In keeping with the theme of transitions, this blog has made one as well. A shift to more writing, focusing predominantly on anything hockey related will now be the norm. There might also be some personal stories of events I participate in or activities that I do. Pictures and videos will still be included. The goal is to create at least one story everyday. Since hockey is practically a year round sport, it shouldn't be too hard. What better way to start the new site than an American Hockey League story with a personal touch.
In 2009 the Philadelphia Phantoms were in the midst of their last season playing in Philadelphia. It had been announced earlier that the Spectrum was going to be torn down to make room for a new facility. It also meant the Phantoms were left without a home. Comcast sold the Phantoms to a group with the intention of moving the Phantoms to Allentown. The only problem was Allentown had no arena to house the hockey team. They would have to build one. In the meantime the Phantoms would need to find a new home. In stepped Glens Falls, New York.
Glens Falls were not new to hockey or the AHL. They were once home to the Adirondack Red Wings who left the small town north of Albany in 1999. For the next ten years the town would be without AHL hockey. It all changed when the Phantoms decided to use Glens Falls as their temporary home while construction began on a new arena in Allentown. The guess was the team would play a couple seasons. I think it lasted longer than anticipated. Nonetheless, the team was welcomed into town by fans knowing full well the team would eventually leave. Last night, after five seasons in New York, the Adirondack Phantoms played their final game.
Fittingly for the Phantoms, the last game of the season was played in Hershey, a long time rival of the team and former affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. The Phantoms didn't win the game. In fact in the five seasons they had in Glens Falls, the team never made the playoffs. As nice as it would have been for the fans, I'm not really sure it mattered. Having a hockey team to call their own even if it was brief was cause for celebration.
The Adirondack Phantoms book has officially ended. The Lehigh Valley Phantoms book is only beginning. A rivalry with nearby Hershey and Wilkes-Barre is sure to begin. The enthusiasm for Lehigh Valley residents to enjoy professional hockey at a brand new arena is high. It's less than six months away. What becomes of Glen Falls remains a question. All NHL teams are currently affiliated with an AHL city. It was announced earlier in the week that the Calgary Flames will be leaving their current location in Abbotsford. It would only seem fitting that Glen Falls becomes the new home. Besides, it's probably easier for New York residents to root for players in the Calgary organization than the Flyers.
Here is a look at the last group of players to ever play for the Adirondack Phantoms.
I'd like to mention one thing about this team and another reason why I love hockey. You can forever look at this date - April 19, 2014 - and know this was the last game played in franchise history. What will not stand out is what happened one week before.
On April 12th in Philadelphia, Union College defeated Minnesota in the NCAA Championship to earn their first ever hockey title. It was an exciting game with scoring and the physicality you expect to see.
Union was led by defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, number 14 above. Tom Serratore, # 21, played for Minnesota. One week later and teammates.
No comments:
Post a Comment