1988 Erie Panthers program from the East Coast Hockey League

Erie Panthers

East Coast Hockey League (1988-1996)

Tombstone

Born: 1988 – ECHL founding franchise
Move Announced: March 15, 1996 (Baton Rouge Kingfish)1ASSOCIATED PRESS. “Capitol City gets hockey”. The Advertiser (Lafayette, LA). March 16, 1996

First Game:
Final Game: March 24, 1996

Riley Cup Championships: None

Arena

Tullio Arena (5,477)

Marketing

Team Colors: Black, White & Silver

Ownership

Owners:

 

Background

The Erie Panthers were one of five founding members of the East Coast Hockey League in 1988.  The club lasted for eight seasons in Erie, playing at Louis J. Tullio Arena.

In their early years, the Panthers were competitive. The team made the Riley Cup playoffs in each of their first five seasons.  The Panthers fell behind in later years though, failing to make the playoffs during their final three seasons in town. Attendance dipped below 3,000 fans per game by the mid-1990’s.

Former NHL journeyman goaltender Peter Skudra played 12 games for the Panthers during their final season in Erie. Skudra is the most prominent former Panther to make it to the NHL.

1989-90 Erie Panthers program from the East Coast Hockey League

Move To Baton Rouge

At the end of the 1995-96 season, the Panthers moved to Louisiana where they became known as the Baton Rouge Kingfish (1996-2004).  A subsequent move in 2004 saw the franchise relocate to British Columbia as the Victoria Salmon Kings.   The Salmon Kings went out of business in 2011.

After the Panthers left town in 1996, they were replaced by the Erie Otters of the major junior Ontario Hockey League.  The Otters continue to play in Erie today.

 

Erie Panthers Shop

 

 

Downloads

10-19-1990 Panthers vs. Cincinnati Cyclones Pre-Season Roster

10-19-1990 Erie Panthers vs. Cincinnati Cyclones Pre-Season Roster

 

1991-92 Erie Panthers Corporate Sales Brochure

1995-96 Erie Panthers Corporate Sales Brochure

 

Links

ECHL Media Guides

East Coast Hockey League / ECHL Programs

 

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