With the exception of 1992, the city of Portland, ME has hosted AHL hockey since 1977. Unfortunately, that run has come to a sudden end with the shocking announcement that the Portland Pirates, who began play in 1993-94 when the Baltimore Skipjacks moved north to replace the Maine Mariners, have been sold by owner Ron Cain and will reportedly move to Springfield, MA in time for next season.
The sale and relocation needs the approval of both the American Hockey League and the parent Florida Panthers.
The vacancy in Springfield came about recently when the Falcons were purchased by the Arizona Coyotes with the intention of moving the franchise west to Tucson.