Phoenix Knights

Last updated
Phoenix Knights
Phoenix Knights logo.png
City Gilbert, Arizona
League WSHL
DivisionWestern
Founded1999
Home arena AZ Ice Gilbert
ColorsPurple, silver, black
   
Website www.phoenixknightshockey.com
Franchise history
1999–2011 Phoenix Polar Bears
2011–2018Phoenix Knights
Championships
Division titles2013–14

Phoenix Knights were an Amateur Athletic Union-sanctioned Tier II junior ice hockey team based out of Gilbert, Arizona. The Knights were a part of the Western States Hockey League and played in the Western Division. [1] Their home games were played at AZ Ice Gilbert in Gilbert, Arizona. The organization was operated by Arizona Hockey Club, Inc, which also runs a local youth hockey program.

Contents

History

The franchise, originally known as the Phoenix Polar Bears, joined the WSHL in 1999. [2] In 2011, the owners of the Polar Bears dropped their WSHL membership when the league left USA Hockey sanctioning for the Amateur Athletic Union. The franchise was sold to Arizona Hockey Clubs, Inc. and was renamed as the Phoenix Knights. [3]

Colten St. Clair was named head coach and general manager in March 2017. [4] St. Clair grew up in Gilbert, Arizona, before playing junior hockey for the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League and in NCAA Division I for the University of North Dakota. After one season and being named the coach of the year for 2017–18, St. Clair left to become a volunteer assistant coach for the NCAA Division I University of Maine. [5] [6]

The organization then failed to find a new head coach in time to adequately recruit for the 2018–19 season and withdrew from participation. [7]

Season-by-season records

SeasonGPWLOTLPTSGFGAPIMFinishPlayoffs
2011–1246113322413827310016th of 6, WesternDid not qualify
2012–1346192344216620212704th of 6, MountainLost Conf. Semifinals, 0–2 vs. El Paso Rhinos
2013–144632122662551389071st of 6, MountainWon Div. Semifinals, 2-1 vs. Boulder Bison
Won Div. Finals, 2–1 vs. Colorado Jr. Eagles
1–2–0 in Thorne Cup Round Robin (4–5 vs. Mustangs; 3–5 vs. Rhinos; 3–1 vs. Monsters)
Lost Thorne Cup Semifinal game, 3–4 vs. El Paso Rhinos
2014–1546103332315826510097th of 8, WesternDid not qualify
2015–1652222734719822112085th of 8, WesternLost Div. Semifinals, 1–2 vs. Ontario Avalanche
2016–1749742014963507257th of 8, WesternDid not qualify
2017–185123262481712407865th of 6, WesternWon Div. Quarterfinals, 2–0 vs. Valencia Flyers
Lost Div. Semifinals, 1–2 vs. Long Beach Bombers

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References

  1. ↑ "WSHL Standings". WSHL Standings.
  2. ↑ "A Look Back At The Polar Bears". Phoenix Knights. July 24, 2015.
  3. ↑ "AHC proudly presents... Phoenix Knights Junior A Team". Arizona Hockey Union. August 17, 2011.
  4. ↑ "Knights Name Colten St. Clair Head Coach & GM".
  5. ↑ "MAINE TABS FORMER NORTH DAKOTA CAPTAIN ST. CLAIR AS VOLUNTEER ASSISTANT COACH". WSHL. June 1, 2018.
  6. ↑ "St. Clair Steps Down". Phoenix Knights. May 24, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Knights Withdraw From WSHL". Phoenix Knights. July 25, 2018.
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