Tidewater Wings
The Tidewater Wings debuted in 1971-72 at the Hampton Roads Coliseum in Norfolk, Virginia. Their first campaign was a struggle, as they went 22-45-9. In their second season, they rebranded as the Virginia Wings and enjoyed a great deal more success on the ice. On the strength of long-time professional Art Stratton and the early career of future major leaguer Robbie Ftorek, they finished 38-22-16 (yep, 16 ties). The Wings defeated Hershey in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Cincinnati in the second round.
On the ice, the team's final two years were also a whirlwind. They won just 22 games in their third season, 1973-74, before finishing 31-31-13 in their fourth. The .500 record in their fourth season was good enough for a division title and another playoff berth, however they were eliminated in the first round by the New Haven Nighthawks. The franchise would dissolve after their fourth season.
On the ice, the team's final two years were also a whirlwind. They won just 22 games in their third season, 1973-74, before finishing 31-31-13 in their fourth. The .500 record in their fourth season was good enough for a division title and another playoff berth, however they were eliminated in the first round by the New Haven Nighthawks. The franchise would dissolve after their fourth season.
