Tombstone
Formed: 1975
Disbanded: January 24, 1977
First Game: October 2, 1975
Last Game: January 24, 1977
Seasons: 1.5
States: 6
(AZ, MT, ND, NM, NV, TX)
Leadership
Trophy Case
Background
The Southwest Hockey League of the mid-1970’s was a senior amateur circuit bankrolled by Las Vegas casino and hotel operator Ralph Englestad. By the end of the SWHL’s curtailed second season, Englestad owned four of the league’s five teams.
Players were mostly 18-23 year old amateurs from Canada who earned room & board and school tuition in lieu of salary.
The SWHL folded on January 24, 1977 after absorbing multi-million dollar losses over two years. The league was unable to complete its second season of play.
Southwest Hockey League Franchise List
| FRANCHISE | YEARS ACTIVE | SWHL CHAMPIONS |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque Chaparrals | 1975-1977 | Never |
| Amarillo Lone Stars | 1976-1977 | Never |
| Amarillo Wranglers | 1975-1976 | 1976 |
| Billings Blazers | 1975-1977 | Never |
| Bismarck Capitols | 1976 | Never |
| Butte Copper Kings | 1975-1976 | Never |
| El Paso Raiders | 1975-1976 | Never |
| Minot Raiders | 1976-1977 | Never |
| Minot Rangers | 1977 | Never |
| Reno Broncos | 1975 | Never |
| Tucson Icemen | 1976-1977 | Never |
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