Chesapeake Icebreakers
The Chesapeake Icebreakers debuted in 1997-98 at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. They may be the first hockey team to have played its games in an equestrian arena.
Chris Nilan, an ex-NHL enforcer, coached the Icebreakers and was named coach of the year in 1997-98. The Icebreakers went 34-28 in their debut season and made the playoffs, only to be eliminated in the first round. One prominent member of the squad was goaltender David Aebsicher, who went on to play in the NHL for several years.
The Icebreakers had a nearly similar 34-25 record in their second season. They'd make the playoffs once more, this time with a first-round bye. They would defeat the Columbus Chill in round two before being knocked out in round three. Unfortunately, following that second season, the squad relocated to Mississippi. Despite some on-ice success, they were a well-kept secret in Maryland, averaging just 2,500 people per game.
Chris Nilan, an ex-NHL enforcer, coached the Icebreakers and was named coach of the year in 1997-98. The Icebreakers went 34-28 in their debut season and made the playoffs, only to be eliminated in the first round. One prominent member of the squad was goaltender David Aebsicher, who went on to play in the NHL for several years.
The Icebreakers had a nearly similar 34-25 record in their second season. They'd make the playoffs once more, this time with a first-round bye. They would defeat the Columbus Chill in round two before being knocked out in round three. Unfortunately, following that second season, the squad relocated to Mississippi. Despite some on-ice success, they were a well-kept secret in Maryland, averaging just 2,500 people per game.
