Eastern Hockey League (1978–1981)
| Sport | Ice hockey |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1978 |
| Ceased | 1981 |
| No. of teams | 6 |
| Country | United States |
| Last champion(s) | Erie Blades (1980-81) |
| Most titles | Erie Blades (3), (1978-79; 1979-80; 1980-81) |
- ”Northeastern Hockey League” redirects here. For the league the operated 2003–2008, see North Eastern Hockey League.
The Eastern Hockey League began operation in 1978 as the Northeastern Hockey League using the old Eastern Hockey League's territory.
In 1979 the Eastern Hockey League name was revived. This league was not successful and after an owners' meeting on July 19, 1981, it was decided to fold the league.[1]
Two of the teams - Baltimore Clippers and the Salem Raiders - joined the Atlantic Coast Hockey League in 1981. One team - the Erie Blades - joined the American Hockey League that same season. The remaining teams folded with the league and ceased operations.
Teams
- Baltimore Clippers (1979-81, joined the Atlantic Coast Hockey League as the Baltimore Skipjacks)
- Erie Blades (1978-81, joined the American Hockey League in 1981-82 and were later merged with the Baltimore Skipjacks. The Erie Golden Blades joined the Atlantic Coast Hockey League in 1982.)
- Hampton Aces (1978-81; began 1978-79 as Jersey Aces. Franchise became defunct when the Eastern Hockey League folded.)
- Johnstown Red Wings (1978-80; played inaugural season as Johnstown Wings. Franchise ceased operations after the 1979-80 season)
- New Hampshire/Cape Cod Freedoms (1978–79, Franchise started season in New Hampshire before moving to Cape Cod midseason. Franchise ceased operations after 1978-79 season)
- Richmond Rifles (1979-81, franchise became defunct when the Eastern Hockey League folded.)
- Salem Raiders (1980–81, joined the Atlantic Coast Hockey League in 1981.)
- Syracuse Hornets (1980–81, franchise folded after ten games, going 0-9-1.)
- Utica Mohawks (1978-80, franchise moved to Salem, VA and becama the Salem Raiders in 1980-81)