The Amarillo Rattlers were a low-level minor league hockey team that skated for six seasons in the Western Professional Hockey League and the Central Hockey League. The Rattlers were reliably terrible throughout their six-season run, failing to post a winning record or make the playoffs in any season. Following the 2001-02 season, new owners took over the club and changed its name to the Gorillas.
The Monroe Moccasins were a low-level minor league hockey team that muddled along in Northeastern Louisiana for four seasons. The Moccasins joined the Western Professional Hockey League (WPHL) as an expansion team for the league’s sophomore season in 1997-98. The WPHL operated in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. At its peak, the league had four franchises going in Louisiana between 1998 and 2000, with clubs in Alexandria, Lake Charles, Monroe and Shreveport.
The Austin Ice Bats were a hot ticket in Texas’ capital city for several winters during the late 1990’s. Playing in the lower ranks of professional ice hockey’s minor league ecosystem, the ‘Bats relied of classic bush league promos like “Guaranteed Fight Night”. Crowds declined precipitously beginning in the early 2000’s and arena problems finally doomed the Ice Bats in 2008 after 12 seasons.
Publisher receives compensation for affiliate advertising on this website.
*Like our new look? Next up: site speed. You can help with a tip for our Speed Fund today. Thank you!
