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- BC Icemen
- (UHL, 1997-2002)
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- On June 4th, 1997 Broome
Hockey Associates announced their intention
to sell to Madison Square Garden (New York
Rangers) effectively ending the AHL
franchise's 20-year run in the city. The
Press & Sun-Bulletin's headline simply
stated, "They're gone." That news
left the fans, who had filled the Arena night
after night, completely shocked and heart-broken.
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- With no NHL affiliation,
Binghamton was left with the prospect of no
hockey. An ownership group of Dave Pace, Mark
Palombo and former Ranger Vice President
Patrick Snyder stepped forward and
Binghamtonwas awarded a United Hockey League
franchise. The BC Icemen were born and the 25th
anniversary of pro hockey in Binghamton was
preserved.
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- The BC Icemen started
with a few familar Ranger names, including
Brad Jones and penalty minute king Peter
Fiorentino. Al Hill a former coach with the
Rangers was brought back to coach the Icemen
the innagural season. The Icemen were later
joined in the UHL by Utica, Adirondack and
Elmira, all of which were rivals.
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- In UHL terms, the Icemen
were having a successful run in Binghamton.
but after four seasons the team had fiscal
problems and in the summer of 2001, David
Wright purchased the team and began pursuing
the fans' dream of returning to the AHL.
| Season |
Standing |
Record |
Points |
Playoffs |
Attendance |
1997-98
|
4th-E |
25-40-9 |
59 |
Lost Div Semi-Finals |
3,023 |
| 1998-99 |
1st-E |
39-30-0-5 |
83 |
Lost
Quarterfinals |
3,073 |
| 1999-00 |
1st-E |
47-20-7 |
101 |
Lost Semi-Finals |
2,962 |
| 2000-01 |
3rd-NE |
31-34-9 |
71 |
Missed Playoffs |
2,873 |
| 2001-02 |
2nd-E |
46-20-8 |
100 |
Lost Division Finals |
2,939 |
When his attempt to purchase a
dormant AHL franchise failed in the spring of 2002,
he stepped aside and allowed another ownership group
to step forward. Senator Tom Libous helped bring
together a group of owners including Tim Smith, the
Bolles family, Ray Stanton III, and former Whaler
& Ranger owners Tom Mitchell and Bob Carr. They
created the Binghamton Senators and returned the city
to the AHL.
- Team Logos are
property of their respective trademark owner. All
rights reserved!
- AHL Logo is
property of the American Hockey League!
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