Asheville Smoke | |
---|---|
City | Asheville, North Carolina |
League | United Hockey League |
Operated | 1998–2002 |
Franchise history | |
1991–1998 | Brantford Smoke |
1998–2002 | Asheville Smoke |
The Asheville Smoke were a professional ice hockey team in the United Hockey League. They played in Asheville, North Carolina from 1998 to 2002. The Smoke were coached by Keith Gretzky from 1998 to 2000. Prior to the 1998 relocation to Asheville, the team was known as the Brantford Smoke. The closest rival of Asheville were the Knoxville Speed. Original employees of the team included President Dan Wilhelm and Assistant General Manager Jeff Young.
Although the team was active in Asheville for less than five years, they inspired at least two popular local songs: "Asheville Smoke" by GFE and "Blood On The Ice" by The Monsters of Japan.