Atlantic Coast Hockey League
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The Atlantic Coast Hockey League was a minor league hockey organization that operated between 1981 and 1987. Beginning in 1988 the league merged with the All-American Hockey League to create the East Coast Hockey League (today the ECHL).
In 2002, a second organization to carry the ACHL name was formed. This league would last only one season, and was notable for the early-season move of the St. Petersburg Parrots to Winston-Salem, NC. After a bitter split among the franchises, the league split into two new leagues, the South East Hockey League and World Hockey Association 2. The two leagues would rejoin for the 2004-05 season as the Southern Professional Hockey League.
The Orlando Seals won the ACHL's only regular season and playoff championships.
[edit] 1981-87 Teams
- Salem Raiders (1981-1982)
- Mohawk Valley Stars (1981-1985)
- Baltimore Skipjacks (1981-1982)
- Cape Cod Buccaneers (1981-1982)
- Winston Salem T-Birds (1981-1982)
- Schenectady Chiefs (1981-1982)
- Fitchburg Trappers (1981-1982)
- Erie Golden Blades (1982-1987)
- Carolina Thunderbirds (1982-1987)
- Virginia Raiders (1982-1983)
- Hampton Roads Gulls (1982-1983)
- Nashville South Stars (1982-1983)
- Virginia Lancers (1983-1987)
- Pineridge Bucks (1983-1985)
- Birmingham Bulls (1983-1984)
- Mohawk Valley Comets (1985-1987)
- New York Slapshots (1985-1986)
- Troy Slapshots (1986-1987)
[edit] 2002-03 Teams
- Orlando Seals (moved to WHA2 for 2003-04)
- Knoxville Ice Bears (moved to SEHL for 2003-04)
- Macon Trax (moved to WHA2 for 2003-04)
- St. Pete Parrots / Winston-Salem Parrots (relocated from St. Petersburg, FL in-season, folded after season)
- Cape Fear Fire Antz (moved to SEHL for 2003-04)
- Jacksonville Barracudas (moved to WHA2 for 2003-04)