ELMIRA ENFORCERS

The Elmira Enforcers were a minor professional ice hockey team based in Elmira, New York, and a member of the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL). The team played its home games at First Arena and folded in 2021 after three seasons due to a dispute over the arena lease. Despite their short existence, the Enforcers qualified for the playoffs in all three seasons.

The team was founded on July 17, 2018, when Robbie Nichols announced the acquisition of a new hockey team following the dissolution of the Elmira Jackals. On August 2, 2018, the team was officially named the Enforcers, and Brent Clarke, former head coach of the Danville Dashers and Watertown Wolves, was appointed as the inaugural head coach.

The Enforcers played their first game on October 26, 2018, and made their home debut on November 16, setting a league attendance record with 4,310 fans. Throughout their first season, the team encountered various controversies, including a bar fight involving players and a $25,000 fine issued to owner Robbie Nichols for assaulting a referee.

Despite these setbacks, the Enforcers advanced to the championship series in their first season but lost to the Carolina Thunderbirds. In the 2019-20 season, Nichols, aged 55, had to step in as a player due to injuries on the team.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-21 season resumed with a shortened schedule. The Enforcers reached the finals of the Ignite Cup but were swept by the Columbus River Dragons. In July 2021, the team ceased operations after failing to secure a lease extension for First Arena.