Greensboro Generals Explained

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Team:Greensboro Generals
City:Greensboro, North Carolina
League:East Coast Hockey League
Division:Southern Division
Founded:1999
Arena:Greensboro Coliseum Complex

The Greensboro Generals were an East Coast Hockey League team based in Greensboro, North Carolina, and played at the Greensboro Coliseum from 1999 to 2004. The name was originally used by the Greensboro Generals in the Eastern Hockey League.

The ECHL Generals franchise replaced the Greensboro Monarchs in the city, which had played from 1989 until 1995 before the ownership bought an expansion franchise in the American Hockey League, called the Carolina Monarchs.[1] Both the original Generals and ECHL Monarchs were considered as some of the first southern hockey franchises to build a loyal fan base and draw consistent attendance at their games.

In 1997, the AHL's Carolina Monarchs would fold after only two seasons as the Coliseum became host to the relocated Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League. During that time, a new arena was being built for the NHL team in Raleigh, North Carolina, but would not open until 1999. Prior to the Hurricanes' arrival, the Coliseum was required to make vast improvements to the arena in order to satisfy NHL regulations. Among them were the addition of VIP Suites, a members only club area and upgrades to the ice surface and locker room facilities.

Following the Hurricanes' departure, local attorneys Art Donaldson and James Roscetti entered into negotiations with the East Coast Hockey League to secure a franchise for Greensboro. Donaldson and Roscetti were awarded a franchise in July 1999 and had only three months to put together a front office, coaching staff and team. Donaldson and Roscetti decided to bring attention to the franchise right away by hiring former popular ECHL Monarchs' coach Jeff Brubaker as head coach and general manager for their inaugural season.

Season-by-season record

Season Coach Playoffs
70 20 43 7 47 229 337 2129 Did not qualify
72 26 39 7 59 215 277 1738 Jeff Brubaker Did not qualify
72 23 41 8 54 188 278 2055 Did not qualify
72 42 21 9 93 235 211 1619 Lost in Division Finals
72 40 30 2 82 241 240 1503 Rick Adduono Did not qualify

Notes and References

  1. Book: Scott, Jon C. . 2006 . Hockey Night in Dixie: Minor Pro Hockey in the American South . Heritage House Publishing . 1-894974-21-2 . registration .