Richmond Robins
The Richmond Robins started play in the AHL in 1971-72 after the Quebec Aces moved south to Richmond, Virginia. The team was immediately popular in Richmond, attracting nearly 6,000 fans per game to the Richmond Coliseum. The team wasn't quite as good on the ice though, as they never finished above .500 in their five seasons. However, they would make the playoffs four times! The 12 team AHL would qualify 8 teams for the playoffs each season during this era.Â
Lots of future NHLers would pass through the Robins, as they were the top affiliate for Philadelphia at the time. Bill Barber, Reggie Lemelin, Terry Murray and Dave Schultz all spent time in Richmond.Â
By 1975, fan support had started to slow and the team was losing money. Unable to reach a threshold of 1,000 season ticket commitments, the team folded in the summer of 1976.Â
