League History - Dunlop Conference

As part of the IHHL’s expansion for the 2013-2014 season, the league conferences were realigned and renamed. The Federal Conference was renamed for the league’s premier coach and player, Reggie Dunlop.

Dunlop, a native of Cleveland, OH, played and coached the Johnstown Chiefs in the 70s. This was during one of the bleaker periods in the IHHL’s history as fan attendance and league revenues were dropping. At the time, many believed the IHHL to be in the twilight days of its life, as the IHHL faced competition from the World Hockey League and other sports.

Halfway through the season, with the Chiefs in the IHHL’s cellar, Dunlop learned that the team was be shopped around to prospective buyers. Dunlop was determined to fight for the game and team he cared about and was not about to let the Chiefs’ fade into obscurity. By emphasizing a hard hitting, grind style of play, Dunlop was able to turn the around the Chiefs’ fortunes. The Chiefs’, never one to shy away from conflict, became even more dominating under Dunlop’s leadership.

While many criticized the Chiefs’ hard hitting style of play, Dunlop insisted that the there was a distinct absence of malice in his team’s play and that the team was delivering what the fans wanted ultimately wanted. A hard hitting, fast style of playing that excited them.

The focus on more physical play not only helped the Chiefs’ climb out the IHHL’s cellar, but also helped to raise interest in the league as well, leading to a renaissance of the IHHL’s fortunes. Sadly, despite Dunlop’s best efforts, the team ended moving from Johnstown to Boston ultimately becoming the Boston Benders.

Reggie, who passed away on September 26, 2008, was recognized for accomplishments in the New York Times. Inside of the IHHL, many credit Reggie Dunlop with bringing the league back from the brink of collapse. The Dunlop Conference, fittingly enough, embodies the spirit and grit that Reggie Dunlop brought back to the league.

The Dunlop Conference is comprised of:

• Washington Winter Warriors
• Boston Benders
• Denver Demon Donkeys
• Saskatoon Sasquatches
• Team Moran