The Troy Bruins are a historic team dating back to 1950 when the Bruins introduced the sport of hockey to the Miami Valley by playing eight seasons in the International Hockey League at the then-new Hobart Arena.
“We are very excited to not only have a first class organization join our league but a first class facility such as Hobart Arena” stated AAHL Commissioner Rod Davidson. “With the team already established in the community and already performing at a professional level, we believe they have all the pieces in place to be successful not only on the ice but off.”
Entering it's third season on the ice in 2010-2011, the AAHL will feature six teams: Troy, Ohio; Cincinnati, Ohio; West Michigan; Madison, Wisconsin; Battle Creek, Michigan & Lapeer, Michigan, with the regular season set to begin in mid October and running through April. The Bruins will play between 22-24 home games on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm inside the historic Hobart Arena.
The Troy Bruins join the league as the sixth franchise and second Ohio based team along with the Queen City Storm, playing in suburban Cincinnati.
“We feel this is a great opportunity for our organization” said Bruins Head Coach & General Manager Rick Szabo. “We were very fortunate last year to have built a great fan base, and develop amazing partners in the business community. "In addition, the wonderful support we have from the City of Troy and Hobart Arena will allow us to become a premier destination for fans and players alike.”
“With the move to the pro ranks, we (Troy Bruins) will still perform with the mindset of advancement of our players to higher levels such as the SPHL, CHL and ECHL” added Szabo.
“We are very excited to be able to offer an even better product for our fans, both on and off the ice with the AAHL while still maintaining our dedication to affordable family entertainment in the Northern Miami Valley" added Bruins President JT Szabo.
Built in 1950 for the original Troy Bruins, the upcoming 2010-2011 season will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Bruins and Hobart Arena by bringing professional hockey back to where it first arrived in the region decades ago. In a twist of fate, the last professional hockey team in Troy, the Troy Sabres, played in the original All American Hockey League from 1986-1988 with Rick Szabo playing in goal.