International Hockey League (1982-1984)
Tombstone
Born: 1982 – IHL expansion franchise
Re-Branded: Summer 1984 (Peoria Rivermen)
First Game: October 15, 1982 (L 9-1 @ Milwaukee Admirals)
Last Game: April 8, 1984 (L 6-2 @ Kalamazoo Wings)
Turner Cup Championships: None
Arena
Peoria Civic Center
Opened: 1982
Branding
Team Colors:
Ownership
Owner: Ken Wilson
Background
The Peoria Prancers were a short-lived farm club of the New York Rangers notable mainly for having perhaps the least intimidating name in the history of pro hockey.
The club was owned by a long-time minor league hockey executive Ken Wilson. Wilson ran out of money in 1984 after two losing seasons and handed the keys to the franchise back to the International Hockey League. The money-losing Peoria Civic Center, faced with the loss of 40 booked dates at the building in the winter of 1984-85, agreed to buy the team. The new owners swiftly changed the name to the infinitely manlier Peoria Rivermen prior to the 1984-85 IHL season.
Grant Rezansoff (Peoria ’82-’84) was the club’s all-time goal scorer with 59 tallies across two seasons. Brad Kempthorne (Peoria ’82-’84).was the Prancers’s all-time point leader with 54 goals and 112 assists in two seasons.
Our Favorite Gear
International Hockey League
When it comes to replica jerseys, we turn to our friends at Royal Retros, who put extraordinary detail into their fully customizable football jerseys and T-Shirts, including those from the International Hockey League. Jerseys feature:
Free Customization Included
Each jersey individually handmade
Any name and number
Sewn tackle twill crest, numbers & letters
100% polyester
Heavyweight fabric made to game standards
Fight strap
Relive the days of the one of the most storied leagues in minor league hockey in great apparel from Royal Retros. Choose from jerseys, T-Shirts, hoodies, and hats. Multiple styles and colors available.
Links
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2 Responses
Judging by the name, logo and program cover, I assume the Prancers were somehow related to these guys – any idea what the connection was? http://www.hockeydb.com/stte/danville-dashers-5410.html
Prancers owner Ken Wilson was involved with the Dashers as well and the used a similar looking logo. He must have had a reindeer fetish.
Andy