| Nashville South Stars | |
|---|---|
| City | Nashville |
| League | Central Hockey League Atlantic Coast Hockey League |
| Operated | 1981–1983 |
| Home arena | Nashville Municipal Auditorium |
| Colors | Green, gold, black, white |
| Affiliate | Minnesota North Stars |
| Franchise history | |
| 1981–1983 | Nashville South Stars |
| 1983–1990 | Virginia Lancers |
| 1990–1992 | Roanoke Valley Rebels |
| 1992–1993 | Roanoke Valley Rampage |
| 1993–1994 | Huntsville Blast |
| 1994–2001 | Tallahassee Tiger Sharks |
| 2001–2002 | Macon Whoopee |
| 2002–2003 | Lexington Men O' War |
| 2005–present | Utah Grizzlies |
The Nashville South Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the Central Hockey League (CHL) for the 1981–82 season. They then played in the Atlantic Coast Hockey League (ACHL) for the 1982–83 season and part of the 1983–84 season before the franchise relocated to become the Virginia Lancers.
It had been 10 years since Nashville's last hockey team, the Nashville Dixie Flyers, played as part of the Eastern Hockey League.[1]
The South Stars were founded by Larry Schmittou, who was a principal owner of the Nashville Sounds minor-league baseball team. The team played at Nashville Municipal Auditorium, where the hockey seating configuration was such that spectators seated more than a row back in the seats that were above and behind the goal lines could not see the nets.
The team was the top affiliate of the Minnesota North Stars of the National Hockey League and was coached by Gene Ubriaco,[2] who would later coach the Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL.
The South Stars reached the CHL playoffs, but lost in the first round[3] to the Wichita Wind.
The Nashville South Stars played only for one season in the CHL[4] before joining the Atlantic Coast Hockey League for the 1982–83 season. The franchise would relocate to Vinton, Virginia during the next season in December 1983.[5]