Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s, tiny Glens Falls, New York was one of the smallest cities in North America to boast of its own pro hockey team. The city of just 16,000 had not just any rinky dink club, but the top farm club of the Detroit Red Wings for 20 seasons. The Adirondack Red Wings of the American Hockey League were a great success story during the 1980’s, routinely packing Glens Falls’ 4,800-seat Civic Center.
The Detroit Rockers were an indoor soccer team that earned a modest following in the Motor City during the 1990’s. The Rockers won the championship of the National Professional Soccer League during their second season in the winter of 1991-92. Fan favorites included forward Andy Chapman, player-coach Pato Margetic, forward Drago Dumbovic, and long-time goalkeeper Bryan Finnerty.
One of professional sport’s great forgotten dynasties!. Formed as an expansion franchise for the Arena Football League’s second season in 1988, the Drive went on to play six years. Incredibly, the Drive appeared in the Arena Bowl title game in all six seasons they competed, winning four times. The Drive compiled an overall regular season & playoff record of 58-12 in six seasons – an astounding 83% winning percentage. Their nemesis was the Tampa Bay Storm, who dealt Detroit both of their Arena Bowl defeats.
The Detroit Wheels were a pro football venture that failed to complete their first and only season in the start-up World Football League in 1974. The Wheels’ misadventures became a point of national embarrassment for the WFL – although far from the only one – as the new league tried to establish itself as a reputable competitor to the National Football League, as the AFL had done in the 1960’s.
American Professional Slo-Pitch League (1977-1979) Born: 1977 – APSPL founding franchise Folded: Postseason 1979 First Game: May 29, 1977 (W 28-21 @ Chicago Storm) Last
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