Erie Panthers
| Erie Panthers | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| City | Erie, Pennsylvania |
| League | East Coast Hockey League |
| Conference | East/West/North |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Home arena | Louis J. Tullio Arena |
| Colors |
Black, grey, white |
| Owner(s) | Henry Brabham |
| General manager | Ron Hansis |
| Head coach |
Ron Hansis 1988–95 Barry Smith 1995–96 |
| Affiliate(s) |
New York Islanders 1989–90, Buffalo Sabres 1992–94 |
| Franchise history | |
| 1988–1996 | Erie Panthers |
| 1996–2003 | Baton Rouge Kingfish |
| 2004–11 | Victoria Salmon Kings |
Black, grey, white
The Erie Panthers were a professional hockey team, and one of the founding members in the East Coast Hockey League. Based in Erie, Pennsylvania from 1988 to 1996, they were one of the most prolific teams in the ECHL. The Panthers were known for their ability to score goals quickly and often, as well as for the over-aggressive style of play that led to an abundance of fights. They currently hold records in 15 different categories in the ECHL and are in the top 5 of 38 different categories.
The Panthers were created by Henry Brabham, who was also an intricate part of the creation of the ECHL itself. Erie was chosen as a location due to the success of the former Erie Golden Blades. The Panthers enjoyed success earlier on in their existence with five straight playoff appearances. Though never winning the league championship, the team was named the regular season champs for the 1989–90 season. The next three years would bring about the end of the Panthers franchise with three straight losing seasons.
In 1996 the team would be moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana and renamed te Baton Rouge Kingfish. There the team's struggles continued, making the playoffs in only one of seven seasons in Baton Rouge. In 2004 the franchise again relocated, this time moving 4,400 miles northwest to Victoria, British Columbia. The franchise continued operation there as the Victoria Salmon Kings, garnering a Division Championship in the 2007–08 season.
The franchise finally ceased operations following the 2010–11 ECHL season, making way for the WHL's Victoria Royals. This marked the end of a 23-year franchise run, the longest in the league behind the Wheeling Nailers (Carolina Thunderbirds) and the Greenville Road Warriors (Johnstown Chiefs), both of which continue to operate.
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