Detroit Vipers | |
---|---|
City | Auburn Hills, Michigan |
League | International Hockey League |
Operated | 1994–2001 |
Home arena | The Palace of Auburn Hills |
Colors | Green, white, red, black, eggplant, aqua |
Affiliate | Tampa Bay Lightning |
Franchise history | |
1969–1994 | Salt Lake Golden Eagles |
1994–2001 | Detroit Vipers |
Championships | |
Division titles | 4 (1994–95, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99) |
Turner Cups | 1 (1997) |
The Detroit Vipers were a professional ice hockey team who competed in the International Hockey League (IHL). Originally founded in Salt Lake City as the Salt Lake Golden Eagles in 1969, the team was purchased by Palace Sports & Entertainment and relocated to Auburn Hills, Michigan in 1994. During their first five seasons, the Vipers enjoyed success as they secured 100 points each time and appeared in the Turner Cup Finals twice, winning once in 1997.
In 1999, Palace Sports purchased the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League (NHL) and the Vipers became their top minor league affiliate. The team subsequently struggled during the next two seasons before both they and the IHL ceased operations in 2001.