Port Huron Icehawks
Port Huron Icehawks: three seasons in the IHL, 2007–2010.
The Port Huron Icehawks were a minor professional ice hockey team that played in Port Huron, Michigan, from 2007 to 2010. They competed in the International Hockey League (IHL), which was a rebranded version of the United Hockey League, and held their home games at McMorran Arena.
The franchise was officially announced on June 20, 2007. Larry Kinney, owner and CEO of Datapak Services Corporation based in Howell, Michigan, owned the team. Stan Drulia, a former right winger who played professionally from 1989 to 2001—including three seasons with the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning—served as both head coach and general manager. Drulia had previously directed hockey operations for the defunct Port Huron Flags and stayed with the Icehawks for all three seasons.
In their first season, Drulia guided the Icehawks to the Turner Cup Finals, where they lost in triple overtime in game seven to the Fort Wayne Komets. The team finished the 2007–08 regular season with a record of 41–29–2–4 and went 7–5 in the playoffs, defeating the Flint Generals in five games in the first round. The following season, 2008–09, the Icehawks placed second in the IHL with a 44–21–6–5 record and 99 points. Drulia was named IHL Coach of the Year, and the team was recognized as IHL Franchise of the Year for its on-ice and off-ice performance. However, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Muskegon Lumberjacks in six games.
Drulia resigned on May 5, 2010, after three seasons. The Icehawks ceased operations on June 16, 2010, due to financial losses. The IHL itself folded one month later.
- Founded
- 2007
- Folded
- 2010
- League
- International Hockey League
- Home arena
- McMorran Arena
- Owner
- Larry Kinney
- Head coach
- Stan Drulia
- Regular season record (2007–08)
- 41–29–2–4
- Regular season record (2008–09)
- 44–21–6–5
Lore & Background
The Icehawks were owned by Larry Kinney, owner and CEO of Datapak Services Corporation of Howell, Michigan. They were coached by Stan Drulia, a right winger whose professional career spanned 13 years from 1989 to 2001, including three seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League. After one year directing hockey operations and head coaching duties with the defunct Port Huron Flags, Drulia returned to the area as both head coach and general manager of the Icehawks, remaining for all three seasons.
In their inaugural season, Drulia led the Icehawks to the Turner Cup Finals, where they lost in a triple-overtime game seven to the Fort Wayne Komets. The team went 41–29–2–4 in the 2007–08 regular season and 7–5 in the playoffs, defeating the Flint Generals in the first round in five games. The following season, the Icehawks finished second in the IHL with a record of 44–21–6–5 and 99 points, earning Drulia the IHL Coach of the Year award. Despite their strong regular season, they were eliminated by the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the first round in six games. The Icehawks were also named IHL Franchise of the Year for the 2008–09 campaign.
Drulia resigned after three seasons on May 5, 2010. On June 16, 2010, the Icehawks ceased operations due to financial losses. The IHL also folded one month later.
Reader's Guide
The Port Huron Icehawks existed for only three seasons, from 2007 to 2010, but during that brief span they achieved notable on-ice success. In their first season, they reached the Turner Cup Finals, pushing the Fort Wayne Komets to a triple-overtime game seven. The following year, they posted a 99-point regular season, and their head coach, Stan Drulia, was named IHL Coach of the Year. The franchise itself received the IHL Franchise of the Year award for the 2008–09 season, recognizing efforts both on and off the ice.
Despite these accomplishments, the team could not overcome financial losses. Drulia resigned in May 2010, and the Icehawks ceased operations a month later. The IHL itself folded one month after that, marking the end of the league. The Icehawks thus represent a short-lived but competitive minor league franchise that was part of the final chapter of the International Hockey League. Their legacy is tied to their strong regular-season performances and their near-championship run in their debut year, as well as the simultaneous dissolution of both the team and the league in 2010.
Did You Know?
- The Icehawks were announced on June 20, 2007, as part of the new International Hockey League, a rebrand of the United Hockey League.
- Head coach Stan Drulia had previously served as head coach and director of hockey operations for the defunct Port Huron Flags.
- In their inaugural season, the Icehawks lost the Turner Cup Finals in a triple-overtime game seven to the Fort Wayne Komets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Port Huron Icehawks?
The Port Huron Icehawks were a minor professional ice hockey franchise based in Port Huron, Michigan, that competed in the International Hockey League from 2007 through 2010.
Where did the Port Huron Icehawks play their home games?
The team held all of its home contests at McMorran Arena in Port Huron, Michigan.
Who owned the Port Huron Icehawks?
Larry Kinney, who ran Datapak Services Corporation out of Howell, Michigan, held the ownership stake in the franchise.
Who coached the Port Huron Icehawks?
Stan Drulia, a former right winger who spent three seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL, served as the team's head coach.
What happened to the Port Huron Icehawks?
After three seasons in the IHL—a rebranded version of the United Hockey League—the franchise ceased operations in 2010 and no longer exists.
More in Defunct Ice Hockey Teams, Part 4 1-24
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