Spokane Flyers (1948–1958)

The Spokane Flyers were a senior ice hockey team based in Spokane, Washington. They played in the Western International Hockey League (WIHL) from 1948–49 to the 1957–58.^[1][2]

Spokane Flyers
City	Spokane, Washington
League	Western International Hockey League
Operated	1948–58
Home arena	Eagles Ice Arena, Spokane Coliseum
Championships
Playoff championships	1949, 1950, 1953, 1956, 1957

History

The Flyers were the 1950 United States senior west champions,^[3] and five-time league champions. Unfortunately, the team was a victim of its own success. The popularity of ice hockey in Spokane drew the attention of other leagues and, in 1958, the Western Hockey League announced plans to place a new franchise in town. The new franchise was initially named it the 'Spokane Flyers' in honor of their predecessor. However, because the Edmonton Flyers already played in the WHL, the league rules that Edmonton owned that moniker and forced the team to choose another name. A fan vote was held and 'Spokes' was winner.^[4]