Baltimore Clippers
The Baltimore Clippers were a minor league professional ice hockey team from in Baltimore, Maryland, playing in the Baltimore Civic Center. The Clippers were members of the American Hockey League from 1962 to 1976, and then played one season in the Southern Hockey League. The team was managed by Terry Reardon for its first fourteen seasons, and won three division titles, but were unable to capture a Calder Cup title. Baltimore began as a farm team for the New York Rangers, and helped develop Hall of Fame players including, Eddie Giacomin, Doug Harvey, Jacques Plante and Jean Ratelle. The Clippers also featured eight alumni, who are now members of the AHL Hall of Fame. The team name "Clippers", was used by two previous professional hockey teams in Baltimore, and paid homage to local history in the Baltimore Clipper, and the Port of Baltimore. History The American Hockey League approved an expansion franchise for Baltimore on June 12, 1962. The approval came with the promise that the Baltimore Civic Center which would be the largest rink in the AHL at that time, would be completed no later than November 1, 1962. The team's fight song, "Win, you Baltimore Clippers", was composed by lyricist Winifred Davis, and music teacher Jack D. Martz Sr., to coincide with the team's founding in 1962. The Clippers were a New York Rangers affiliate, for five seasons starting in 1962. The new Clippers had no connection to the Baltimore Clippers (1945–1949), or the Baltimore Clippers (1954–1956), other than the name, and the same public relations man, Robert Elmer. Since their arena was still under construction, training camp was held at the Wheat City Arena, where general manager Terry Reardon played as a junior. Red Sullivan was named the player-coach, and the camp included many players with connections to Brandon, Manitoba. Baltimore won the first game of the 1962–63 AHL season on October 12, defeating the Springfield Indians, 6–4. On December 29, 1962, Sullivan was promoted to be head coach 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 the season in third place in the east division. In the playoffs, they lost two games to one, to the Hershey Bears. In the 1963–64 AHL season, Ken Schinkel led the team in scoring, with 23 goals, and 56 points. Player-coach, Aldo Guidolin was the third most penalized player in the league, with 165 minutes. Baltimore finished fourth place in the east division, out of the playoffs. Jack Crawford was appointed head coach for the 1964–65 AHL season. Gord Labossiere led the team in scoring, with 38 goals, and 79 points. Baltimore finished third place in the east division. In the playoffs, the Clippers lost three games to two, versus the Hershey Bears. Baltimore struggled early in the 1965–66 AHL season, and head coach Jack Crawford was fired on January 24, 1966. Terry Reardon took over coach duties, despite rumors that