffalo Bisons were an American Hockey League ice hockey franchise that played from 1940 to 1970 in Buffalo, New York. They replaced the original Buffalo Bisons hockey team, which left the area in 1936 after its arena collapsed...
for the duration, returning the players to Springfield for the 1946–47 season. However, on ice success continued to elude the team, and despite the presence of stars such as Harry Pidhirny
Harry Pidhirny
Harry Pidhirny was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. Pidhirny played only two games during the 1957–58 NHL season for the Boston Bruins, but was a top scorer in the minors, and juniors...
and Jim Anderson
Jim Anderson (ice hockey)
James William Anderson was a Canadian professional ice hockey and head coach. He is perhaps most notable for being the first head coach of the Washington Capitals...
the franchise failed to have a winning record for over a decade more, including a temporary franchise relocation as the Syracuse Warriors from 1951-54.
During those three seasons, Shore fielded a Springfield team in the low-minor Eastern Hockey League
Eastern Hockey League
-Eastern Amateur Hockey League :The league was founded in 1933 as the Eastern Amateur Hockey League . The league was founded by Thomas Lockhart, who served as its commissioner from 1933 to 1972...
and later the Quebec Hockey League using the Indians name. Led by future Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
goaltender Don Simmons
Don Simmons (ice hockey)
Donald William "Dippy" Simmons was a National Hockey League goaltender. He was called up by the Boston Bruins fom the Springfield Indians of the AHL in order to replace an ailing Terry Sawchuck who had left the Bruins in mid season of 1957...
and scoring leader Vern Pachal, the EHL Indians finished 3rd and 1st their two seasons in the loop, but finished in last place in 1954 in the QHL, the only team in the loop ever located outside of the province of Quebec.
Meanwhile, disappointed with attendance in Syracuse, Shore moved the AHL franchise back to Springfield - disbanding the QHL team - for good for the 1955 season
1954–55 AHL season
The 1954–55 AHL season was the 19th season of the American Hockey League. Six teams played 64 games each in the schedule. The "Carl Liscombe Trophy" for the league's top scorer is renamed to the John B. Sollenberger Trophy. The All-Star game is revived, with the AHL All-Stars taking on the...
. The team's few superlatives for the rest of the decade included the 1955 season - during which Ross Lowe
Ross Lowe
Ross Robert Lowe was a professional ice hockey player who played three seasons in the National Hockey League from 1949 to 1952 for the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens....
won the only league MVP award in franchise history and Anderson was named rookie of the year - and All-Star Team citations to Eldie Kobussen at center in 1948, Billy Gooden
Billy Gooden
William Francis Charles "Bill" Gooden was a Canadian ice hockey left winger who hit the 20-goal mark seven times in the AHL...
in 1951, Lowe, Gordon Tottle and Don Simmons
Don Simmons (ice hockey)
Donald William "Dippy" Simmons was a National Hockey League goaltender. He was called up by the Boston Bruins fom the Springfield Indians of the AHL in order to replace an ailing Terry Sawchuck who had left the Bruins in mid season of 1957...
in 1955, Gerry Ehman
Gerry Ehman
Gerald Joseph Ehman was a former NHL player and scout.Ehman played in the National Hockey League for the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Oakland Seals/California Golden Seals. He played 429 regular season games in the NHL, scoring 96 goals and 118 assists for 214...
and Cal Gardner
Cal Gardner
Calvin Pearly "Ginger, Red, Torchy" Gardner was a professional ice hockey player in the NHL. In 1943, after playing professional hockey for three years and winning the Memorial Cup, he joined the Canadian military and took part in World War II. At the conclusion of the war, he once again began...
in 1958, and Pidhirny in 1959.
"They could have played in the NHL ... "
Bill Sweeney (ice hockey)
William Sweeney , was a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He was born in Guelph, Ontario. Sweeney played only four games during the 1959–60 NHL season for the New York Rangers, but was a top scorer in the minors, and juniors.Sweeney led the OHA in scoring while playing for the Guelph...
and goaltender Marcel Paille
Marcel Paille
Marcel Paille was an ice hockey goaltender. Born in Shawinigan Falls, Quebec, he was a goaltender in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers, played briefly for the Philadelphia Blazers in the World Hockey Association and is the owner of numerous AHL career playoff records.He died of...
over from Providence, and an immensely deep team with star forwards Pidhirny, Anderson, Ken Schinkel
Ken Schinkel
Kenneth Calvin "Whitey" Schinkel is a retired professional ice hockey right wing and coach, most notably for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League and the Springfield Indians of the American Hockey League.-Playing career:After a junior career ending with the St...
, Bruce Cline
Bruce Cline
Bruce Cline is a former Canadian ice hockey right winger. He played in the NHL for the New York Rangers.-External links:...
, Brian Kilrea
Brian Kilrea
Brian Blair "Killer" Kilrea is an ice hockey head coach, general manager and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame in the builders' category, most notably with the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League, with whom Kilrea has been associated for over 35 years...
, and defensemen Ted Harris, Kent Douglas
Kent Douglas
Kent Gemmell Douglas was a professional ice hockey defenceman and coach.-Early career:Douglas started his career with the Kitchener Canucks in the Ontario Hockey Association...
, Noel Price
Noel Price
Garry Noel Price is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman.Price started his National Hockey League career with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1958. He would also play for the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Atlanta Flames. He...
and Bob McCord
Bob McCord
Robert Lomer McCord is a retired professional ice hockey player who played 316 games in the National Hockey League. He played for the Minnesota North Stars, Detroit Red Wings, and Boston Bruins.- External links :...
, the Indians led the league in the regular season three straight years and won three straight Calder Cup
Calder Cup
The Calder Cup is awarded annually to the playoff champion of the American Hockey League. The trophy is the world's second oldest continuous professional ice hockey championship, having first been awarded in 1937 following the 1936-37 AHL season, and continuously being awarded every year.The cup...
s, losing only five playoff games in that span. Sweeney won the league scoring title three years in a row, Paille the best goaltending record two years running, and Springfield defensemen won the best defenseman award two years running. With the most dominant team the AHL has ever seen -- no team before or since won three straight regular season OR playoff championships -- the stands in the old Coliseum were filled night after night, and it was said of the 1959-1962 Indians that they could have played in the NHL ... and not have finished last.
1959–60: Sweeney finished second in league scoring behind Fred Glover of Cleveland with 96 points, Floyd Smith
Floyd Smith
Ronald Floyd Smith was a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres and who coached for 4 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Buffalo Sabres...
finished third and Bruce Cline
Bruce Cline
Bruce Cline is a former Canadian ice hockey right winger. He played in the NHL for the New York Rangers.-External links:...
ninth. The Indians led the league with a 43-23-6 record, and defeated Rochester four games to one in the finals for the franchise's first Calder Cup. Sweeney was named to the First All-Star Team at center, Paille to the Second Team at goal, McCord to the Second Team at defense, Smith to the Second Team at left wing, and Parker McDonald to the Second Team at right wing.
1960–61: Indians led the league with a 49-22-1 record, a mark unsurpassed until the 1973 season. The magnificent offense scored 344 goals, nearly a hundred more than any other team. Sweeney led the league in scoring, while Cline placed third, Kilrea fourth, Bill McCreary Sr. fifth and Anderson seventh in a show of offensive dominance unique in the history of the AHL, while Paille led the league in goaltending. The Indians became the second team in league history to go undefeated in the playoffs, sweeping the Cleveland Barons and the Hershey Bears
Hershey Bears
The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of...
. Paille was named to the First All-Star Team, as was Cline at right wing, McCord was awarded the Eddie Shore Award
Eddie Shore Award
The Eddie Shore Award is presented annually to the AHL's best defenceman. The award winner is chosen by AHL media and players. The award is named after Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Shore.-Winners:-Other Eddie Shore Award:...
as the league's best defenseman, and Sweeney and Anderson were named to the Second Team.
1961–62: Indians led the league with a 45-22-3 record. Sweeney defended his scoring title, while Kilrea placed fourth and Anderson tenth, and Paille led the league in goaltending once more. Springfield defeated Buffalo four games to one in the finals to win its record third Calder Cup in a row. Douglas won best defenseman honors, Sweeney and Paille repeated as First Team All-Stars, and McCord and Smith were named to the Second Team again.
The expansion era and beyond
Although Sweeney led the league in scoring in 1963 for a third time, the party was over for the Indians. While they still had a winning record and an offense that led the league, the Rangers had moved Paille to Baltimore, and the team missed the playoffs that year in a tight divisional race. They continued to miss the playoffs for most of the rest of the Sixties.In the meantime, Eddie Shore's oft-capricious and notoriously miserly ownership style caused increasing friction with his players, who staged wildcat strikes in 1966 and 1967. Representing them, a young lawyer named Alan Eagleson
Alan Eagleson
Robert Alan Eagleson is a disbarred Canadian lawyer, convicted felon in two countries, former politician, hockey agent and promoter...
gained prominence, and went on to form the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA).
In consequence, Shore sold his players and leased the franchise to the Los Angeles KingsLos Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
of the NHL for the 1968 season, while retaining control of the team. The Kings renamed the franchise the Springfield Kings, and changed the team's colors from their traditional blue, white and red to a purple-and-gold scheme similar to the parent team. With Gord Labossiere
Gord Labossiere
Gordon William Labossiere is a retired professional ice hockey player who played 215 games in the National Hockey League and 301 games in the World Hockey Association...
, star defenseman Noel Price
Noel Price
Garry Noel Price is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman.Price started his National Hockey League career with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1958. He would also play for the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Atlanta Flames. He...
and goaltender Bruce Landon
Bruce Landon
Bruce Landon is a retired professional ice hockey goaltender who is the longtime general manager and owner of the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League.- Playing career :...
(a name that subsequently loomed large in Springfield hockey annals) the team had a winning record in the 1969 season, reaching the Cup finals before being swept by the Buffalo Bisons
Buffalo Bisons (AHL)
The Buffalo Bisons were an American Hockey League ice hockey franchise that played from 1940 to 1970 in Buffalo, New York. They replaced the original Buffalo Bisons hockey team, which left the area in 1936 after its arena collapsed...
.
The following season the Kings had the benefit of a league lacking powerful teams -- only Baltimore and Cleveland had winning records. The team just squeaked into the playoffs with a losing record -- winning a one-game playoff with the Quebec Aces
Quebec Aces
The Quebec Aces, also known in French as Les As de Québec, were an amateur and later a professional men's ice hockey team from Quebec City, Quebec. The Aces were founded in 1928, and played until 1971. The team played home games at the Quebec Coliseum from 1930 to 1971.The Aces were Allan Cup...
to do it -- and rampaged to Springfield's fourth Calder Cup
Calder Cup
The Calder Cup is awarded annually to the playoff champion of the American Hockey League. The trophy is the world's second oldest continuous professional ice hockey championship, having first been awarded in 1937 following the 1936-37 AHL season, and continuously being awarded every year.The cup...
championship with a sparkling 11-1 playoff record, led by future NHL star center Butch Goring
Butch Goring
Robert "Butch" Goring is a retired Canadian ice hockey player. He played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Los Angeles Kings, New York Islanders and Boston Bruins. He is a four-time Stanley Cup winner with the Islanders. Since retiring as a player he has served as head coach of...
and Hockey Hall of Fame
Hockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, it is both a museum and a hall of fame. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup...
goaltender Billy Smith
Billy Smith (ice hockey)
William John Smith, better known as Billy Smith, is a retired professional ice hockey goaltender and is best known for winning four Stanley Cups with the New York Islanders and being the first goalie to be credited with a goal....
and sweeping a shellshocked Providence Reds
Providence Reds
The Providence Reds were a hockey team that played in the Canadian-American Hockey League between 1926–1936 and the American Hockey League from 1936 to 1977, the last season of which they played as the Rhode Island Reds. The team won the Calder Cup in 1938, 1940, 1949, and 1956...
squad. The 1971 Kings were, and remain, the team with the poorest regular season record ever to win the Calder Cup.
The following year Goring and Smith were gone, and the franchise spent two more years in the wilderness. But in the 1974–75 season, Eddie Shore
Eddie Shore
Edward William Shore was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman, principally for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League, and the longtime owner of the Springfield Indians of the American Hockey League, iconic for his toughness and defensive skill.Shore won the Hart Trophy as the...
enjoyed his final hurrah, taking full control of the team once more, changing its name midseason back to the Indians and reverting to the old blue-white-red uniforms, all to popular acclaim. With a cast of no-names, the club won its fifth Calder Cup championship (becoming only the second fourth place team ever to do so), beating the New Haven Nighthawks
New Haven Nighthawks
The New Haven Nighthawks are a former ice hockey team that played in the American Hockey League from 1972 to 1992. They had affiliations with the Minnesota North Stars , New York Islanders , New York Rangers , and Los Angeles Kings...
four games to one in the finals. An elderly Shore sold the team after the next season, ending an era inextricably linking his name to Springfield hockey.
The next fourteen years were hard ones for the once-proud franchise. Springfield went through a dizzying array of NHL affiliations, while no coach stayed longer than a single season. The revolving door did their on-ice record no good. Over that stretch, the Indians recorded only two winning seasons and only made the playoffs four times, winning but four playoff games. There were only sporadic bright spots; a scoring title from minor-league great Bruce Boudreau
Bruce Boudreau
Bruce Allan Boudreau is a Canadian professional ice hockey head coach and current head coach of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . As a player, Boudreau played professionally for 20 seasons, logging 141 games in the NHL and 30 games in the World Hockey Association...
in 1988, quality seasons from future NHLers Charlie Simmer
Charlie Simmer
Charles Robert Simmer is a retired ice hockey forward, most notably for the Los Angeles Kings in the National Hockey League, who was notable for his scoring and power play prowess.-Playing career:...
and Mario Lessard
Mario Lessard
Mario Lessard is a retired Canadian ice hockey goaltender.Lessard started his National Hockey League career with the Los Angeles Kings in 1978. He would play his entire NHL career with the Kings. He retired after the 1984 season. Lessard was a NHL Second Team All-Star in 1981...
in 1978, and a league-leading season in goal in 1983 from Bob Janecyk
Bob Janecyk
Robert T. Janecyk is a retired American professional ice hockey goaltender who played 110 games in the National Hockey League for the Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Black Hawks.-References:...
.
The 1990s and the last cups
In 1990 fortunes changed once more, in an affiliation with the New York IslandersNew York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. A gallant squad coached by ex-NHL defensive whiz Jim Roberts
Jim Roberts (ice hockey b. 1940)
James Wilfred Roberts is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman and forward. He went by both nicknames of Jimmy and Jim....
sneaked into the playoffs in the final week in part due to veteran minor-league goaltender Rick Knickle
Rick Knickle
Rick Knickle is a former ice hockey goaltender. He was drafted in the sixth round, 116th overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft...
's (signed when injuries both in Springfield and Long Island sidelined the Indians' top three goaltenders) eight game undefeated streak, and on May 18, 1990, the team knocked off the heavily favored Rochester Americans
Rochester Americans
The Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and a top affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. The team plays its home games in Rochester, New York, at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial...
in six games in the finals for the franchise's sixth Calder Cup. Future NHL goaltender Jeff Hackett
Jeff Hackett
Jeff Hackett is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League with the New York Islanders, San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers...
won the playoff MVP, inspirational leader Rod Dallman
Rod Dallman
Rod Dallman is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played seven National Hockey League games with the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers.-Playing career:...
provided tons of grit, while names such as Marc Bergevin
Marc Bergevin
Marc Bergevin is a retired French Canadian professional hockey defenceman. He is the current assistant General Manager of the Chicago Blackhawks.-Playing career:...
, Tom Fitzgerald, team captain Rob DiMaio
Rob DiMaio
Robert DiMaio is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played in 894 National Hockey League games with the New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Dallas Stars. He is currently a scout with the St...
, Jeff Finley
Jeff Finley
John Jeffrey Finley is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and current assistant coach for the WHL Kelowna Rockets.-Career:...
and Bill Berg
Bill Berg
William Daniel Berg is a retired Canadian ice hockey player.-Playing career:Playing on both wing and defense, after a minor league apprenticeship with the Springfield Indians of the American Hockey League - with whom he won a Calder Cup in 1990 - Berg started his National Hockey League career with...
were heard from by NHL fans for many years to come.
In the middle of a dispute over leasing at the Springfield Civic Center, the Indians' home for much of the previous two decades, the team's affiliation changed again to the Hartford Whalers
Hartford Whalers
The Hartford Whalers were a professional ice hockey team based for most of its existence in Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.A.. The club played in the World Hockey Association from 1972–79 and in the National Hockey League from 1979–97...
. The fans were very angry at the loss of their favorites, especially since their replacements came mostly from a Binghamton Whalers
Binghamton Whalers
The Binghamton Whalers was an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. It played in Binghamton, New York, USA, at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.-History:...
team recording the worst record in league history. However, the 1990–91 new look Indians proved their naysayers wrong. Behind Roberts' veteran coaching, they rampaged to the second best record in the league behind a powerful offense led by future NHLer Terry Yake
Terry Yake
Terrence Donald Yake is a Canadian ice hockey centre and right wing who played for the Hartford Whalers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues, and Washington Capitals...
, James Black, Chris Tancill
Chris Tancill
Christopher William Tancill is a retired professional ice hockey right wing. He was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the 1989 NHL Supplemental Draft....
and Michel Picard
Michel Picard
Michel Picard is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. Picard played in the National Hockey League with the Hartford Whalers, San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators, St...
(who led the league with a franchise-record 56 goals), and a rock solid defense led by captain John Stevens and Bergevin, who had been acquired by the Whalers in an early-season trade. In so doing, the team won the North Division regular season title, the Indians' first division title since the Cup-winning squad of 1962. Goaltender Kay Whitmore
Kay Whitmore
Kay Whitmore is a former Canadian ice hockey goaltender.-Hockey career:Whitmore played Junior A hockey with the Sudbury Legion. In 1983-84, he joined OHL's Peterborough Petes and went 17-8-0 as a major junior rookie. The following season, he paced the league with 53 games by a goalie and 35 wins....
won the playoff MVP as Springfield defended their title against Rochester. The victory would be the Springfield franchise's seventh and final Calder Cup championship.
End of an era
Roberts and several stars were promoted to Hartford the following fall, and while the Indians repeated for the final time as division champions in 1992 (and in winning their seventh straight playoff series in the preliminary round of the playoffs, setting a new league record http://www.hersheypa.com/events/hershey_bears/news/detail.php?bp=index.php&id=2045, (since tied by the Hershey BearsHershey Bears
The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of...
), they never again gained the finals nor thereafter had a winning record. In 1993 the Indians made the conference finals before being devastated by eventual champion Cape Breton Oilers
Cape Breton Oilers
The Cape Breton Oilers were a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team relocated from Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1988 and was renamed for Cape Breton Island. Home games were played in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, at Centre 200...
. The team's last game was at home in the first round of the 1994 playoffs against the Adirondack Red Wings
Adirondack Red Wings
The Adirondack Red Wings were a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Glens Falls, New York, USA at the Glens Falls Civic Center. The team was affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League...
.
In the fall of 1994, the franchise was bought by out-of-town interests and moved to Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester, Massachusetts
Worcester is a city and the county seat of Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. Named after Worcester, England, as of the 2010 Census the city's population is 181,045, making it the second largest city in New England after Boston....
, to become the Worcester IceCats
Worcester IceCats
The Worcester IceCats were an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA at the Worcester Centrum...
. With good will from an American Hockey League with central offices across the river in West Springfield
West Springfield, Massachusetts
The Town of West Springfield is a city in Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 28,391 at the 2010 census...
and run by ex-Indians Jack Butterfield
Jack Butterfield
Jack Butterfield was a professional ice hockey administrator and the long-time president of the American Hockey League, serving the longest tenure of any AHL executive...
and Gordon Anziano, longtime Springfield General Manager Bruce Landon
Bruce Landon
Bruce Landon is a retired professional ice hockey goaltender who is the longtime general manager and owner of the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League.- Playing career :...
secured a new franchise from the league and started play that season (with the same Whalers'-owned players as the previous season) as the Springfield Falcons
Springfield Falcons
The Springfield Falcons are an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League . They play in Springfield, Massachusetts, at the MassMutual Center and are the top affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League. The Falcons' two main rivals are the Connecticut Whale and the...
. Springfield has thus fielded a team in the AHL and its predecessors for all but seven years since 1926, and continuously since 1954. The only city with a longer unbroken run in the AHL is Hershey, where the Bears have played continuously since joining the AHL in 1938.
The original franchise moved to Peoria, Illinois
Peoria, Illinois
Peoria is the largest city on the Illinois River and the county seat of Peoria County, Illinois, in the United States. It is named after the Peoria tribe. As of the 2010 census, the city was the seventh-most populated in Illinois, with a population of 115,007, and is the third-most populated...
for the 2005–06 AHL season
2005–06 AHL season
The 2005–06 AHL season was the 70th season of the American Hockey League. Twenty-seven teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup, defeating the Milwaukee Admirals in the finals....
, where it now plays as the Peoria Rivermen
Peoria Rivermen
The Peoria Rivermen are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They play in Peoria, Illinois, USA at the Carver Arena.-History:...
and is the oldest minor league franchise still in existence. The only professional hockey franchises older are the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
, Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
and Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
of the NHL.
The final Springfield Indian playing any significant time with the franchise active in the NHL was Rob DiMaio
Rob DiMaio
Robert DiMaio is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played in 894 National Hockey League games with the New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, and Dallas Stars. He is currently a scout with the St...
, who last played in the 2006 preseason with the Dallas Stars
Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team was founded during the 1967 NHL expansion as the Minnesota North Stars, based in Bloomington, Minnesota. The...
; the final Indians playing significant time with the franchise active in professional hockey were Michel Picard
Michel Picard
Michel Picard is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. Picard played in the National Hockey League with the Hartford Whalers, San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators, St...
and Terry Yake
Terry Yake
Terrence Donald Yake is a Canadian ice hockey centre and right wing who played for the Hartford Whalers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Toronto Maple Leafs, St. Louis Blues, and Washington Capitals...
, active respectively in the Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey
Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey
The Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey was founded in 2004 and is a low-level professional league based in the Canadian province of Quebec. It was called the Quebec Semi-Pro Hockey League from 1996 until it turned pro in 2004...
and the Swiss Nationalliga B through the end of the 2009 season. The last active player who ever wore an Indians jersey is Michael Nylander
Michael Nylander
Michael Nylander is a Swedish professional ice hockey centre who is currently a free agent.- Playing career :Nylander was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the third round in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft...
, who played seven games in Springfield between the 1993 and 1994 seasons, active as of 2011 with the Rochester Americans
Rochester Americans
The Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and a top affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. The team plays its home games in Rochester, New York, at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial...
.
- The market was subsequently home to: Springfield FalconsSpringfield FalconsThe Springfield Falcons are an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League . They play in Springfield, Massachusetts, at the MassMutual Center and are the top affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League. The Falcons' two main rivals are the Connecticut Whale and the...
(1994-current)
Hockey Hall of Famers
List of Springfield Indians alumni later inducted into the Hockey Hall of FameHockey Hall of Fame
The Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, it is both a museum and a hall of fame. It holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League records, memorabilia and NHL trophies, including the Stanley Cup...
.
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Notable NHL/WHA alumni
List of Springfield Indians alumni that played more than 100 games in Springfield, and also played at least a hundred games in the National Hockey LeagueNational Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
and/or World Hockey Association
World Hockey Association
The World Hockey Association was a professional ice hockey league that operated in North America from 1972 to 1979. It was the first major competition for the National Hockey League since the collapse of the Western Hockey League in 1926...
or were otherwise notable hockey executives.
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Team records
- Goals in a season: Michel PicardMichel PicardMichel Picard is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. Picard played in the National Hockey League with the Hartford Whalers, San Jose Sharks, Ottawa Senators, St...
, 56, 1990–91 - Assists in a season: Bruce BoudreauBruce BoudreauBruce Allan Boudreau is a Canadian professional ice hockey head coach and current head coach of the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League . As a player, Boudreau played professionally for 20 seasons, logging 141 games in the NHL and 30 games in the World Hockey Association...
, 74, 1987–88 - Points in a season: Boudreau, 116, 1987–88
- Penalty minutes in a season: Mick VukotaMick VukotaMarinko M. "The Quick, Mickster" Vukota is a former NHL Right Wing. Undrafted, he signed with the New York Islanders, who were looking to add toughness and muscle to their roster, on March 2, 1987. Vukota worked his way up the system and found himself skating on NHL ice by the end of the 1987–88...
, 372, 1987–88 - Shutouts in a season: Marcel PailleMarcel PailleMarcel Paille was an ice hockey goaltender. Born in Shawinigan Falls, Quebec, he was a goaltender in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers, played briefly for the Philadelphia Blazers in the World Hockey Association and is the owner of numerous AHL career playoff records.He died of...
, 8, 1960–61 - Career games: Jim AndersonJim Anderson (ice hockey)James William Anderson was a Canadian professional ice hockey and head coach. He is perhaps most notable for being the first head coach of the Washington Capitals...
, 943 - Career goals: Anderson, 422
- Career assists: Brian KilreaBrian KilreaBrian Blair "Killer" Kilrea is an ice hockey head coach, general manager and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame in the builders' category, most notably with the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League, with whom Kilrea has been associated for over 35 years...
, 442 - Career points: Anderson, 813
- Career penalty minutes: Rod DallmanRod DallmanRod Dallman is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played seven National Hockey League games with the New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers.-Playing career:...
, 844
These are the top-ten point-scorers in franchise history.
Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games Played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points
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Season-by-season results
- Springfield Indians 1926–1933 (Canadian-American Hockey LeagueCanadian-American Hockey LeagueThe Canadian-American Hockey League, popularly known as the Can-Am League, was a professional ice hockey league that operated from 1926 to 1936. It was a direct ancestor of the American Hockey League....
) - Springfield Indians 1935–1936 (Canadian-American Hockey League)
- Springfield Indians 1936–1940 (International-American Hockey League)
- Springfield Indians 1940–1942
- Springfield Indians 1946–1951
- Syracuse Warriors 1951–1954 (shaded red)
- Springfield Indians 1954–1967
- Springfield Kings 1967–1974 (shaded gold)
- Springfield Indians 1974–1994
Regular season
First place finishes in bold.| Season | Games | Won | Lost | Tied | OTL | Points | Goals for | Goals against | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1926–27 | 32 | 14 | 13 | 5 | — | 33 | 59 | 53 | 2nd, C-AHL |
| 1927–28 | 40 | 24 | 13 | 3 | — | 51 | 90 | 71 | 1st, C-AHL |
| 1928–29 | 40 | 13 | 14 | 13 | — | 39 | 60 | 58 | 4th, C-AHL |
| 1929–30 | 39 | 14 | 23 | 2 | — | 30 | 96 | 120 | 5th, C-AHL |
| 1930–31 | 40 | 29 | 9 | 2 | — | 60 | 167 | 99 | 1st, C-AHL |
| 1931–32 | 40 | 10 | 25 | 5 | — | 25 | 85 | 136 | 6th, C-AHL |
| 1932–33 | 13 | 6 | 5 | 2 | — | 14 | 29 | 29 | 6th, C-AHL |
| 1935–36 | 48 | 21 | 22 | 5 | — | 47 | 131 | 129 | 3rd, C-AHL |
| 1936–37 1936–37 AHL season The 1936-37 AHL season was the first season of the International-American Hockey League, known in the present day as the American Hockey League. The IAHL was formed following a merger between the International Hockey League and the Canadian-American Hockey League.The league consisted of eight teams... |
48 | 22 | 17 | 9 | — | 53 | 117 | 125 | 2nd, East |
| 1937–38 1937–38 AHL season The 1937-38 AHL season was the second season of the International-American Hockey League, known in the present day as the American Hockey League. Seven teams played a 48 game season. The Cleveland Barons won the F. G... |
48 | 10 | 30 | 8 | — | 28 | 96 | 140 | 4th, East |
| 1938–39 1938–39 AHL season The 1938–39 AHL season was the third season of the International-American Hockey League, known in the present day as the American Hockey League. Eight teams played 54 games each in the schedule. The Hershey Bears won the F. G... |
54 | 16 | 29 | 9 | — | 41 | 121 | 179 | 3rd, East |
| 1939–40 1939–40 AHL season The 1939–40 AHL season was the fourth season of the International-American Hockey League, known in the present day as the American Hockey League. The league consisted of nine teams total. Four teams in the Eastern Division played a 54 game season, while five teams in the Western Division played a... |
54 | 24 | 24 | 6 | — | 54 | 166 | 149 | 3rd, East |
| 1940–41 1940–41 AHL season The 1940–41 AHL season was the fifth season of the American Hockey League, which had operated the previous four seasons as the "International-American Hockey League." Nine teams played 56 games each in the schedule.The Cleveland Barons won their second F. G... |
56 | 26 | 21 | 9 | — | 61 | 157 | 149 | 3rd, East |
| 1941–42 1941–42 AHL season The 1941–42 AHL season was the sixth season of the American Hockey League. Ten teams played 56 games each in the schedule. The Indianapolis Capitals won the F. G... |
56 | 31 | 20 | 5 | — | 67 | 213 | 167 | 1st, East |
| 1946–47 1946–47 AHL season The 1946–47 AHL season was the 11th season of the American Hockey League. Ten teams played 64 games each in the schedule. The Cleveland Barons won their fifth F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy as West Division champions... |
64 | 24 | 29 | 11 | — | 59 | 202 | 220 | 2nd, East |
| 1947–48 1947–48 AHL season The 1947–48 AHL season was the 12th season of the American Hockey League. Eleven teams played 68 games each in the schedule. The Cleveland Barons won their sixth F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy as West Division champions, and won their fourth Calder Cup as league champions.It was the first season, the AHL... |
68 | 19 | 42 | 7 | — | 45 | 237 | 308 | 5th, East |
| 1948–49 1948–49 AHL season The 1948–49 AHL season was the 13th season of the American Hockey League. Eleven teams played 68 games each in the schedule. The Wally Kilrea Trophy for the league's "top point scorer," is renamed the Carl Liscombe Trophy. The St. Louis Flyers won their first F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy as West... |
68 | 22 | 37 | 9 | — | 53 | 240 | 276 | 3rd, East |
| 1949–50 1949–50 AHL season The 1949–50 AHL season was the 14th season of the American Hockey League. Ten teams played 70 games each in the schedule. The Cleveland Barons won their seventh F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy as West Division champions... |
70 | 28 | 34 | 8 | — | 64 | 245 | 258 | 3rd, East |
| 1950–51 1950–51 AHL season The 1950–51 AHL season was the 15th season of the American Hockey League. Ten teams were scheduled to played 70 games each, however the New Haven Eagles folded midseason. The Cleveland Barons won their eighth F. G... |
70 | 27 | 37 | 6 | — | 60 | 268 | 254 | 3rd, East |
| 1951–52 1951–52 AHL season The 1951–52 AHL season was the 16th season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 68 games each in the schedule. The Pittsburgh Hornets won their first F. G... |
68 | 25 | 42 | 1 | — | 51 | 211 | 272 | 4th, East |
| 1952–53 1952–53 AHL season The 1952–53 AHL season was the 17th season of the American Hockey League. The league loses two teams, bringing an end to East & West Divisions. The F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy is now awarded to the regular season champions. Seven teams played 64 games each in the schedule... |
64 | 31 | 31 | 2 | — | 64 | 213 | 201 | 3rd, AHL |
| 1953–54 1953–54 AHL season The 1953–54 AHL season was the 18th season of the American Hockey League. Six teams played 70 games each in the schedule. The Cleveland Barons won their seventh Calder Cup championship.-Final standings:... |
70 | 24 | 42 | 4 | — | 52 | 215 | 317 | 6th, AHL |
| 1954–55 1954–55 AHL season The 1954–55 AHL season was the 19th season of the American Hockey League. Six teams played 64 games each in the schedule. The "Carl Liscombe Trophy" for the league's top scorer is renamed to the John B. Sollenberger Trophy. The All-Star game is revived, with the AHL All-Stars taking on the... |
64 | 32 | 29 | 3 | — | 67 | 251 | 233 | 3rd, AHL |
| 1955–56 1955–56 AHL season The 1955–56 AHL season was the 20th season of the American Hockey League. Six teams played 64 games each in the schedule. The Providence Reds finished first overall in the regular season, and won their fourth Calder Cup championship.-Final standings:... |
64 | 17 | 45 | 2 | — | 36 | 212 | 297 | 6th, AHL |
| 1956–57 1956–57 AHL season The 1956–57 AHL season was the 21st season of the American Hockey League. Six teams played 64 games each in the schedule. The Providence Reds repeated their first overall finish in the regular season... |
64 | 19 | 41 | 4 | — | 42 | 217 | 274 | 6th, AHL |
| 1957–58 1957–58 AHL season The 1957–58 AHL season was the 22nd season of the American Hockey League. Six teams each played 70 games in their schedules. The Hershey Bears finished first overall in the regular season, and won their second Calder Cup championship.-Final standings:... |
70 | 29 | 33 | 8 | — | 66 | 231 | 246 | 4th, AHL |
| 1958–59 1958–59 AHL season The 1958–59 AHL season was the 23rd season of the American Hockey League. The Eddie Shore Award was first awarded to the "Defenceman of the year." Six teams played 70 games each in the schedule. The Buffalo Bisons finished first overall in the regular season... |
70 | 30 | 38 | 2 | — | 62 | 253 | 282 | 5th, AHL |
| 1959–60 1959–60 AHL season The 1959–60 AHL season was the 24th season of the American Hockey League. Seven teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The Quebec Aces become the first Canadian-based team in the league... |
72 | 43 | 23 | 6 | — | 92 | 280 | 219 | 1st, AHL |
| 1960–61 1960–61 AHL season The 1960–61 AHL season was the 25th season of the American Hockey League. Seven teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The All-Star Game was not played, and put on hold until resurrected in the 1994–95 AHL season... |
72 | 49 | 22 | 1 | — | 99 | 344 | 206 | 1st, AHL |
| 1961–62 1961–62 AHL season The 1961–62 AHL season was the 26th season of the American Hockey League. The league initiates the James C. Hendy Memorial Award for outstanding team or league executives. The league resumes East and West Divisions. The John D. Chick Trophy is first awarded for the West Division champions of the... |
70 | 45 | 22 | 3 | — | 93 | 292 | 194 | 1st, East |
| 1962–63 1962–63 AHL season The 1962–63 AHL season was the 27th season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The Buffalo Bisons finished first overall in the regular season, and won their fourth Calder Cup championship.-Team changes:... |
72 | 33 | 31 | 8 | — | 74 | 282 | 236 | 5th, East |
| 1963–64 1963–64 AHL season The 1963–64 AHL season was the 28th season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The Quebec Aces finished first overall in the regular season... |
72 | 23 | 44 | 5 | — | 51 | 238 | 292 | 5th, East |
| 1964–65 1964–65 AHL season The 1964–65 AHL season was the 29th season of the American Hockey League. The league inaugurates the James H. Ellery Memorial Award for outstanding media coverage of the AHL.Nine teams played 72 games each in the schedule... |
72 | 29 | 39 | 4 | — | 62 | 237 | 273 | 4th, East |
| 1965–66 1965–66 AHL season The 1965–66 AHL season was the 30th season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The league played a limited interlocking schedule with the Western Hockey League which was repeated two seasons later. The Quebec Aces finished first overall in the regular... |
72 | 31 | 38 | 3 | — | 65 | 207 | 235 | 3rd, East |
| 1966–67 1966–67 AHL season The 1966–67 AHL season was the 31st season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The Pittsburgh Hornets finished first overall in the regular season, and won their first Calder Cup championship since being resurrected in 1961–62... |
72 | 32 | 31 | 9 | — | 73 | 267 | 261 | 4th, East |
| 1967–68 1967–68 AHL season The 1967–68 AHL season was the 32nd season of the American Hockey League. Eight teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The league played a limited interlocking schedule with the Western Hockey League which was a repeat of the experiment two seasons earlier. The Louis A. R. Pieri Memorial... |
72 | 31 | 33 | 8 | — | 70 | 247 | 276 | 2nd, East |
| 1968–69 1968–69 AHL season The 1968–69 AHL season was the 33rd season of the American Hockey League. Eight teams played 74 games each in the schedule. The Buffalo Bisons finished first overall in the regular season... |
74 | 27 | 36 | 11 | — | 65 | 257 | 274 | 4th, East |
| 1969–70 1969–70 AHL season The 1969–70 AHL season was the 34th season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The Montreal Voyageurs became the second Canadian-based team in the league, and finished first overall in the regular season... |
72 | 38 | 29 | 5 | — | 81 | 287 | 287 | 2nd, East |
| 1970–71 1970–71 AHL season The 1970–71 AHL season was the 35th season of the American Hockey League. Eight teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The Baltimore Clippers finished first overall in the regular season... † |
72 | 29 | 35 | 8 | — | 66 | 244 | 281 | 3rd, East |
| 1971–72 1971–72 AHL season The 1971–72 AHL season was the 36th season of the American Hockey League. Major changes occurred in the off-season. The league welcomed four expansion teams, and lost both Quebec-based teams. Eleven teams played 76 games each in the schedule. The Boston Braves finished first overall in the regular... |
76 | 31 | 30 | 15 | — | 77 | 273 | 266 | 3rd, East |
| 1972–73 1972–73 AHL season The 1972–73 AHL season was the 37th season of the American Hockey League. Twelve teams played 76 games each in the schedule. The Cincinnati Swords finished first overall in the regular season, and won the Calder Cup championship.-Team changes:... |
76 | 18 | 42 | 16 | — | 52 | 265 | 344 | 5th, East |
| 1973–74 1973–74 AHL season The 1973–74 AHL season was the 38th season of the American Hockey League. The league renamed its divisions, and the "East" Division became the "North" Division, and the "West" Division became the "South" Division. Twelve teams played 76 games each in the schedule. The Rochester Americans finished... |
76 | 21 | 40 | 15 | — | 57 | 251 | 327 | 6th, North |
| 1974–75 1974–75 AHL season The 1974–75 AHL season was the 39th season of the American Hockey League. Ten teams were scheduled to play 76 games each in the schedule, but the Baltimore Clippers were unable to complete the season. The Providence Reds finished first overall in the regular season... |
75 | 33 | 30 | 12 | — | 78 | 299 | 256 | 4th, North |
| 1975–76 1975–76 AHL season The 1975–76 AHL season was the 40th season of the American Hockey League. The league begins to give out three James H. Ellery Memorial Awards to the media, one each for outstanding newspaper, radio and television coverage of the AHL.... |
76 | 33 | 39 | 4 | — | 70 | 267 | 321 | 4th, North |
| 1976–77 1976–77 AHL season The 1976–77 AHL season was the 41st season of the American Hockey League. The league lost two teams, and divisions were dissolved. Six teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy is awarded is for first place in the regular season, and the John D. Chick Trophy is not... |
80 | 28 | 51 | 1 | — | 57 | 302 | 390 | 5th, AHL |
| 1977–78 1977–78 AHL season The 1977–78 AHL season was the 42nd season of the American Hockey League. The season was in jeopardy when the last of the original eight franchises of the "International-American Hockey League", the Rhode Island Reds folded in the offseason, and the AHL was left with five teams... |
81 | 39 | 33 | 9 | — | 87 | 348 | 350 | 3rd, North |
| 1978–79 1978–79 AHL season The 1978–79 AHL season was the 43rd season of the American Hockey League. The league inaugurates the Ken McKenzie Award, for the most outstanding marketing executive, showing its commitment to marketing and public relations.... |
80 | 33 | 38 | 9 | — | 75 | 289 | 290 | 4th, North |
| 1979–80 1979–80 AHL season The 1979–80 AHL season was the 44th season of the American Hockey League. Ten teams were scheduled to play 80 games each. The New Haven Nighthawks finished first overall in the regular season... |
80 | 31 | 37 | 12 | — | 74 | 292 | 302 | 5th, North |
| 1980–81 1980–81 AHL season The 1980–81 AHL season was the 45th season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hershey Bears finished first overall in the regular season... |
80 | 34 | 41 | 5 | — | 73 | 312 | 343 | 4th, North |
| 1981–82 1981–82 AHL season The 1981–82 AHL season was the 46th season of the American Hockey League. Eleven teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The New Brunswick Hawks finished first overall in the regular season, and won their first Calder Cup championship.-Team changes:... |
80 | 32 | 43 | 5 | — | 69 | 278 | 319 | 4th, North |
| 1982–83 1982–83 AHL season The 1982–83 AHL season was the 47th season of the American Hockey League. Thirteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Rochester Americans finished first overall in the regular season, and won their fourth Calder Cup championship.-Team changes:... |
80 | 31 | 43 | 6 | — | 68 | 282 | 324 | 7th, South |
| 1983–84 1983–84 AHL season The 1983–84 AHL season was the 48th season of the American Hockey League. Thirteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The league initiates two new awards. The Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award is first awarded to the league's "best goaltender." The Jack A... |
80 | 39 | 35 | 6 | — | 84 | 344 | 340 | 4th, South |
| 1984–85 1984–85 AHL season The 1984–85 AHL season was the 49th season of the American Hockey League. Thirteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Binghamton Whalers finished first overall in the regular season... |
80 | 36 | 40 | 4 | — | 76 | 322 | 326 | 4th, South |
| 1985–86 1985–86 AHL season The 1985–86 AHL season was the 50th season of the American Hockey League. Thirteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hershey Bears finished first overall in the regular season... |
80 | 36 | 39 | 5 | — | 77 | 301 | 309 | 5th, South |
| 1986–87 1986–87 AHL season The 1986–87 AHL season was the 51st season of the American Hockey League. Thirteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The league institutes awarding one point in the standings, for an overtime loss... |
80 | 34 | 40 | — | 6 | 74 | 296 | 344 | 6th, South |
| 1987–88 1987–88 AHL season The 1987–88 AHL season was the 52nd season of the American Hockey League. Fourteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The league abandoned shootout, but continues to award points for an overtime loss... |
80 | 27 | 44 | 8 | 1 | 63 | 269 | 333 | 7th, North |
| 1988–89 1988–89 AHL season The 1988–89 AHL season was the 53rd season of the American Hockey League. Fourteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The league abandoned awarding points for an overtime loss. The Sherbrooke Canadiens finished first overall in the regular season... |
80 | 32 | 44 | 4 | — | 68 | 287 | 341 | 6th, North |
| 1989–90 1989–90 AHL season The 1989–90 AHL season was the 54th season of the American Hockey League.Fourteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Sherbrooke Canadiens repeated finishing first overall in the regular season... |
80 | 38 | 38 | 4 | — | 80 | 317 | 310 | 3rd, North |
| 1990–91 1990–91 AHL season The 1990–91 AHL season was the 55th season of the American Hockey League. Fifteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Rochester Americans finished first overall in the regular season... |
80 | 42 | 27 | 10 | — | 96 | 348 | 281 | 1st, North |
| 1991–92 1991–92 AHL season The 1991–92 AHL season was the 56th season of the American Hockey League. The league realigns from divisions into three divisions, creating the new Atlantic division. Fifteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Fredericton Canadiens finished first overall in the regular season... |
80 | 43 | 29 | 8 | — | 94 | 308 | 277 | 1st, North |
| 1992–93 1992–93 AHL season The 1992–93 AHL season was the 57th season of the American Hockey League. Sixteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Binghamton Rangers finished first overall in the regular season with 124 points, a which holds to this day... |
80 | 25 | 41 | 14 | — | 64 | 282 | 336 | 4th, North |
| 1993–94 1993–94 AHL season The 1993–94 AHL season was the 58th season of the American Hockey League. Sixteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The St. John's Maple Leafs finished first overall in the regular season... |
80 | 29 | 38 | 13 | — | 71 | 309 | 327 | 4th, North |
†Defeated Quebec Aces 4-3 in a single tiebreaker game to determine final playoff position.
Playoffs
Playoff champions in bold.| Season | 1st round | 2nd round | 3rd round | Finals | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1926–27 | ?? | — | — | W, 9-5, New Haven New Haven Eagles The New Haven Eagles were a professional ice hockey team that played in New Haven, Connecticut. The Eagles were one of five inaugural franchises in the Canadian American Hockey League, and a founding member of the American Hockey League.-History:... |
|||||
| 1927–28 | ?? | — | — | W, 11-7, Quebec Quebec Castors The Quebec Castors or Quebec Beavers were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City, Quebec from 1926 until 1935. They were members of the Canadian-American Hockey League.-History:... |
|||||
| 1928–29 | Data unavailable. | ||||||||
| 1929–30 | Data unavailable. | ||||||||
| 1930–31 | ?? | — | — | W, 3-2-2, Boston | |||||
| 1931–32 | Data unavailable. | ||||||||
| 1932–33 | Data unavailable. | ||||||||
| 1935–36 | Data unavailable. | ||||||||
| 1936–37 1936–37 AHL season The 1936-37 AHL season was the first season of the International-American Hockey League, known in the present day as the American Hockey League. The IAHL was formed following a merger between the International Hockey League and the Canadian-American Hockey League.The league consisted of eight teams... |
Data unavailable. | ||||||||
| 1937–38 1937–38 AHL season The 1937-38 AHL season was the second season of the International-American Hockey League, known in the present day as the American Hockey League. Seven teams played a 48 game season. The Cleveland Barons won the F. G... |
Data unavailable. | ||||||||
| 1938–39 1938–39 AHL season The 1938–39 AHL season was the third season of the International-American Hockey League, known in the present day as the American Hockey League. Eight teams played 54 games each in the schedule. The Hershey Bears won the F. G... |
Data unavailable. | ||||||||
| 1939–40 1939–40 AHL season The 1939–40 AHL season was the fourth season of the International-American Hockey League, known in the present day as the American Hockey League. The league consisted of nine teams total. Four teams in the Eastern Division played a 54 game season, while five teams in the Western Division played a... |
Data unavailable. | ||||||||
| 1940–41 1940–41 AHL season The 1940–41 AHL season was the fifth season of the American Hockey League, which had operated the previous four seasons as the "International-American Hockey League." Nine teams played 56 games each in the schedule.The Cleveland Barons won their second F. G... |
L, 1-2, Pittsburgh | — | — | — | |||||
| 1941–42 1941–42 AHL season The 1941–42 AHL season was the sixth season of the American Hockey League. Ten teams played 56 games each in the schedule. The Indianapolis Capitals won the F. G... |
L, 2-3, Indianapolis Indianapolis Capitals The Indianapolis Capitals was an American Hockey League professional ice hockey team based in Indianapolis, Indiana from 1939–1952. The Capitals were a farm team for the Detroit Red Wings. Indianapolis won the Calder Cup in 1942 and 1950... |
— | — | — | |||||
| 1946–47 1946–47 AHL season The 1946–47 AHL season was the 11th season of the American Hockey League. Ten teams played 64 games each in the schedule. The Cleveland Barons won their fifth F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy as West Division champions... |
L, 0-2, Buffalo Buffalo Bisons (AHL) The Buffalo Bisons were an American Hockey League ice hockey franchise that played from 1940 to 1970 in Buffalo, New York. They replaced the original Buffalo Bisons hockey team, which left the area in 1936 after its arena collapsed... |
— | — | — | |||||
| 1947–48 1947–48 AHL season The 1947–48 AHL season was the 12th season of the American Hockey League. Eleven teams played 68 games each in the schedule. The Cleveland Barons won their sixth F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy as West Division champions, and won their fourth Calder Cup as league champions.It was the first season, the AHL... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1948–49 1948–49 AHL season The 1948–49 AHL season was the 13th season of the American Hockey League. Eleven teams played 68 games each in the schedule. The Wally Kilrea Trophy for the league's "top point scorer," is renamed the Carl Liscombe Trophy. The St. Louis Flyers won their first F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy as West... |
L, 1-2, Cleveland | — | — | — | |||||
| 1949–50 1949–50 AHL season The 1949–50 AHL season was the 14th season of the American Hockey League. Ten teams played 70 games each in the schedule. The Cleveland Barons won their seventh F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy as West Division champions... |
L, 0-2, Providence Providence Reds The Providence Reds were a hockey team that played in the Canadian-American Hockey League between 1926–1936 and the American Hockey League from 1936 to 1977, the last season of which they played as the Rhode Island Reds. The team won the Calder Cup in 1938, 1940, 1949, and 1956... |
— | — | — | |||||
| 1950–51 1950–51 AHL season The 1950–51 AHL season was the 15th season of the American Hockey League. Ten teams were scheduled to played 70 games each, however the New Haven Eagles folded midseason. The Cleveland Barons won their eighth F. G... |
L, 0-3, Pittsburgh | — | — | — | |||||
| 1951–52 1951–52 AHL season The 1951–52 AHL season was the 16th season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 68 games each in the schedule. The Pittsburgh Hornets won their first F. G... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1952–53 1952–53 AHL season The 1952–53 AHL season was the 17th season of the American Hockey League. The league loses two teams, bringing an end to East & West Divisions. The F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy is now awarded to the regular season champions. Seven teams played 64 games each in the schedule... |
L, 1-3, Cleveland | — | — | — | |||||
| 1953–54 1953–54 AHL season The 1953–54 AHL season was the 18th season of the American Hockey League. Six teams played 70 games each in the schedule. The Cleveland Barons won their seventh Calder Cup championship.-Final standings:... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1954–55 1954–55 AHL season The 1954–55 AHL season was the 19th season of the American Hockey League. Six teams played 64 games each in the schedule. The "Carl Liscombe Trophy" for the league's top scorer is renamed to the John B. Sollenberger Trophy. The All-Star game is revived, with the AHL All-Stars taking on the... |
L, 1-3, Pittsburgh | — | — | — | |||||
| 1955–56 1955–56 AHL season The 1955–56 AHL season was the 20th season of the American Hockey League. Six teams played 64 games each in the schedule. The Providence Reds finished first overall in the regular season, and won their fourth Calder Cup championship.-Final standings:... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1956–57 1956–57 AHL season The 1956–57 AHL season was the 21st season of the American Hockey League. Six teams played 64 games each in the schedule. The Providence Reds repeated their first overall finish in the regular season... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1957–58 1957–58 AHL season The 1957–58 AHL season was the 22nd season of the American Hockey League. Six teams each played 70 games in their schedules. The Hershey Bears finished first overall in the regular season, and won their second Calder Cup championship.-Final standings:... |
W, 4-3, Cleveland | — | — | L, 2-4, Hershey Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of... |
|||||
| 1958–59 1958–59 AHL season The 1958–59 AHL season was the 23rd season of the American Hockey League. The Eddie Shore Award was first awarded to the "Defenceman of the year." Six teams played 70 games each in the schedule. The Buffalo Bisons finished first overall in the regular season... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1959–60 1959–60 AHL season The 1959–60 AHL season was the 24th season of the American Hockey League. Seven teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The Quebec Aces become the first Canadian-based team in the league... |
W, 4-1, Providence Providence Reds The Providence Reds were a hockey team that played in the Canadian-American Hockey League between 1926–1936 and the American Hockey League from 1936 to 1977, the last season of which they played as the Rhode Island Reds. The team won the Calder Cup in 1938, 1940, 1949, and 1956... |
— | — | W, 4-1, Rochester Rochester Americans The Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and a top affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. The team plays its home games in Rochester, New York, at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial... |
|||||
| 1960–61 1960–61 AHL season The 1960–61 AHL season was the 25th season of the American Hockey League. Seven teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The All-Star Game was not played, and put on hold until resurrected in the 1994–95 AHL season... |
W, 4-0, Cleveland | — | — | W, 4-0, Hershey Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of... |
|||||
| 1961–62 1961–62 AHL season The 1961–62 AHL season was the 26th season of the American Hockey League. The league initiates the James C. Hendy Memorial Award for outstanding team or league executives. The league resumes East and West Divisions. The John D. Chick Trophy is first awarded for the West Division champions of the... |
W, 4-2, Cleveland | bye | — | W, 4-1, Buffalo Buffalo Bisons (AHL) The Buffalo Bisons were an American Hockey League ice hockey franchise that played from 1940 to 1970 in Buffalo, New York. They replaced the original Buffalo Bisons hockey team, which left the area in 1936 after its arena collapsed... |
|||||
| 1962–63 1962–63 AHL season The 1962–63 AHL season was the 27th season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The Buffalo Bisons finished first overall in the regular season, and won their fourth Calder Cup championship.-Team changes:... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1963–64 1963–64 AHL season The 1963–64 AHL season was the 28th season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The Quebec Aces finished first overall in the regular season... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1964–65 1964–65 AHL season The 1964–65 AHL season was the 29th season of the American Hockey League. The league inaugurates the James H. Ellery Memorial Award for outstanding media coverage of the AHL.Nine teams played 72 games each in the schedule... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1965–66 1965–66 AHL season The 1965–66 AHL season was the 30th season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The league played a limited interlocking schedule with the Western Hockey League which was repeated two seasons later. The Quebec Aces finished first overall in the regular... |
W, 3-0, Hershey Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of... |
L, 0-3, Cleveland | — | — | |||||
| 1966–67 1966–67 AHL season The 1966–67 AHL season was the 31st season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The Pittsburgh Hornets finished first overall in the regular season, and won their first Calder Cup championship since being resurrected in 1961–62... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1967–68 1967–68 AHL season The 1967–68 AHL season was the 32nd season of the American Hockey League. Eight teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The league played a limited interlocking schedule with the Western Hockey League which was a repeat of the experiment two seasons earlier. The Louis A. R. Pieri Memorial... |
L, 1-3, Providence Providence Reds The Providence Reds were a hockey team that played in the Canadian-American Hockey League between 1926–1936 and the American Hockey League from 1936 to 1977, the last season of which they played as the Rhode Island Reds. The team won the Calder Cup in 1938, 1940, 1949, and 1956... |
— | — | — | |||||
| 1968–69 1968–69 AHL season The 1968–69 AHL season was the 33rd season of the American Hockey League. Eight teams played 74 games each in the schedule. The Buffalo Bisons finished first overall in the regular season... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1969–70 1969–70 AHL season The 1969–70 AHL season was the 34th season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The Montreal Voyageurs became the second Canadian-based team in the league, and finished first overall in the regular season... |
W, 4-3, Hershey Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears Hockey Club is a professional ice hockey team playing in the American Hockey League, and is currently the top affiliate of the NHL Washington Capitals. The hockey club is based in the unincorporated town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, located within Derry Township some 14 miles east of... |
2nd, R-R vs.BUF Buffalo Bisons (AHL) The Buffalo Bisons were an American Hockey League ice hockey franchise that played from 1940 to 1970 in Buffalo, New York. They replaced the original Buffalo Bisons hockey team, which left the area in 1936 after its arena collapsed... & MTL |
— | L, 0-4, Buffalo Buffalo Bisons (AHL) The Buffalo Bisons were an American Hockey League ice hockey franchise that played from 1940 to 1970 in Buffalo, New York. They replaced the original Buffalo Bisons hockey team, which left the area in 1936 after its arena collapsed... |
|||||
| 1970–71 1970–71 AHL season The 1970–71 AHL season was the 35th season of the American Hockey League. Eight teams played 72 games each in the schedule. The Baltimore Clippers finished first overall in the regular season... † |
W, 3-0, Montreal | W, 3-1, Cleveland | — | W, 4-0, Providence Providence Reds The Providence Reds were a hockey team that played in the Canadian-American Hockey League between 1926–1936 and the American Hockey League from 1936 to 1977, the last season of which they played as the Rhode Island Reds. The team won the Calder Cup in 1938, 1940, 1949, and 1956... |
|||||
| 1971–72 1971–72 AHL season The 1971–72 AHL season was the 36th season of the American Hockey League. Major changes occurred in the off-season. The league welcomed four expansion teams, and lost both Quebec-based teams. Eleven teams played 76 games each in the schedule. The Boston Braves finished first overall in the regular... |
L, 1-4, Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Voyageurs The Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs.... |
— | — | — | |||||
| 1972–73 1972–73 AHL season The 1972–73 AHL season was the 37th season of the American Hockey League. Twelve teams played 76 games each in the schedule. The Cincinnati Swords finished first overall in the regular season, and won the Calder Cup championship.-Team changes:... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1973–74 1973–74 AHL season The 1973–74 AHL season was the 38th season of the American Hockey League. The league renamed its divisions, and the "East" Division became the "North" Division, and the "West" Division became the "South" Division. Twelve teams played 76 games each in the schedule. The Rochester Americans finished... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1974–75 1974–75 AHL season The 1974–75 AHL season was the 39th season of the American Hockey League. Ten teams were scheduled to play 76 games each in the schedule, but the Baltimore Clippers were unable to complete the season. The Providence Reds finished first overall in the regular season... |
W, 4-2, Providence Providence Reds The Providence Reds were a hockey team that played in the Canadian-American Hockey League between 1926–1936 and the American Hockey League from 1936 to 1977, the last season of which they played as the Rhode Island Reds. The team won the Calder Cup in 1938, 1940, 1949, and 1956... |
W, 4-1, Rochester Rochester Americans The Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and a top affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. The team plays its home games in Rochester, New York, at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial... |
— | W, 4-1, New Haven New Haven Nighthawks The New Haven Nighthawks are a former ice hockey team that played in the American Hockey League from 1972 to 1992. They had affiliations with the Minnesota North Stars , New York Islanders , New York Rangers , and Los Angeles Kings... |
|||||
| 1975–76 1975–76 AHL season The 1975–76 AHL season was the 40th season of the American Hockey League. The league begins to give out three James H. Ellery Memorial Awards to the media, one each for outstanding newspaper, radio and television coverage of the AHL.... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1976–77 1976–77 AHL season The 1976–77 AHL season was the 41st season of the American Hockey League. The league lost two teams, and divisions were dissolved. Six teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The F. G. "Teddy" Oke Trophy is awarded is for first place in the regular season, and the John D. Chick Trophy is not... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1977–78 1977–78 AHL season The 1977–78 AHL season was the 42nd season of the American Hockey League. The season was in jeopardy when the last of the original eight franchises of the "International-American Hockey League", the Rhode Island Reds folded in the offseason, and the AHL was left with five teams... |
L, 1-3, Nova Scotia Nova Scotia Voyageurs The Nova Scotia Voyageurs were a professional ice hockey team, based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They played in the American Hockey League, from 1971 to 1984. The Voyageurs played their first two seasons , as the Montreal Voyageurs.... |
— | — | — | |||||
| 1978–79 1978–79 AHL season The 1978–79 AHL season was the 43rd season of the American Hockey League. The league inaugurates the Ken McKenzie Award, for the most outstanding marketing executive, showing its commitment to marketing and public relations.... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1979–80 1979–80 AHL season The 1979–80 AHL season was the 44th season of the American Hockey League. Ten teams were scheduled to play 80 games each. The New Haven Nighthawks finished first overall in the regular season... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1980–81 1980–81 AHL season The 1980–81 AHL season was the 45th season of the American Hockey League. Nine teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hershey Bears finished first overall in the regular season... |
L, 3-4, Maine Maine Mariners The Maine Mariners were an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Portland, Maine, USA at the Cumberland County Civic Center.-History:... |
— | — | — | |||||
| 1981–82 1981–82 AHL season The 1981–82 AHL season was the 46th season of the American Hockey League. Eleven teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The New Brunswick Hawks finished first overall in the regular season, and won their first Calder Cup championship.-Team changes:... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1982–83 1982–83 AHL season The 1982–83 AHL season was the 47th season of the American Hockey League. Thirteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Rochester Americans finished first overall in the regular season, and won their fourth Calder Cup championship.-Team changes:... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1983–84 1983–84 AHL season The 1983–84 AHL season was the 48th season of the American Hockey League. Thirteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The league initiates two new awards. The Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award is first awarded to the league's "best goaltender." The Jack A... |
L, 0-4, Baltimore Baltimore Skipjacks The Baltimore Skipjacks were a minor professional ice hockey team in the Atlantic Coast Hockey League and the American Hockey League. They played in Baltimore, Maryland, at the Baltimore Arena.-History:... |
— | — | — | |||||
| 1984–85 1984–85 AHL season The 1984–85 AHL season was the 49th season of the American Hockey League. Thirteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Binghamton Whalers finished first overall in the regular season... |
L, 0-4, Binghamton Binghamton Whalers The Binghamton Whalers was an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. It played in Binghamton, New York, USA, at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena.-History:... |
— | — | — | |||||
| 1985–86 1985–86 AHL season The 1985–86 AHL season was the 50th season of the American Hockey League. Thirteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Hershey Bears finished first overall in the regular season... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1986–87 1986–87 AHL season The 1986–87 AHL season was the 51st season of the American Hockey League. Thirteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The league institutes awarding one point in the standings, for an overtime loss... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1987–88 1987–88 AHL season The 1987–88 AHL season was the 52nd season of the American Hockey League. Fourteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The league abandoned shootout, but continues to award points for an overtime loss... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1988–89 1988–89 AHL season The 1988–89 AHL season was the 53rd season of the American Hockey League. Fourteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The league abandoned awarding points for an overtime loss. The Sherbrooke Canadiens finished first overall in the regular season... |
Out of playoffs. | ||||||||
| 1989–90 1989–90 AHL season The 1989–90 AHL season was the 54th season of the American Hockey League.Fourteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Sherbrooke Canadiens repeated finishing first overall in the regular season... |
W, 4-2, Cape Breton Cape Breton Oilers The Cape Breton Oilers were a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team relocated from Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1988 and was renamed for Cape Breton Island. Home games were played in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, at Centre 200... |
W, 4-2, Sherbrooke Sherbrooke Canadiens The Sherbrooke Canadiens were a professional ice hockey team in Sherbrooke, Quebec. They played their home games at the Palais des Sports. They were a member of the American Hockey League from 1984 to 1990, and were a farm team of the Montreal Canadiens.... |
— | W, 4-2, Rochester Rochester Americans The Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and a top affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. The team plays its home games in Rochester, New York, at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial... |
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| 1990–91 1990–91 AHL season The 1990–91 AHL season was the 55th season of the American Hockey League. Fifteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Rochester Americans finished first overall in the regular season... |
W, 4-3, Fredericton Fredericton Canadiens The Fredericton Canadiens, or the 'Baby Habs' were a professional ice hockey team in Fredericton, New Brunswick. The Canadiens played their home games at the Aitken Centre... |
W, 4-1, Moncton Moncton Hawks The Moncton Hawks were a professional ice hockey team based in Moncton, New Brunswick. They played in the American Hockey League between 1987 and 1994 operated as a minor league affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets. Home games were played at the Moncton Coliseum... |
— | W, 4-2, Rochester Rochester Americans The Rochester Americans are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and a top affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres. The team plays its home games in Rochester, New York, at the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial... |
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| 1991–92 1991–92 AHL season The 1991–92 AHL season was the 56th season of the American Hockey League. The league realigns from divisions into three divisions, creating the new Atlantic division. Fifteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Fredericton Canadiens finished first overall in the regular season... |
W, 4-3, Capital District Capital District Islanders The Capital District Islanders were a team in the American Hockey League based in Troy, New York, which is located within a region popularly called the Capital District... |
L, 0-4, Adirondack Adirondack Red Wings The Adirondack Red Wings were a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Glens Falls, New York, USA at the Glens Falls Civic Center. The team was affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League... |
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| 1992–93 1992–93 AHL season The 1992–93 AHL season was the 57th season of the American Hockey League. Sixteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The Binghamton Rangers finished first overall in the regular season with 124 points, a which holds to this day... |
W, 4-2, Providence Providence Bruins The Providence Bruins are an ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are the primary development team for the NHL's Boston Bruins. They play in Providence, Rhode Island at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.-History:... |
W, 4-3, Adirondack Adirondack Red Wings The Adirondack Red Wings were a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Glens Falls, New York, USA at the Glens Falls Civic Center. The team was affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League... |
L, 0-2, Cape Breton Cape Breton Oilers The Cape Breton Oilers were a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team relocated from Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1988 and was renamed for Cape Breton Island. Home games were played in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, at Centre 200... |
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| 1993–94 1993–94 AHL season The 1993–94 AHL season was the 58th season of the American Hockey League. Sixteen teams played 80 games each in the schedule. The St. John's Maple Leafs finished first overall in the regular season... |
L, 2-4, Adirondack Adirondack Red Wings The Adirondack Red Wings were a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Glens Falls, New York, USA at the Glens Falls Civic Center. The team was affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League... |
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†Defeated Quebec Aces
Quebec Aces
The Quebec Aces, also known in French as Les As de Québec, were an amateur and later a professional men's ice hockey team from Quebec City, Quebec. The Aces were founded in 1928, and played until 1971. The team played home games at the Quebec Coliseum from 1930 to 1971.The Aces were Allan Cup...
4-3 in a single tiebreaker game to determine final playoff position.