Oklahoma Warriors Explained

The Oklahoma Warriors are a Tier II junior ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's South Division. The Warriors play their home games at Blazers Ice Centre in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

History

On October 15, 2019, the North American Hockey League (NAHL) announced that they had approved the membership application submitted by Robbie Hockey LLC, an entity owned and operated by Mary Anne Choi for a team in Wichita Falls, Texas, and that the team would start play in the 2020–21 season as a member of the South Division.[1] On November 26, 2019, the name Warriors name was selected out of Warriors, Flames, Reign, and Falcons via a name-the-team contest.[2] [3] On April 14, 2020, the Warriors announced their inaugural head coach as Garrett Roth, a former assistant coach with the Bismarck Bobcats and Aberdeen Wings.[4] On April 4, 2022, the Warriors and city of Wichita Falls mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the 2021–22 season.[5] The Warriors then relocated to the Blazers Ice Centre in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for the 2022–23 season.[6] [7]

Team owner Mary Ann Choi passed away suddenly during a game on Nov. 19, 2023.[8]

On May 2, 2024, the Janesville Jets announced that Warriors Head Coach Garrett Roth had signed a three-year contract to serve as the Jets' Head Coach and General Manager.[9]

Season-by-season records

Season GP W L OTL SOL Pts GF GA Finish Playoffs
Wichita Falls Warriors
2020–21 56 30 19 1 6 67 171 161 3rd of 6, South Div.
6th of 23, NAHL
Won Div. Semifinals, 3–0 vs. Lone Star Brahmas
Lost Div. Finals, 0–3 vs. Shreveport Mudbugs
2021–22 60 35 17 5 3 68 220 158 3rd of 8, South Div.
5th of 29, NAHL
Lost Div. Semifinals, 2–3 vs. New Mexico Ice Wolves
Oklahoma Warriors
2022–23 60 44 14 1 1 90 253 139 1st of 8, South Div.
1st of 29, NAHL
Won Div. Semifinals, 3–0 vs. Amarillo Wranglers
Won Div. Finals, 3–0 vs. Shreveport Mudbugs
Won Robertson Cup Semifinals 2–0 vs. Minnesota Wilderness
Won Robertson Cup Championship, 4–3 vs. Austin Bruins
2023-24 60 31 22 5 2 69 187 169 6th of 8, South
16th of 32, NAHL
Lost Div. Semifinals, 1-2 vs. El Paso Rhinos

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: NAHL team in Wichita Falls, TX approved for the 2020-21 season . NAHL.com . October 15, 2019 . February 7, 2020.
  2. Web site: Wichita Falls down to final four names . NAHL.com . November 7, 2019 . February 7, 2020.
  3. Web site: Wichita Falls Warriors announce name and logo . NAHL.com . November 26, 2019 . February 7, 2020.
  4. Web site: Wichita Falls Warriors name first head coach . . April 14, 2020.
  5. Web site: UPDATE: Wichita Falls Warriors confirm relocation to OKC . April 4, 2022.
  6. Wichita Falls Warriors announce relocation to Oklahoma City. North American Hockey League. April 5, 2022.
  7. News: Wichita Falls Warriors confirm relocation to OKC. M.J. Baird. KFDX/KJTL. Nexstar Media Group. April 4, 2022. April 5, 2022.
  8. Web site: Choi . Mary Ann . NAHL announces the passing of Mary Anne Choi . NAHL . 3 May 2024.
  9. Web site: Roth . Garrett . JANESVILLE JETS ANNOUNCE NEW COACHING STAFF . Janesville Jets . 2 May 2024 . 3 May 2024.