American Hockey League (1971-1976)
Tombstone
Born: April 1971 – The Quebec Aces relocate to Richmond, VA
Folded: June 21, 19761ASSOCIATED PRESS. “Robins added to list of folding franchises”. The Daily News Leader (Staunton, VA). June 22, 1976
First Game: October 8, 1971 (L 3-1 @ Tidewater Wings)
Last Game: April 17, 1976 (L 2-1 @ Hershey Bears)
Calder Cup Championships: None
Arena
Richmond Coliseum (9,674)21973-74 American Hockey League Guide
Opened: 1971
Closed: 2019
Marketing
Team Colors: Orange, Black & White31973-74 American Hockey League Guide
Ownership & Affiliation
Owners:
- 1971-1975: E. Claiborne Robins, Jr. and Philadelphia Flyers
- 1975-1976: E. Claiborne Robins, Jr.
NHL Affiliation
- 1971-1976: Philadelphia Flyers
- 1974-1976: Washington Capitals
Attendance
Our Favorite Gear
Richmond Robins
1971-1976 Replica Jersey
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Sewn tackle twill crest, numbers & letters
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Background
The Richmond Robins were the top farm club of the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers during the early and mid-1970’s. The Robins endured five straight losing seasons, even as the Broad Street Bullies-era Flyers won back-to-back Stanley Cups.
Richmond fans took an early interest in the team upon its arrival in 1971. The Robins drew 225,059 fans for 38 dates at the Richmond Coliseum during the winter of 1971-72. But attendance dropped consistently in the years that followed. Two seasons later, season attendance was down nearly a third to 159,738.
At the end of the Robins’ fifth season, the club made it to the Calder Cup semi-finals, despite another losing regular season. After the playoffs the team embarked on a “Save The Robins” campaign with a goal of 3,000 season ticket deposits of $100 each. When the deadline arrived on June 21, 1976, the team had secured fewer than 1,000 commitments. Team founder E. Claiborne Robins pulled the plug, citing more than $1 million in financial losses over the Robin’s five-year run.
Trivia
Rene Drolet (Richmond ’71-’74) was the Robins’ all-time point leader (221) on 91 goals and 130 assists. Danny Schock (Richmond ’71-’74) was the team’s top goal scorer with 95.
Voices
“A lot of people thought [the team was named after owner Claiborne Robins]. We actually had a full Name-The-Team contest and it was juried. Claiborne – I won’t say he was embarrassed, but he wasn’t enthusiastic [about the name].”
– Charlie Evranian, Business Manager, 1971-1973 (2018 FWiL Interview)
Richmond Robins Shop
Links
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One Response
I remember this. Early years in Navy. My intro into ice hockey. Caps just tied @ home with Robin’s parent team, Philly Flyers. 5-8-2021