Quad City Storm

Quad City Storm. The Quad City Storm are a professional ice hockey team based in Moline, Illinois, and are a member of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). The franchise was established in 2018, bringing SPHL hockey back to the Quad Cities region after the departure of the Quad City Mallards. Playing their home games at the TaxSlayer Center, the team has quickly developed intense rivalries within the league and is known for its community engagement and competitive play.

History

The formation of the team was announced in April 2018 by owner John Dawson and general manager Brian Rothenberger, filling the void left by the Quad City Mallards of the ECHL. The team's identity, including its name and colors, was chosen through a fan vote, connecting the new franchise directly to the local community from its inception. The Storm played their inaugural game in October 2018 against the Peoria Rivermen, marking a new chapter for professional hockey in the Midwestern United States. Under the leadership of head coach Dave Pszenyczny, a former SPHL Defenseman of the Year, the team has focused on building a competitive roster and establishing a strong presence in the league.

Season-by-season records

In their inaugural 2018–19 SPHL season, the team finished with a record below .500, a common challenge for expansion teams, and did not qualify for the SPHL playoffs. The following season was curtailed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of the President's Cup playoffs. The 2021–22 campaign saw significant improvement, with the team posting a winning record and making its first postseason appearance, though they were eliminated in the first round by the Birmingham Bulls. Subsequent seasons have seen the team consistently compete for playoff berths, often battling rivals like the Peoria Rivermen and Evansville Thunderbolts for position in the league standings.

Players

The roster has featured notable talents such as team captain Taylor Pryce, a forward known for his leadership and scoring touch, and goaltender Bailey MacBurnie, who has posted impressive save percentages. Other key contributors have included defenseman Dalton Mills and forward Michael Moran, who have been instrumental on both special teams units. The organization has also been a development stop for players moving to higher leagues like the ECHL and AHL, including forward Logan Nelson. Alumni of the team remain active in the Southern Professional Hockey League and other professional circuits across North America.

Coaches

The only head coach in franchise history has been Dave Pszenyczny, a former professional defenseman with extensive experience in the SPHL, ECHL, and Central Hockey League. Pszenyczny, who won the SPHL Defenseman of the Year award as a player, was appointed to the role prior to the team's first season and has been responsible for all hockey operations and roster construction. His coaching staff has included assistants with professional playing backgrounds, focusing on player development and systems tailored to the league's style of play. The stability in leadership has been a cornerstone for the team's identity and gradual competitive ascent within the Southern Professional Hockey League.

Home arenas

The team has played all of its home games at the TaxSlayer Center, a multi-purpose arena located in Moline, Illinois with a capacity of approximately 9,200 for hockey. This venue has a long history of hosting professional hockey, previously being the home of the Quad City Mallards of the United Hockey League, IHL, and ECHL. The arena is managed by the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Rock Island County and also hosts events like NCAA basketball tournaments and concerts. Its central location in the Quad Cities makes it accessible to fans from Rock Island, Davenport, Bettendorf, and surrounding communities.

Rivalries

The team's primary and most natural rivalry is with the Peoria Rivermen, stemming from geographic proximity within the state of Illinois and frequent, physical matchups in the SPHL standings. Another significant rivalry exists with the Evansville Thunderbolts, often characterized by intense, high-scoring games and playoff implications. Games against the Birmingham Bulls have also grown in intensity due to several postseason meetings and competitive regular-season battles. These rivalries are a key part of the game-night atmosphere at the TaxSlayer Center and contribute greatly to the team's identity within the Southern Professional Hockey League. Category:Southern Professional Hockey League teams Category:Sport in the Quad Cities Category:Ice hockey teams in Illinois Category:2018 establishments in Illinois