The Huntsville Channel Cats had a really unique name and logo, and they also have a very unique run as a franchise. The team played seven seasons in three different leagues and won three league titles, each in a different league.
Initially, the Channel Cats were a part of the Southern Hockey League (SHL) that started in 1995-96. The league was a rebrand of the Sunshine Hockey League that started in 1992 with mostly Floridian teams. The Channel Cats won the SHL title in 1996, and Cosmo Clarke scored 48 points, which we mention only because he has an amazing name. The SHL would fold after that season, and the Channel Cats moved to a new league.
They played four successful seasons, winning the league title in 1999. The team won 47 games that year, which was second in the league only to the OKC Blazers. The Channel Cats and Blazers would meet in the playoff finals, with the Channel Cats winning in six games.
After that, the team went downhill with new ownership in 2000. The team's name was changed to the Huntsville Tornado, which was seen as controversial by some due to a 1989 tornado that killed 21 people in Huntsville. The team saw a drop in attendance and support, and took a two-year hiatus. The team would return with the Channel Cats name in 2003-04 with the short-lived South East Hockey League. The league only consisted of four teams and would fold after that one season, with the Channel Cats as its champion. Two of the teams, the Knoxville Ice Bears and Cape Fear FireAntz, would move to the newly formed SPHL and their franchises still exist today. Unfortunately, the Channel Cats folded up shop.
This would make a unique gift for the hockey fan in your life or a neat find for yourself of a vintage hockey team.
All t-shirts and hoodies ship from Victoria, BC via Canada Post, with expected delivery in 6 –10 business days. Please note that we are a print-on-demand shop, which means that we will create your products upon receiving your order.
About the hoodie from the manufacturer:
- Brand: Gildan | Product ID: 18500
- Medium-heavy fabric: 8.0 oz/yd² (271 g/m²), 50% cotton, 50% polyester fleece
- Air-jet spun yarn for a softer feel and reduced pilling
- Double-lined hood with colour-matched drawstring
- Front pouch pocket
- Rib-knit cuffs and waistband
- Classic, true-to-size fit