Baltimore Clippers

Did You Know?

• Fred Speck won three AHL awards in the 1970–71 season: the Les Cunningham Award as MVP, the John B. Sollenberger Trophy as top scorer, and the Dudley 'Red' Garrett Memorial Award as Rookie of the Year.
• The Clippers folded mid-season on January 23, 1975, after 46 games, cancelling the remaining 30 games due to poor attendance and debt.
• Baltimore's only Calder Cup finals appearance came in 1971–72, where they lost in six games to the Nova Scotia Voyageurs and were outscored 8–21.
• The team was revived for the 1975–76 season after a $50,000 performance bond was posted and 1,700 season tickets were sold.

History

The American Hockey League approved an expansion franchise for Baltimore on June 12, 1962, contingent on the Baltimore Civic Center being completed by November 1, 1962. The team's fight song, "Win, you Baltimore Clippers", was written by lyricist Winifred Davis and music teacher Jack D. Martz Sr. The Clippers were a New York Rangers affiliate for five seasons starting in 1962. The new team had no connection to earlier Baltimore Clippers teams except the name and the same public relations man, Robert Elmer. Training camp was held at the Wheat City Arena because the Civic Center was still under construction. Red Sullivan was named player-coach. Baltimore won its first game on October 12, 1962, defeating the Springfield Indians 6–4. On December 29, 1962, Sullivan became head coach of the New York Rangers and was replaced by player-coach Aldo Guidolin. Dave Creighton led the team in scoring with 24 goals and 72 points. The Clippers finished third in the east division and lost in the playoffs to the Hershey Bears. In 1963–64, Ken Schinkel led in scoring with 23 goals and 56 points; the team finished fourth. Jack Crawford became head coach for 1964–65; Gord Labossiere led in scoring with 38 goals and 79 points, and the Clippers lost in the playoffs to Hershey. In 1965–66, Crawford was fired on January 24, 1966, and Terry Reardon took over coaching duties. Ken Schinkel led in scoring with 30 goals and 75 points, and the team finished fourth, missing the playoffs.