ECHL: Expansion Membership Approved for Greensboro

ECHL has announced today that they have approved an expansion team for Greensboro, North Carolina. This new team, which will start playing in the 2025-26 season, will be owned by Zawyer Sports & Entertainment.

“The ECHL is proud to welcome our 30th Member by returning to the Greensboro, North Carolina market,” said ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin. “Greensboro holds a special place in the ECHL’s history and growth, and it will be a joyful moment to drop the puck once again in October 2025 and bring professional hockey back to the city for fans to once again cheer for their hometown team.”

– ECHL Press Release, 10/18/2024

Greensboro, NC has a rich history with hockey, having previously hosted teams including the Greensboro Generals and the Greensboro Monarchs, both of which were under the South Division. The new team aims to bring professional hockey back to the city and create a family-friendly atmosphere for fans.

Greensboro Generals

The Greensboro Generals have a storied history in minor league hockey. They were originally part of the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) from 1959 to 1973 and then the Southern Hockey League (SHL) from 1973 to 1977. The Generals were one of the first professional hockey teams to establish a following in the American South. They played their home games at the Greensboro Coliseum and were known for their passionate fan base.

The team was revived in 1999 as part of the ECHL and played until 2004. During their ECHL tenure, the Generals struggled to replicate their earlier success and eventually folded due to financial difficulties.

Greensboro Monarchs

The Greensboro Monarchs were an ECHL team from 1989 to 19953. They were highly successful, reaching the playoffs every season and winning the Riley Cup in their inaugural season4. The Monarchs were known for their intense rivalries and physical style of play.

In 1995, the team transitioned to the American Hockey League (AHL) and became the Carolina Monarchs. However, the move to a higher league did not go as planned. The team struggled with attendance and financial issues, leading to their eventual fold in 1997. The NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes played in Greensboro for two seasons while their arena in Raleigh was being completed.

Both teams were instrumental in shaping the hockey culture in Greensboro, leaving enduring legacies within the community. As ECHL hockey makes its comeback to the region, it will be intriguing to observe how the team performs this time around. The Southern Division is recognized for its fierce competition and intense rivalries, and Greensboro may once again contribute to this competitive field.