1998 Lewis Cup Finals

Deep into June, 1998, the Lewis Cup Finals were set to begin later than ever before. The Minnesota Lumberjacks were making their third appearance of the decade, while the Generals appeared in their first final since making it to two consecutive finals in 1980 and ’81.

Game one took place on June 16 at JFK Arena. Tomas Axelsson opened the scoring for Washington before Minnesota scored three in the second period and held on for a 3-1 win to steal home ice advantage. In game two, it was Washington who exploded offensively with four goals from Axelsson, Igor Zharkov, Rob Wentzel, and Geoff Collier. The series was now tied heading to Minnesota.

Game three was very close. The teams skated to a 3-3 tie and the game went into overtime. About two minutes into overtime, Geoff Collier took a penalty and Minnesota went on the powerplay. With the top unit of Crowley, Vana, and Greg Willis peppering the Generals with shots, Jake Borman had to play at the top of his game, meeting every challenge. After killing the penalty, the Generals began to make a push themselves. They would finally be rewarded when Rob Wentzel beat Christian Grayson to give Washington a 4-3 win and a 2-1 series lead.

Game four would be the first-ever PHL game played in the summer and the Lumberjacks badly needed a win. “We know what we need to do, it’s just a matter of executing” said Jason Crowley. Crowley himself would step up in game four, scoring a goal and assisting on Pavel Vana’s winning goal as the Lumberjacks tied the series. Washington had an opportunity at home in game five to regain the series lead. It seemed like the momentum shifted when tough defenseman Dwayne Ingram caught star Lumberjacks forward Stanislav Zykov with his head down and laid him out with a devastating hit. Zykov laid on the ice for several minutes before being helped off. Washington then scored two goals just minutes later. Halfway through the game, Greg Willis challenged Ingram and fought him, shifting the momentum in Minnesota’s favour. Shortly after the fight, Pavel Vana scored two goals at the end of the second period. Two minutes into the third period, Vana scored again to complete the hat-trick. With the ‘Jacks leading 3-2, Washington pulled Borman. After Grayson made several big saves in the dying seconds, Brendan Marlo scored on the empty net to seal a 4-2 Lumberjacks win and give them an opportunity to win the Lewis Cup at home in game six.

Prior to game six in Minnesota, the twin cities were buzzing with anticipation. The Lumberjacks were just one win away from winning another championship, but Washington had plans of their own. Game six would go on to be a classic. The Generals jumped to a 2-0 lead on goals from Maxime Trepanier and Brendan O’Connor. At the end of the first period, Vana scored to bring Minnesota to within one. Just three minutes into the second period, Crowley scored to tie the game, but the Generals were quick to respond, re-taking the lead on a goal from Igor Zharkov. It appeared that the series was destined to go to a seventh game, until Stanislav Zykov, who returned despite still feeling the effects of a concussion, scored to tie the game. Washington nearly took the lead again late in the third period, but Trepanier’s shot hit the post. The game went into overtime, where Christian Grayson and Jake Borman both played very well, until finally, early in the second OT, Pavel Vana beat Borman to end the game. Vana threw his gloves off as the Minnesota players spilled off the bench. The Lumberjacks were Lewis Cup Champions for the second time in three years. Vana, who had scored the first overtime Lewis Cup winner since 1984, was named playoff MVP. One of the most bizarre seasons in PHL history was over as the league entered a new era.

1998 Playoffs

Just three days after clinching a playoff spot in dramatic fashion, the Philadelphia Redshirts faced the New York Civics in the first round. Riding on the momentum of the regular season, the Redshirts managed to bring the Civics to a 2-2 tie after dropping the first two games on the road. In a pivotal game five, Jared Baxter’s late-third period goal eventually proved to be the winner in a 4-2 victory and Philadelphia had a chance to upset the defending champions in six games. In game six, Aaron Duplacy scored twice as the Civics forced game seven with a 5-2 win. In game seven, back at Broadway House, the game went into overtime, where Nathan Bowman and Jason Wyley both played spectacularly in net. Nearing the end of the first overtime, Jeremy Kitchen scored to give the Civics the win and send them to the second round.

Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference, The Toronto Racers defeated the Carolina Raiders in six games, Washington eliminated Pittsburgh for the third straight year, while the Montreal Royale never really allowed the Cleveland Cosmos into the series, wining in five games.

Out west, The Los Angeles Wizards faced a scrappy Seattle Grey Wolves team on the rise. Seattle won the first game, with Drake Klausen scoring the winner in OT. LA tied it before Seattle moved ahead with a win at home. Suddenly feeling desperate, the Wizards eked out a win in game four. The series was now tied 2-2. In Los Angeles for game five, the Grey Wolves played a strong road game, with 37-year-old Craig Bush proving to be the hero, scoring the winner early in the third period. Facing elimination in game six, the Wizards were in desperation mode. Gustav Mattsen scored twice in a 4-3 win to force game seven back home at Inglewood Coliseum. Game seven would be a classic. Both Jim Cochran for LA and Sean Harrington for Seattle stood on their heads in a 0-0 tie that went into overtime with no score. After nearly five periods with no scoring, Drake Klausen ended the game and the upset for Seattle.

In other Western Conference action, Minnesota swept their expansion cousins, the Winnipeg Pioneers, while California spoiled the St. Louis Spirits’ return to the post-season in five games. The Chicago Shamrocks, led by the new-look Russian Connection Line with Sergei Krayev taking the place of Alexander Orlov, jumped to a 2-0 series lead over Kansas City, only to lose the next four as the Twisters redeemed themselves after a tough regular season and advanced to the second round.

Two of the top teams in the league would clash in the second round as the New York Civics met the Montreal Royale.  The series was evenly matched, as the teams skated to a 2-2 series tie after the first four games. In game five, the Royale completely fell apart late in the third period of a 0-0 game. Lamar Jackson, Tobias Krause, and Darian Higgins all scored within seven minutes in what would be a 3-0 win for the Civics. Jonathan Bouret would bounce back in game six with the Royale facing elimination, stopping 39 shots in a 4-2 Montreal win to force game seven. In game seven, Vincent Ducharme turned in one of his famous clutch performances, scoring two goals and two assists as Montreal won the game 5-3 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

In the west, California would face Kansas City for the third straight year in the playoffs. The Twisters had been the monkey on the Nuggets backs since 1996, knocking them out of the playoffs in the first round the previous two years. The Nuggets got off to a bad start, going down 2-1 in the series, then 3-2. Once again, the Twisters were on the brink of ending the Nuggets’ season. Game six was in Kansas City, where the Twisters came out strong, opening the scoring, then peppering Bradley Pope with shots, but the 29-year-old was up to the challenge. Pope stopped 42 shots while Kevin Hoyle and Teppo Saari each scored in a 2-1 win to force a seventh game. In game seven, the teams were tied 2-2 entering the third period, when Ryan Lockhart scored to break the tie and give California the lead. Pope would turn in another strong performance as the Nuggets held on to win and finally eliminate the Twisters and advance to the Western Conference Finals. “It’s a relief to finally reach this point” said Hoyle. “We still have a few steps to go.” In other second-round action, Jason Crowley scored six goals in five games as Minnesota ended Seattle’s run in five games, while Washington continued to roll, beating the Toronto Racers in six games.

In the Western Conference Finals, the red-hot California Nuggets clashed with Jason Crowley and the Minnesota Lumberjacks. Minnesota appeared to be the better team, winning the first two games on the road. The Nuggets responded, winning two games in Minnesota to tie the series. After four games, the road team had won every game. Game five would finally break that trend when the Nuggets earned a 6-1 win to take a 3-2 series lead with an opportunity to advance to the Lewis Cup Finals for the first time since winning the title in 1980. In Minnesota for game six, California played hard, leading the game twice, but Pavel Vana and Greg Willis each scored to tie the game, before Vana scored again midway through the third period to put the ‘Jacks ahead. Ultimately, Minnesota hung on for a 4-2 win to force game seven. In the deciding game, Jason Crowley and Pavel Vana each scored to make it 2-0 while goaltender Christian Grayson closed the door on the Nuggets right through to the final minutes, when Ulf Linden scored to bring the game to within a goal. Grayson then had to stand tall as the Nuggets pressed hard for the tying goal. The Nuggets failed to score and Minnesota returned to the Lewis Cup Finals for the second time in three years.

Meanwhile, the Montreal Royale found themselves down 2-0 against Washington. At home for games three and four, Vincent Ducharme continued his strong play again in game three, scoring twice in a 3-1 win. In game four, veteran Sylvain Landry scored the winner as the Royale tied the series. Washington, having given up the series lead, was determined not to let the opportunity slip away this time. “We need to step up our play in game five” said Rob Wentzel. The Generals would indeed step up their game. Maxime Trepanier beat Bouret just two minutes into overtime to give Washington a 3-2 win and a 3-2 series lead. Game six in Montreal was all Washington. Checked tightly by Dwayne Ingram and Justin Hill, Ducharme and the Montreal offence was completely shut down. Jake Borman earned a shutout as the Generals advanced to the Lewis Cup Finals for the first time since 1981.

1997-98 Regular Season

As 1997 drew to a close, there was a growing concern among hockey fans and players that the 1997-98 PHL season might not happen at all. Games had been cancelled through October and November and by the time Christmas arrived, the season had yet to start. Negotiations had broken down early in December and no further talks were planned, forcing Darryl Byrd to cancel all games in December. With Byrd and PHPA president Brian Hunt unable to find common ground, others began to step in to try to hash out a deal. Deputy Commissioner John Cairns and Union Vice President Dave Mack began talks of their own, but the situation only became more heated. “It seems like they want to lose the season” said an irate Mack. “I don’t know what kind of point they want to make by cancelling games but it’s getting silly.” Byrd responded to Mack’s words “He’s making six million to play a game, I don’t think he’s qualified to talk about what’s silly.”

As 1997 turned into 1998, there was still no deal. Games for the month of January were now cancelled and a deadline was finally set. If there was no agreement reached by January 20, the unthinkable would happen and the season would be cancelled. When January 19 arrived with no deal, Darryl Byrd announced a press conference to be held the following day at noon eastern time. It appeared that the 1997-98 season was dead. On the morning of the 20^th, a statement came from the league that the press conference had been cancelled and that Byrd and Hunt were back in talks. Finally, at 3:00 AM, January 21, an exhausted and unshaven Byrd announced that a deal had been reached and the season was saved. Later in the day, the details of the deal were released. A salary cap of $45 Million per team would be implemented immediately, then be reduced to $40 Million in time for the 1998-99 season. In addition, entry-level deals were standardized at $700,00. In return for the cap, players could now become unrestricted free agents at age 25, while increases were made to their pensions and health insurance. One issue that was talked about at length was mandatory visors. In the wake of Sergei Krayev’s horrific injury the previous season, the league pushed hard to make visors a requirement. The PHPA ultimately rejected the idea, however, and the issue was put aside. The league also announced that it would expand to 30 teams by the 2001-02 season, and that there would be a league-wide division realignment in time for 1998-99 as well as a few rule changes that would be announced in the off-season.

Ultimately, the lockout cost the league 588 games, over half of its schedule. It also brought about the end of a few star players’ careers, who decided to hang up the skates rather than wait out the lockout.

Doug MacIntyre, F, LI, 1980-1997

The pride of Summerside, PEI, MacIntyre was a leader for the Concordes from the moment he first stepped on the ice in 1980. Playing alongside Stuart Burns throughout the 1980s and into the 90s, MacIntyre helped lead Long Island to the Lewis Cup Finals three times, including a win in 1990. Among the team’s all-time scoring leaders, only Burns ranks above MacIntyre.

Jari Pukki, D, STL, CAL, BOS, 1978-1997

After serving as more of a role player in the Spirits’ dynasty, Pukki was traded to California in 1986, where he truly emerged as one of the league’s top offensive defensemen. Four years later, he was dealt to the Boston Bulldogs in exchange for Ricky Meyer in what would go down as one of the most lopsided deals in PHL history. While Meyer struggled to stay in the Nuggets’ lineup, Pukki put the Bulldogs over the top, playing a big role in their championship run in 1993.During the lockout, Pukki signed with a team in his hometown of Tampere, Finland, where he will finish his career.

Joe Tyler, F, VAN, TOR, 1979-1997

Playing alongside Brett Townsend for 16 seasons in Vancouver, Joe Tyler proved to be one of the few bright spots on a struggling franchise. Tyler retires as the teams’ second leading scorer all time. In 1996, he signed with his hometown team, the Toronto Racers, where he played one year.

After a ten-day training camp, the 1998 season finally got underway on February 3, 1998. The schedule would be 38 games with each team playing teams from their division four times and teams from the other division in their conference twice. There would be no intra-conference play. There were some surprises throughout the season, with the success of the teams largely hinging on how prepared they were for the unusual season. Edmonton, a team at the start of a major rebuild, stumbled out of the gate and ultimately won only eight games to finish last in the league and miss the playoffs for the first time since 1987. Defending Western Conference champions Kansas City also struggled, dropping to eighth place and barely making the playoffs by just one point after an injury-riddled season. While Chicago predictably took first place in the league, the team that finally emerged as a true contender in the West was the California Nuggets.

Amid turmoil surrounding the future of the franchise and their arena, the Nuggets managed to win the Pacific Division for the first time since 1983, just barely edging out Los Angeles when they beat them on the final day of the regular season. Defenseman and team captain Kevin Hoyle played an enormous role in the team’s success. The 29-year-old played over 30 minutes a game throughout the year and became the first defenseman in franchise history to lead the team in scoring.

Two Western Conference teams returned to the playoffs in 1998. The St. Louis Spirits returned to the post-season for the first time since 1993, while the Seattle Grey Wolves made it for the first time since 1991 thanks to breakout years from Randy McAllen and Scott Sherwood. The Milwaukee Choppers also came close to ending their post-season drought as Peter Lundholm won rookie-of-the year honors, while Brent Zahorsky scored 48 points. The Chops ultimately fell short, just two points behind eighth place.

In the Eastern Conference, the defending Lewis Cup champion New York Civics came out strong, going undefeated through the month of February. By season’s end, the Civics had only lost seven games to take first place in the Eastern Conference. Aaron Duplacy enjoyed his best season yet, nearly winning the league scoring title with 59 points. To win the conference, New York had to fend off their division rivals Washington in a tight race as the Generals also enjoyed a strong season in which they only lost 11 games. Toronto once again took the Northeast Division after having to part with a few depth players to get under the new salary cap, while Montreal had to settle for fourth place despite a league-leading 61 points from Vincent Ducharme. Rookie Zdeno Kadlec also proved to be a pleasant surprise for the Royale. After being selected 21^st in the draft, Kadlec scored 36 points and was nominated for rookie of the year. Cleveland continued to move up the standings, finishing fifth, while Boston, hit hard by the departure of key players over the off-season, dropped all the way to 13^th, missing the playoffs for the first time since 1981.

One of the more exciting storylines of the 1997-98 season featured a race between two original PHL teams who had both been absent from the playoffs in recent years. The Philadelphia Redshirts and Detroit Mustangs faced off against each other on April 29 in the second-last game of the year for both teams, with Detroit sitting two points ahead of the Redshirts. The Redshirts, who had been boosted by a big sophomore year from Jared Baxter, managed to win a dramatic game with just 20 seconds left in regulation. Entering the final day of the regular season on May 1, both teams had identical records while the season series was tied 1-1. Detroit held a very slight advantage with a goal differential of 21 compared to Philly’s 19. the Redshirts now needed to not only beat Pittsburgh, if Detroit beat Cleveland, they would need to beat the Stingers by at least four goals to get into the playoffs. Detroit had all the remaining tie-breakers to their advantage. Things did not get off to a good start for Philly as the Stingers jumped ahead early on a goal from Scott Lindsay. Midway through the second period, the Redshirts finally got on the board. Early in the third period, Baxter scored to give Philly the lead. Seven minutes later, Owen Betts made it 3-1. Meanwhile, in Cleveland, the Mustangs were wrapping up a 2-1 victory, meaning Philadelphia needed two more goals. They would get one from Brendan Carnes with six minutes to go in the game, before the team received word that Detroit had scored an empty-netter against the Cosmos to take that game 3-1. Now Philadelphia needed two more once again. Jonathan Stafford’s goal made it 4-1 with less than three minutes left in the game, leading to one of the most unusual occurrences ever in a PHL game. With a minute left, the Redshirts pulled goaltender Nathan Bowman for the extra attacker despite leading the game 4-1. Philly pushed hard and were finally rewarded with only 13 seconds on the clock when Stafford jambed a loose puck under Pittsburgh goaltender Matt Wilkin’s pad. The Redshirts cleared the bench and mobbed Stafford. Philadelphia was back in the playoffs. An unusual regular season ended in perhaps the most unusual way possible.

1997 Off-Season

1996 Entry Draft

Though not as strong as the 1996 entry draft, the 1997 draft certainly had no shortage of talent. With the first pick, the Milwaukee Choppers selected big Swedish center Peter Lundholm, then traded for the number five pick, using it to take hard-nosed defenseman Todd Brownlow. Dallas took USA National team star Kyle Clark with the second pick, while the New Orleans Sound rounded out the top three when they selected offensive defenseman Sheldon Harrison. Other interesting picks included Boston’s Isaac Hart, the son of pro football legend Billy Hart, LA selected goaltender Ryan Blank, the league’s first California native who grew up a fan of the Wizards, and finally New York selected the first German player in PHL history, Tobias Krause, who played fairly well as a 17-year-old at the 1996 World Hockey Challenge.

1.      MIL – Peter Lundhom, F, SWE

2.      DAL – Kyle Clark, F, USA

3.      NOS – Sheldon Harrison, D, CAN

4.      LI – Patrick Murphy, F, CAN

5.      MIL (From DEN) – Todd Brownlow, D, CAN

6.      DET – Eric Woods, F, CAN

7.      SEA – Olli Heikkinen, F, FIN

8.      PHI – Sergei Dyatlov, F, RUS

9.      STL – Ben Wagner, D, USA

10.   MIA – Derek Snyder, F, CAN

11.   QUE – Mikeal Johansson, D, SWE

12.   CGY – Dominik Musil, F, CZE

13.   BOS – Isaac Hart, F, USA

14.   CLE – Dylon White, F, CAN

15.   VAN – Andrei Yegorov, F, RUS

16.   PIT – Vladimir Rezek, F, SVK

17.   WPG – Trent McCulloch, D, CAN

18.   EDM – Igor Zhabin, F, RUS

19.   CAR – Corey Powell, D, CAN

20.   CAL – Jared King, D, USA

21.   MTL – Zdeno Kadlec, F, CZE

22.   WSH – Brant Brown, F, CAN

23.   KC – Jamie Reid, D, USA

24.   CHI – Chris Butler, F, CAN

25.   LA – Ryan Blank, G, USA

26.   TOR – Toivu Niskala, F, FIN

27.   MIN – Murray Bennett, D, CAN

28.   NYC – Tobias Krause, F, GER

Notable Retirements:

Travis Curry, F, DAL/MIL, 1981-1997

One of the last great players to have played for the Metros/Choppers franchise in both locations, Curry served as Bruce Gratton’s best sidekick throughout the 1980s. The duo led Milwaukee to back-to-back Lewis Cup championships in 1988 and 1989 with Curry scoring the Cup-winning goal both years. In 1992, Curry once again played a key role in leading the Choppers to their third appearance in the finals, where they would lose to Vincent Ducharme and the Montreal Royale. Curry would play five more years with the Choppers until his contract expired in 1997. With Milwaukee opting not to resign him, Curry retired rather than hit the free agent market.

Alexander Orlov, F, CHI, 1991-1997

One of the greatest players in the history of the Soviet national team, Alexander Orlov became a national hero in 1976 at the inaugural World Hockey Challenge when he scored the tournament winning goal against the heavily favoured Canadians. It would be 15 years before Orlov was finally allowed to leave the Soviet Union to play in the PHL for the Chicago Shamrocks. Teaming up with countryman Valdimir Gaganov, Orlov helped the Shamrocks to two straight Lewis Cup finals appearances in the mid-90s, where they would win it all in 1994.

Clark Pratt, F, NYC, 1978-1997

Though he was never considered a true superstar, Clark Pratt was one of the most popular players ever to wear a Civics uniform thanks to his toughness and work ethic. A broken leg endangered Pratt’s career in 1981, but the tough winger returned the following season. Pratt played 19 years in New York and his longevity was finally rewarded in 1997 when the Civics won the Lewis Cup, the first in Pratt’s career.

Brent MacDonald, G, NS/NOS, LA, 1982-1997

A native of Pictou, Nova Scotia, MacDonald grew up a huge fan of the Nova Scotia Claymores and finally realized his lifelong dream of playing for them in 1982. Throughout the 1980s, MacDonald backstopped the Claymores to an incredible seven straight Division titles, as well as an appearance in the Lewis Cup Finals in 1987. Unfortunatly, the Claymores were forced out of Halifax in 1995 and the team relocated to New Orleans that summer. MacDonald played one year in New Orleans before being traded to Los Angeles, where he split the goaltending duties with Jim Cochran before retiring.

Magnus Skoglund, F, DET, 1978-1997

Skoglund served as Detroit’s top player during a relatively dark time in the franchise’s history. The Mustangs missed the playoffs during the last five years of Skoglund’s career and made it past the first round only twice during the 19 season Skoglund wore the Blue and Gold. Nevertheless, Skoglund still went on to become one of the greatest players ever to wear a Mustang’s uniform, retiring as the team’s second-leading scorer of all time.

Brett Townsend, F, VAN, 1981-1997

Townsend’s accomplishments were largely overlooked as he played for one of the PHL’s weakest franchises for his entire career. Townsend nearly tied the PHL’s “Iron man” record, never missing a game from 1988 until his retirement in 1997. Townsend also retires as Vancouver’s all-time scoring leader and only 1000 point scorer in franchise history.

Chris Blythe, F, EDM, 1981-1997

One of the more popular players to wear a Northern Lights sweater, Chris Blythe won fans over with his natural scoring ability. Blythe helped Edmonton to their only Lewis Cup Finals appearance in 1993, where they lost to the Boston Bulldogs.

Notable Trades

Edmonton trades D Dwayne Ingram to Washington in exchange for D Jordan O’Reilly.

Nearing the end of his career, Ingram gets an opportunity to pursue a title with the Generals, the Northern Lights begin their rebuild with the addition of O’Reilly, a similar player to Ingram but at only 20 years old.

Milwaukee trades D Jed McKenzie to Denver in exchange for 5^th overall draft pick.

The Bulls acquire a solid young defenseman, while the Choppers continue their rebuild with two picks in the top five.

Key Free Agents

Aaron Duplacy signs new 5-year deal with New York worth $9 Million/year.

The Civics lock up their franchise player and captain for five years.

Randy McAllen signs new 10-year deal with Seattle worth $11 Million/year.

Seattle is forced to match a massive offer sheet from Detroit, making the 21-year-old the second-highest paid player currently in the league.

Sergei Krayev (CGY) signs 6-year deal with Chicago worth $12 Million/year.

After a career-threatening eye injury, Krayev will return to the league as one of its richest players. Chicago gains a replacement for Orlov, while Calgary’s status as a playoff team is now in jeopardy.

Craig Bush (BOS) signs 3-year deal with Seattle worth $3.5 Million/year.

After 17 years in Boston, Bush leaves the Bulldogs to chase another championship and provide leadership to an up-and-coming Grey Wolves squad.

News

The summer of 1997 was an ominous one for the PHL. The collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players’ association was set to expire September 1, and little to no progress had been made in negotiations. Darryl Byrd refused to budge on a salary cap, while Brian Hunt and the players vowed they would never allow it. Since retiring from a long playing career with Denver in 1990, Hunt had earned his law degree in order to better serve the PHPA, and now was prepared to take them to war. “If Darryl wants to shut the game down that’s his decision, we will not accept a cap” said Hunt.

As fans and players braced for the worst, the summer proved to be quite interesting. Immediately after the draft, the Detroit Mustangs presented budding Seattle superstar Randy McAllen with the largest offer sheet ever seen in the PHL, $11 Million for ten seasons. The problem for the Grey Wolves was that the franchise was in the process of being sold. Original owner John Dyson had found a local buyer, software developer Kevin Emms, but was still processing the transaction when the offer was given. Grey Wolves GM Bobby Vail had been told to wait for the official sale of the franchise before making any big moves, but he only had 48 hours to match the offer. The sale of the franchise was finally completed on June 30 just hours before the deadline and Emms gave Vail his blessing to match the Mustang’s offer. McAllen would be in Seattle for at least a decade.

In Chicago, the new Garfield Center was set to open when the season kicked off. In July, the arena was named the host of the 2000 World Hockey Challenge. “We’re very pleased to be able to bring this tournament here to Chicago” said Shamrocks owner Fredrick Garfield Jr. The Shamrocks would play all their pre-season games at Lincoln Sports Arena and make their last exhibition game a final farewell to the old building.

Two teams announced new arenas in 1997. The city of Detroit approved a new arena for the Mustangs. A 20,000-seat facility would be built on the outskirts of downtown Detroit as part of a new big league sports development that would also include a new Ballpark and a new outdoor stadium. The arena would open for Mustangs hockey in time for the 2000-01 season. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lumberjacks announced their plans for a 22,000-seat arena, which will be located just southeast of downtown Minneapolis on the Mississippi river. The arena would open in the fall of 1999.

The summer came and went with no collective agreement in place. On the morning of September 1, Darryl Byrd announced the PHL would initiate a labor lockout until an agreement could be reached. “This is a regrettable day to say the least” said Byrd. “I had hoped the players would be willing to work with us on something, especially given that they knew the consequences of no agreement, but it appears that they value their own wealth above the overall health of the game, which is unfortunate.”

“The fact that he would try to blame this on the players, when they decided to lock us out, that’s disappointing” said Brian Hunt. Despite their distaste for each other, the two sides did resume talks throughout September in a desperate attempt to salvage the start of the season. Unfortunately, the season start date of October 10 arrived with no deal. Darryl Byrd cancelled all games for the month of October, the first time since 1985 that a work stoppage actually cancelled PHL games. Byrd was asked if he would ever be willing to lose an entire season. “That’s up to the players” he responded. When talks through October also went nowhere, all games in November were also cancelled, leaving fans to wonder if 1997-98 would even take place at all.

Pioneers, Spirits Unveil New Uniforms

Just a few weeks after the 1997 playoffs came to an end, two more teams revealed new looks for the 1997-98 season. The St. Louis Spirits and Winnipeg Pioneers both introduced all-new jerseys, but unlike most teams in recent years, simply updated their classic logos rather than reinvent them completely.

The Spirits maintained the basics of their logo while modernizing it and updating the color scheme to navy, red, silver, and white. There are also two new alternate logos, one that appears on the sleeve of the jerseys and one that may appear on a third jersey someday. "We really didn't want to change too much" said GM Toby Griffith. "The Spirits have a rich tradition and we wanted to keep the brand instantly recognizable yet modern."

The Winnipeg Pioneers also made some changes to their uniforms. The original logo from 1966 remains, the only alteration being a tan-colored outline, but the uniforms have been changed drastically for the first time in the team's 33-year history. The striped "coonskin" design on the sleeves is now gone, but a design has been added along the waist meant to resemble a log fence. In addition to the uniform changes, a new alternate mark has been added featuring a covered wagon with a stylized "W". "We're excited about this new look" said GM Jacques Fortune, who had begun working on the new look when he was hired in the spring of 1996. "We tried different logos and even different colors but ultimately decided to stick with what was familiar and just tweak it. Personally, I think it works well."

Meanwhile, the third jersey trend continued in 1997, as four teams introduced alternate looks. Cleveland's third jersey got the most attention from fans, featuring a constellation of an electric guitar on a black backdrop, a tribute to the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame, located near the team's arena. The Minnesota Lumberjacks unveiled their second alternate jersey a year after discarding the black one. This one is green with white tree designs on each side and the team's classic logo on the front. The jersey also features collar laces, something not seen on a PHL jersey since the early '80s. New York's alternate is black featuring the Manhattan skyline and the team's "NYC" alternate logo, while the Los Angeles Wizards will wear a "Colossuem Blue"  third Jersey with a sublimated pattern and an alternate logo reminiscent of the team's original logo.

1997 Lewis Cup Finals

The 1997 Lewis Cup Finals began in New York City on May 30 with the hometown Civics facing the Kansas City Twisters. There was a buzz throughout the city as 22300 fans packed into Broadway House for game one. The Civics had not reached the final since their last Cup victory in 1975, while the Twisters, founded in 1989, were making their first appearance in the championship series.

Game one was close, with 19-year veteran Clark Pratt opening the scoring in the first period. It appeared the Civics had the win as both Jason Wyley and Jason Lind playing very well in net. Suddenly, just a minute after Pratt’s goal, Magnus Swedberg scored for Kansas City to tie the game. Despite a late push from each team, the game would go to overtime, where Darian Ashmore proved to be the hero, as Kansas City took game one. Game two would also go into overtime, with Ashmore once again getting an opportunity to win it. Wyley made the save, then stopped several more KC chances, before Aaron Duplacy finally ended the game and tied the series near the end of the first overtime. “We obviously would’ve like to win both games at home but this is a big win for us. We’ll take the split” said Duplacy.

The series moved on to Kansas City, where the Twisters hoped to use the home ice advantage they had stolen. However, the Twisters couldn’t even get on the board in game three. Jason Wyley stopped 42 shots in a 2-0 New York win. Game four was closer, as the teams battled through a 2-2 tie until Jeremy Kitchen scored to put the Civics ahead. Tim Dixon sealed the win with an empty-netter and the Civics were now just one win away.

A win was critical for Kansas City in game five back on Broadway if they wanted to continue the series. The building was packed once again as New York anticipated a home-ice victory. Though the Civics opened the scoring, Kansas City quickly responded with a pair of goals from Brett Delaney and Dave Mack to give the Twisters the lead. New York pushed to regain it but could not solve Lind while Ashton Nichol and Elliot Andrews each scored to increase the gap to 4-1 and secure a key win for the Twisters. The series would now head back to Kansas City with the pressure now on the Civics.

Prior to game six, the Civics received devastating news. Goaltender Jason Wyley had been hit high with a shot late in game five and woke up with severe concussion symptoms. Backup Brad Thorne would start for New York as the Civics had another opportunity to claim the title. Thorne was tested early, as the Civics took two penalties early on. Kansas City pressed for the opening goal but Thorne met every challenge. Finally, with the second penalty over, Grant Sibley scored a big goal to give New York the lead. Midway through the second period, Gustav Janssen made it 2-0. Kansas City finally got on the board three minutes later on a goal from Scott Drayton, but the Twisters couldn’t keep pace with the Civics, who extended the lead thanks to a goal from Darian Higgins. New York clung to a 3-1 lead until just four minutes remaining, when Travis Watson brought the Twisters to within one. As Kansas City pulled Jason Lind for the extra attacker. The Twisters pushed hard for the tying goal but Brad Thorne met the challenge. With just four seconds left, Dave Mack had the puck on his stick with an open net, but Thorne slid across the goalmouth just in time to get his stick on the puck a redirected it away from the net just as the final buzzer sounded. As the Civics mobbed their goaltender, Back in New York Broadway House erupted as fans watched on a big screen. For the first time since 1975, the New York Civics were Lewis Cup Champions. Aaron Duplacy accepted the Cup from Darryl Byrd and after skating a lap with it, passed it off to Clark Pratt, who would likely announce his retirement after 19 PHL seasons, all with the Civics. The Twisters remained optimistic in spite of the disappointing loss. “We just weren’t quite ready yet” said Dave Mack. “I think these kids are getting better every year and winning a championship is the next step. We’ll get there.”

1997 Playoffs

After losing their hold on first place in the Western Conference, the Chicago Shamrocks hoped to redeem themselves in the playoffs. Fans figured it would be relatively easy as the Shamrocks faced the Edmonton Northern Lights in the first round. In game one, the Northern Lights stunned the Shamrocks 4-2. Game two would go into overtime, where Joey Hamilton scored for Edmonton, silencing the crowd at the Lincoln Sports Arena in what would go on to be the final playoff game in the building. The Northern Lights went on to win another overtime thriller in game three before completing the sweep and one of the biggest upsets of the decade.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Twisters faced a rematch with the California Nuggets. Kevin Hoyle and the Nuggets were determined to finally break through to the second round. Both teams won their first two home games, as the teams skated to a 2-2 series tie. The trend would continue in game five, as Brett Delaney’s two goals gave Kansas City a 5-2 win and a chance to take the series on the road in game six. The Twisters jumped to an early 3-0 lead in game six on goals from Scott Drayton, Magnus Swedberg, and Darian Ashmore. It looked like the Twisters had the game and the series in the bag when California suddenly scored two quick goals to start the third period. The Nuggets pushed for the tying goal but could not solve Jason Lind as the Twisters hung on to advance to the second round.

In other Western Conference action, the Los Angeles Wizards brought Winnipeg’s return to the playoffs to a quick end in four-straight, while the defending champion Lumberjacks eliminated Vancouver in five games.

In the East, the New York Civics defeated the Boston Bulldogs in five, while Washington took out the Stingers in six games.

The Toronto Racers, determined to finally end years of playoff frustration, faced the Cleveland Cosmos, who were playing in their first playoff series in franchise history. Toronto predictably won the first two at home, including a 5-0 blowout in game one. The Cosmos quickly responded in Cleveland, however, winning two overtime games in a row to tie the series. Suddenly, Toronto fans were starting to get nervous. Game five at the Queen Elizabeth Arena would be critical for the Racers. Marc Brunelle and Joe Murdock each had three points in a 5-1 win to give the Racers the series lead. Back in Ohio, the Racers finished things off with a 3-1 victory to advance to the second round.

Meanwhile, the Carolina Raiders had made the most of their return to the playoffs, taking the heavily favored Montreal Royale to a seventh game. The Raiders held a 3-2 lead in a hard-fought game entering the third period. Goaltender Kevin Stroud made save after save as Montreal pushed for the tying goal. In desperation, the Royale finally pulled goaltender Jonathan Bouret for the extra attacker. With just four seconds left, rookie Todd Paterson’s shot found its way into the net to tie the game. The goal took the wind out of Carolina’s sails, but they managed to bounce back fairly quickly in overtime. Former Royale Trevor Ramsey nearly ended it late in the first OT when his shot on an open net went wide. Just 19 seconds into the second overtime, Sergei Vetrov finally ended the marathon with a quick shot that Stroud never saw. Montreal advanced to the second round.

Round two saw three series’ go the distance, as the Civics and Generals, Royale and Racers, and Wizards and Twisters all went to a game seven. The Twisters surprisingly routed Los Angeles 6-1 in their deciding game, while the Civics had to overcome a 3-2 series deficit, then a 3-2 deficit in game seven, where captain Aaron Duplacy proved to be the hero, scoring both the tying goal and the OT winner to send New York to the Eastern Conference Finals. Meanwhile, Toronto faced Montreal in a series for the ages. After splitting the first four games, the Royale pulled ahead in game five on the strength of a two-goal night from Vincent Ducharme. Facing enormous pressure to come through in game six on the road, the Racers found themselves down 1-0 throughout most of the game as Jonathan Bouret turned in a spectacular performance in the Montreal net. Finally, Randy Fernandez’ point shot beat Bouret and the game was tied. With only five minutes to go, Stuart Burns beat Bouret with a goal that would prove to be the winner as the Racers forced game seven. The deciding game was all Montreal early on, as Ducharme and JC Girard each scored to give the Royale a 2-0 lead. Murdock scored for Toronto midway through the second period, but it would not be enough, as Bouret made 57 saves in a Montreal victory. “This is beyond disappointing” said Fernandez. “I don’t know what more we can do at this point.”

Elsewhere in round two, Edmonton’s magic ran out against the defending champions, as the Lumberjacks defeated them in a very physical 5-game series.

The Eastern Conference Finals began at Broadway House between the New York Civics and the Montreal Royale. Game one was a huge disappointment for the Civics as the Royale took it 3-1. The Civics’ undisciplined play was mainly to blame for the loss, as all three Montreal goals came on powerplays. After the game, head coach Bruce Irvine ripped into his team, telling the media his players played like “a bunch of spoiled brats.” Fans and media wondered how the Civics would respond to their coach’s criticism, but the Civics came out a focused and motivated team, winning the next three games to take a 3-1 series lead. Now Montreal was on the ropes heading back to Broadway fro game five. Vincent Ducharme responded the way a captain should, carrying the team on his back and scoring two goals in a 4-2 Royale win. In game six, he followed it up with a goal and an assist in a 3-1 victory to force a seventh game in New York.  New York’s priority in game seven was to shut down Ducharme at all costs. The Civics’ checkers were all over Ducharme from start to finish, frustrating him to the point where he even took an uncharacteristic penalty in the third period. Duplacy, Lamar Jackson, and Grant Sibley each scored as New York finally eliminated the Royale to reach their first final in 22 years.

Meanwhile, in the Western Conference Final, the defending champion Lumberjacks immediately had their hands full with the Kansas City Twisters as Jason Lind earned a shutout in a 4-0 KC victory. The ‘Jacks would pull ahead before Kansas City tied the series in game four to make it a best-of-three. Game five in Minnesota was critical and Jason Crowley showed up in a big way when the team needed a hero in the second overtime. Crowley deked three Twister defenders before beating Lind low to give Minnesota a 3-2 win and a chance to return to the finals. Lind needed to come up big again in game six  at home if the Twisters were going to stay alive. After allowing a bad goal from Minnesota defenseman Jeff Winslow in the first minute, Lind shook it off and played one of the best games of his career, stopping 53 shots while Blair Horton and Travis Watson each scored in a tight 2-1 KC victory to send the series to game seven. Carrying the momentum from their thrilling game six victory, the Twisters never really allowed the Lumberjacks into game seven, as Watson, Delaney, Elliot Andrews, and Dave Mack each scored to send the team to the Lewis Cup Finals for the first time in franchise history. “This is what we’ve been working towards for the last eight years” said ecstatic team owner Ken Milliken. “To finally get there, to finally have the opportunity to bring a winner to Kansas City is a dream come true.”