West Coast Hockey League
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West Coast Hockey League was a minor league in ice hockey in United States from 1995 to 2003. The number of teams ranged from 6 to 9 and the teams were located in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada and Washington.
The league started playing in 1995 with the following teams:
The teams played for the Taylor Cup, named for the founder of the league, who also owned 3 of the 6 teams (Bakersfield, Fresno, Reno).
The winners of the Taylor Cup were:
- 1995–1996 - San Diego Gulls
- 1996–1997 - San Diego Gulls
- 1997–1998 - San Diego Gulls
- 1998–1999 - Tacoma Sabercats
- 1999–2000 - Phoenix Mustangs
- 2000–2001 - San Diego Gulls
- 2001–2002 - Fresno Falcons
- 2002–2003 - San Diego Gulls
The teams that were part of the West Coast Hockey League were (in alphabetical order)
- Alaska (Fairbanks) Gold Kings (1995–1997)
- Anchorage Aces (1995–2003)
- Bakersfield Fog (1995–1998)
- Bakersfield Condors (1998–2003)
- Colorado (Colorado Springs) Gold Kings (1998–2002)
- Fresno Falcons (1995–97, 1998–2003)
- Fresno's Fighting Falcons (1997–1998)
- Idaho Steelheads (1997–2003)
- Long Beach Ice Dogs (2000–2003)
- Phoenix Mustangs (1997–2001)
- Reno Renegades (1995–1997)
- Reno Rage (1997–1998)
- San Diego Gulls (1995–2003)
- Tacoma Sabercats (1997–2002)
- Tucson Gila Monsters (1997–1999)
In 2003, WCHL shut down, the WCHL teams were approved to join the East Coast Hockey League that was renamed to simply the ECHL. In a change reflective of the nationwide presence of the ECHL, the East Coast Hockey League changed its name to simply ECHL on May 19, 2003. The WCHL teams and the seven former WCHL teams formed the Pacific Division of ECHL.