The Spokane Braves are a Junior 'A' ice hockey team based in Spokane, Washington, United States. They are members of the Neil Murdoch Division of the Kootenay Conference of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL). They play their home games at Eagles Ice-A-Rena. The Braves are the only team in the KIJHL to play in the United States.
History
The club was founded in 1971 as the Spokane Valley Kings in the Western Kootenay Hockey League (WKHL). The franchise underwent several name changes: it became the Spokane Rockets (1972–1975), then the Spokane Flames (1975–1985), and finally adopted the name Spokane Braves in 1985. Despite their long history in the KIJHL, the Braves have never won the league championship. They won their division in the 1978–79, 1983–84, and 1991–92 seasons.
The Braves were forced to go on hiatus at the beginning of the 2020–21 season due to the Canada–US border closure during the COVID-19 pandemic. They returned for the 2023–24 season, which also marked the 50th anniversary of their participation in the KIJHL and the league's recognition as a Junior 'A' level hockey league.
In 2025, after 55 years in the KIJHL, the Braves announced they would leave the league to become a founding member of the Western International Junior Hockey League (WIJHL).
Season-by-Season Record
The Braves have had a varied competitive history. Their most successful regular seasons include a 34–6–0 record in 1983–84 (68 points) and a 31–10–1 record in 1992–93 (63 points). In recent years, the team has struggled, finishing near the bottom of the Neil Murdoch Division. Their best playoff run came in 1991–92 when they reached the league finals, losing to the Nelson Leafs. In 2003–04 and 2009–10, they advanced to the division finals.
NHL Alumni
Several former Spokane Braves players have gone on to play in the National Hockey League (NHL), including:
- Dennis LaRue
- Sean Zimmerman
- Derek Ryan
- Scott Levins
- Mike McGeough
- Scott Parker
Team Information
- City: Spokane, Washington
- League: Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL)
- Conference: Kootenay
- Division: Neil Murdoch
- Founded: 1971 (as Spokane Valley Kings)
- Home Arena: Eagles Ice-A-Rena
- Colors: Goal Red, Capital Silver, Union Blue, White
- President & General Manager: Bob Tobiason
- Head Coach: Jason Greenwell
- Captain: Cameron Oien
- Website: www.spokanebraves.com
