The Tidewater Sharks were a minor league professional ice hockey team, based in Norfolk, Virginia, and members of the Southern Hockey League from 1975 to 1977. The Sharks played home games at the Norfolk Scope, and shared the Hampton Roads area with the Hampton Gulls. The ownership group led by Dick Davis, also operated the Tidewater Tides baseball team.[1] The Sharks ceased operations in January on 1977, during the second season of play.[2]

Tidewater Sharks
CityNorfolk, Virginia
LeagueSouthern Hockey League
Operated1975–1977
Home arenaNorfolk Scope
ColorsRed, white, cyan
     
Owner(s)Dick Davis
AffiliatesWHA (1975–77)
NHL (1975–76)
Franchise history
1975–1977Tidewater Sharks

History

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In the 1975–76 season, Tidewater was affiliated with the Cleveland Crusaders, and the Buffalo Sabres.[3] John Hanna was named the team's first coach, and the Sharks featured Scotland-born top scorer Bill Steele, but finished in fifth-place finish, and missed the playoffs.[2]

In the 1976–77 season, Tidewater was affiliated with the Calgary Cowboys.[3] Harold Schooley took over the coaching duties, and the team was in second place by early 1977.[2] On January 7, the Tidewater Sharks folded after missing payroll, and the players refused to continue.[1][4]

Notable players

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Notable Sharks players that also played in the National Hockey League or World Hockey Association:[5]

Results

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Season-by-season results:[2]

Season GP W L T Pts Pct GF GA PIM Standing Playoffs
1975–76 72 24 34 14 62 0.431 230 260 842 5th, SHL Out of playoffs
1976–77 41 26 13 2 54 0.659 158 131 580 2nd, SHL Folded
TOTALS 113 50 47 16 116 0.513 388 391 1422  

References

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  1. ^ a b Crossley, Drew (August 30, 2014). "Southern Hockey League 1973 Archives". Fun While It Lasted. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c d "Tidewater Sharks hockey team statistics and history". hockeydb.com. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  3. ^ a b "Tidewater Sharks Parent Team affiliate history". hockeydb.com. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  4. ^ "Southern Hockey League [1973-1977] history and statistics". hockeydb.com. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  5. ^ "Tidewater Sharks all-time player list". hockeydb.com. Retrieved February 3, 2018.