West Coast Hockey League

West Coast Hockey League was a minor league in ice hockey in United States from 1995 to 2003. The number of teams ranged from 6 to 9 and the teams were located in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada and Washington.

Related Topics:
Ice hockey - United States - 1995 - 2003 - Alaska - Arizona - California - Colorado - Idaho - Nevada - Washington

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The league started playing in 1995 with the following teams:

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• Alaska Gold Kings
• Anchorage Aces
• Bakersfield Fog
• Fresno Falcons
• Reno Renegades
• San Diego Gulls

The teams played for the Taylor Cup, named for the founder of the league, who also owned 3 of the 6 teams (Bakersfield, Fresno, Reno).

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The winners of the Taylor Cup were:

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• 1995–1996 - San Diego Gulls
• 1996–1997 - San Diego Gulls
• 1997–1998 - San Diego Gulls
• 1998–1999 - Tacoma Sabercats
• 1999–2000 - Phoenix Mustangs
• 2000–2001 - San Diego Gulls
• 2001–2002 - Fresno Falcons
• 2002–2003 - San Diego Gulls

The teams that were part of the West Coast Hockey League were (in alphabetical order)

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• Alaska (Fairbanks) Gold Kings (1995–1997)
• Anchorage Aces (1995–2003)
• Bakersfield Fog (1995–1998)
• Bakersfield Condors (1998–2003)
• Colorado (Colorado Springs) Gold Kings (1998–2002)
• Fresno Falcons (1995–2003, known as "Fresno's Fighting Falcons" during the 1997-98 season)
• Idaho Steelheads (1997–2003)
• Long Beach Ice Dogs (2000–2003)
• Phoenix Mustangs (1997–2001)
• Reno Renegades (1995–1997)
• Reno Rage (1997–1998)
• San Diego Gulls (1995–2003)
• Tacoma Sabercats (1997–2002)
• Tucson Gila Monsters (1997–1999)

In 2003, the WCHL was absorbed by the East Coast Hockey League. In a change reflective of the nationwide presence of the ECHL, the East Coast Hockey League changed its name to simply ECHL on May 19, 2003. In 2005-06 six former WCHL teams will play in the West and Pacific Divisions of the ECHL's National Conference.

Related Topics:
2003 - East Coast Hockey League

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