International Hockey League (1989-1997)
Tombstone
Born: February 1, 1989 – IHL expansion franchise1Flanagan, Jeffrey. “Minor league hockey approved for Phoenix”. The Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ). February 1, 1989
Folded: April 29, 1997
First Game: October 6, 1989 (L 7-6 @ Milwaukee Admirals)
Last Game: April 14, 1997 (L 5-4 @ Las Vegas Thunder)
Turner Cup Championships: None
Arena
Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum (13,737)21993-94 International Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book
Opened: 1965
Marketing
Team Colors: Blue, Silver, Cooper & White31992-93 Phoenix Roadrunners Program
Radio:
- 1992-93: KNNS (1360-AM)
- 1995-96: KOOL (960-AM)
Broadcasters
- 1989-????: Dave Tunnell
- 1995-????: Bob Heethius
Mascot: Rocky Roadrunner
Ownership & Affiliation
Owners:
- 1989-1996: Lyle Abraham
- 1996-1997: Arizona Sports & Entertainment Group (Ak-Chin Indian Community, et al.)
NHL Affiliation:
- 1989-1990: Independent
- 1990-1997: Los Angeles Kings
Our Favorite Stuff
Phoenix Roadrunners
Logo T-Shirt
An all-time classic hockey logo that just won’t die! The Roadrunners’ Western League/WHA logo of the 1970’s has been re-purposed countless time over the past half century by teams in Phoenix and beyond. In 2004, the name and logo was even adopted by the Toronto Roadrunners (!) of the American Hockey League.
This design is also available today as a Crewneck Sweatshirt from our friends at Cincinnati’s Old School Shirts!
When you make a purchase through an affiliate link like this one, Fun While It Lasted earns a commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Background
A 1990’s minor league outfit that was one of countless iterations of the “Phoenix Roadrunners” hockey brand to set up shop in the Arizona city. This 1989 re-boot was named in tribute to the original Roadrunners of the Western Hockey League and the World Hockey Association, who played from 1967 to 1977. Like previous versions of the ‘Runners, the team played at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The team enjoyed a reasonably long and stable run under the ownership of Alberta businessman Lyle Abraham from 1989 until 1996. But the 1996 relocation of the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets to Phoenix complicated matters. Adding to that, proposals were afloat to close down the 30-year old Coliseum, which hosted little else besides IHL hockey in the mid-90’s.
Demise
Surprisingly, the team didn’t fold or relocate immediately, but competed head-to-head with the NHL for one final season in the winter of 1996-97. But it did so without Abraham, who leased the team to a group called the Arizona Sports & Entertainment Group (ASEG), whose main financial backer was the Ak-Chin Indian Community. ASEG also struck a new lease to keep the Coliseum open and control its operations. However, the 1996-97 season was saw steep financial losses for the team and the Ak-Chin Community cancelled its financial support. The Roadrunners folded in the spring of 1997 a few days after the conclusion of their eighth season in the IHL.
The Roadrunners brand name was re-animated for a third time in 2005 for Phoenix’s new franchise in the ECHL. Those Roadrunners lasted four seasons, shutting down in 2009. But it’s only a matter of time until someone tries again…
Phoenix Roadrunners Shop
Our Favorite Stuff
Phoenix Roadrunners
WHA Replica Jersey
When it comes to Replica Jerseys, we turn to our friends at Royal Retros, who put extraordinary detail into their fully customizable hockey sweaters.
Free Customization Included
Any name and number
Heavyweight sewn tackle twill
100% polyester
Heavyweight fabric made to game standards
Fight strap included
When you make a purchase through an affiliate link like this one, Fun While It Lasted earns a commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Links
##
