1995-96 Regular Season

The Washington Generals entered 1995-96 with high hopes. The team had just squeezed into the post-season throughout the early 90s and with loads of young talent like Igor Zharkov and Tomas Axelsson, the Generals hoped to finally prove themselves as an elite team in the Eastern Conference. Zharkov and Axelsson certainly played well, but it was goaltenter Jake Borman who blew everyone away with a breakout performance. Borman’s play proved to be record-setting, as the 26-year-old earned 14 shutouts, a PHL record, and 40 of the team’s 41 wins. After his eighth shutout, Borman earned the nickname “Mr. Donut” and the Generals began a promotion where if he earned a shutout, 100 fans would receive a dozen donuts. “This year has been incredible, I feel like we’ve really clicked as a team” said Borman. “As for my play, I have to give credit to my teammates, they’ve played very well and made my job easier.” The Generals finished fourth in the Eastern Conference, their highest finish in over a decade.

Another team that enjoyed a breakout in ’95-’96 was the Pittsburgh Stingers, who finally returned to the playoffs for the first time since 1990. Veteran goaltender Jeff Brackley, acquired from Minnesota in the summer, played very well in goal, eventually convincing GM Sam Greer to trade longtime starter Jacob Martensson to Denver in February. Forward Brendan Bittner truly became an elite PHL player in 1995-96. The 6’3”, 228-pound power forward finished third in league scoring with 48 goals and 67 assists while adding 179 penalty minutes. Bittner’s right wing, Chris Cassidy, also enjoyed a strong sophomore year with 32 goals. It was not all good news in the state of Pennsylvania, however. The aging Philadelphia Redshirts, just a year after a thrilling run to the Eastern Conference Finals, missed the post-season for the first time since 1983. The Redshirts’ plummet caused many fans to question the team’s decision over the summer to fire Kurt Hopkins. New coach Clint Allen could hardly be blamed for the disappointing season, however. The Redshirts suffered a slew of injuries in March while in a battle with Miami for the final playoff spot, the worst coming when Jonathan Stafford went down with a sprained ankle and missed two weeks. The Stingrays ultimately finished six points ahead and claimed the final playoff spot.

Once again, the East was dominated by Toronto, New York, and Montreal. The Racers once again finished first in the conference, thanks to a big year from Alexei Yolkin, who scored 47 goals. The New York Civics also enjoyed another strong year, winning the Atlantic Division with Aaron Duplacy and Jeremy Kitchen leading the way offensively while Lamar Jackson’s steady play on the blueline earned him defenseman of the year honours. The defending champion Montreal Royale fell to third place, failing to win the Northeast Division in a year when Vincent Ducharme was sidelined for twelve games with a concussion.

Just six months after their emotional departure from Halifax, the Claymores began their new life in New Orleans. The Sound won their first game against Miami, but ultimately won only 26 games. Dave Mack, who had long served as the captain in Nova Scotia, had departed for Kansas City in the off-season and the Sound struggled to find offense. The lone bright spot was young goaltender Victor Holmqvist, who won the first seven starts of his career.

The Western Conference again belonged to the Chicago Shamrocks, who won 54 games. Vladimir Gaganov led the team in scoring, while Kyle Boone proved to be a valuable addition, adding 44 goals of his own. Once again it was the Los Angeles Wizards chasing the Shamrocks. Viktor Skogg won the league scoring title for the first time in his career, while Jim Cochran was spectacular in goal. Minnesota also enjoyed another strong season thanks to a 51-goal season from Jason Crowley. Crowley also further endeared himself to the Minnesota fans in a tough game in Edmonton January 5^th. Northern Lights’ defenseman Dwayne Ingram laid out Pavel Vana with a devastating hit, forcing Vana out of the game. Late in the third period, Crowley fought Ingram to a draw, to the delight of the Lumberjacks fans back home. When the ‘Jacks returned to the Minneapolis Arena, Crowley received a standing ovation.

Dallas and Cleveland, the league’s most recent expansion teams, didn’t fare much better in their second season than in their first. Cleveland won just won more game, though Alexei Stepanov showed huge promise. In Dallas, the Desperadoes finished with a nearly identical record to their first year, but continued to win over the fans in Texas. AJ Vernon proved to be a fan favorite, thrilling fans with his hard-nosed play, while rookie Jean-Pierre Balanger dazzled everyone with his rushing style. “We’re getting there, slowly but surely. We just need to continue to be patient” said GM Ross Becker.

In Ottawa, the Beavers struggles finally caught up to them. The team was faced with bankruptcy by January and by early February, Terry Goren was forced to sell the team to the PHL. The league wasted no time finding a buyer. On March 31, Darryl Byrd announced he had sold the team to a group of investors from Charlotte, NC. The lead investor, John Millbrook, immediately announced the group’s intention to move the team to Charlotte in time for the 1996-97 season. The owners of the 27 other clubs would need to ratify the move but it appeared that the Beavers were one their last legs. April 6 was their final home game against Toronto, and like the Claymores a year earlier, the team was given an emotional send off from the home crowd. “We want to thank all of you for your support over the years” said team captain Kevin Drake. “Ottawa has the best fans in the PHL and I know there will be a team here again someday.”