B.C. Icemen

Lore & Background

The B.C. Icemen were formed in 1997 after the American Hockey League's Binghamton Rangers moved to Hartford, Connecticut, becoming the Hartford Wolf Pack. The Icemen replaced them in the lower-level UHL. The team's logo was designed by Endicott native Johnny Hart, creator of the comic strip B.C., and depicted a caveman playing hockey. In 2001, original local owners Dave Pace, Mark Palombo, and Patrick Snyder sold the franchise to David Wright, who attempted to bring back an AHL team but was forced to declare bankruptcy. A new ownership group then brought the Binghamton Senators, an AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators. Notable former B.C. Icemen include Keith Aucoin, Pete Vandermeer, Chris Allen, Dieter Kochan, Brad Jones, and Boyd Kane.

Reader's Guide

The B.C. Icemen served as a bridge between the departure of the AHL's Binghamton Rangers in 1997 and the arrival of the Binghamton Senators in 2002. Their existence filled a five-year gap in professional hockey in Binghamton, maintaining the market's hockey presence at a lower level. The team's logo, created by Johnny Hart, gave the franchise a distinctive visual identity tied to the local cartoonist's fame. The franchise's eventual sale and bankruptcy led to the return of AHL hockey, which continued through the Binghamton Senators and later the Binghamton Devils. The market remains active today with the Binghamton Black Bears of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. The Icemen's career records, particularly Chris Grenville's 306 points and Dieter Kochan's 47 wins, highlight the team's top performers during its five seasons.

Did You Know?

• The B.C. Icemen logo was created by nationally syndicated cartoonist Johnny Hart, creator of the comic strip B.C.
• Chris Grenville holds the team career records for goals (160), assists (146), and points (306).
• The team played at the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton, New York.
• Former Icemen include Keith Aucoin, Pete Vandermeer, and Dieter Kochan.