Phoenix RoadRunners
| Phoenix RoadRunners | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| City | Phoenix, Arizona |
| League | ECHL |
| Conference | National Conference |
| Division | West Division |
| Operated | 2005–2009 |
| Home arena | Talking Stick Resort Arena |
| Colors |
Carolina blue, black, sunflower gold, white |
| Owner(s) | Robert Sarver, Claude Lemieux |
| General manager | Brad Church (Director of Hockey Operations) |
| Head coach | Brad Church |
| Media |
Arizona Republic East Valley Tribune |
| Affiliates |
Phoenix Coyotes (NHL) San Jose Sharks (NHL) San Antonio Rampage (AHL) Worcester Sharks (AHL) |
| Franchise history | |
| 2005–2009 | Phoenix RoadRunners |
The Phoenix RoadRunners were a minor league ice hockey team based in Phoenix, Arizona. They played in the ECHL beginning in the 2005–06 season and ceasing operations at the end of the 2008–09 season.
In 2005, after four years without a minor league hockey team, the RoadRunners were revived as an ECHL franchise by Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver and former Phoenix Coyotes star Claude Lemieux. In their first season, 2005–06, the RoadRunners began the season well but dropped throughout the year because of injuries, and finished with the league's worst record.
In the off-season of 2006–07, the RoadRunners cemented an affiliation deal with the Phoenix Coyotes of the National Hockey League. The RoadRunners once again started very well, staying above .500 for the beginning of the year. The team climbed up the National Division, topping out at fifth place. However, after several mid-season trades, the team ended up with a 27–40 record. Furthermore, with eight games left in the regular season, head coach Ron Filion and general manager Ray Delia resigned, Filion being replaced by assistant coach Brad Church. The RoadRunners still qualified for their first trip to the Kelly Cup playoffs. However, in the first round the team was swept 4–0 by their rivals, the Las Vegas Wranglers.
After the season ended, the RoadRunners decided to keep Church as head coach. In the front office, Claude Lemieux chose not to hold the title of President and stated that he will continue to act as a consultant to the team.
The Phoenix Coyotes chose not to renew their affiliation agreement for the 2007–08 season and instead went with the other minor league hockey team in Arizona, the Arizona Sundogs of the Central Hockey League. The RoadRunners then signed a two-year affiliation agreement with the San Jose Sharks and its American Hockey League affiliate, the Worcester Sharks on October 19, 2007.
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