ECHL Founder Henry Brabham to Drop Puck
November 3, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Roanoke Express News Release
*ROANOKE, VA -* The Rail Yard Dawgs invite Henry Brabham to drop the puck at their third home game of the season on Saturday, November 5th as they take on the Havoc of Huntsville, Alabama. The puck drops in Berglund Center at 7:05 p.m.
Brabham is being honored for his long history with ice hockey in the Roanoke Valley. In addition to being the franchise owner of the Virginia Raiders, Virginia Lancers, and the Roanoke Valley Rebels, Brabham founded the ECHL in 1988 and was part of the inaugural class of the League's Hall of Fame in 2008.
"For all of us that grew up in the Roanoke Valley, Henry Brabham is synonymous with ice hockey," said local Rail Yard Dawgs minority owner Chip Grubb. "As we enter a new chapter of ice hockey in Roanoke, it's fitting that we never forget those that laid the groundwork for what we have today."
Brabham was instrumental in establishing a foundation for ice hockey in the Roanoke Valley. He owned three different teams in the Valley, including establishing a team when the community was without hockey on two separate occasions. After owning the Virginia Raiders early in his career, Brabham purchased the Nashville Stars during the 1983-84 season and relocated them to the Salem Civic Center where they became the Virginia Lancers. The Lancers won two championships under Brabham's ownership - the Atlantic Coast Hockey League title in 1986-87 and the All-American Hockey League regular season title in 1987-88 season with an impressive record of 37-5-1.
It was during this period of league instability that Brabham and Carolina Thunderbird owner, Bill Coffey, recognized the need for a financially stable league for their teams; the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) was formed in 1988. Originally, Brabham owned three of the five teams in the league.
At the end of year, Brabham sold the Lancers to new ownership. Within a year, Roanoke found itself without ice hockey again. Shortly thereafter, Brabham purchased an expansion franchise from the ECHL and the Roanoke Valley Rebels started play. After two seasons, Brabham sold the franchise. Brabham's contribution to ice hockey in the Roanoke Valley will not be forgotten.
"We are proud to honor Henry Brabham and his legacy," said Rail Yard Dawgs President Bob McGinn. "From our very first conversation, he has been very supportive of the Dawgs. When we told him hockey was returning to Roanoke, he immediately bought two season tickets. We want to continue to build on what he started many years ago."
The Dawgs will face the Fayetteville FireAntz Friday, November 4th at 7:05 p.m. The second puck drop of the weekend is scheduled for Saturday, November 5th at 7:05 p.m. against the Huntsville Havoc. Don't miss Military Night on Friday, November 11th! Tickets are available for purchase at Berglund Center box office and online at theberglundcenter.com.
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