Bloomington Bison

Overview

The Bloomington Bison are an American minor league ice hockey team based in Bloomington, Illinois. Founded in 2024, the team made its debut in the ECHL in 2024–25. They are the ECHL affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets and the Manitoba Moose.

Bloomington Bison
CityBloomington, Illinois
LeagueECHL
ConferenceWestern
DivisionCentral
Founded2024
Home arenaGrossinger Motors Arena
ColorsRed, blue, white
     
OwnersHallett Sports and Entertainment
General managerPhillip Barski
Head coachPhillip Barski
CaptainEddie Matsushima
AffiliatesWinnipeg Jets (NHL)
Manitoba Moose (AHL)
Websitebloomingtonbisonhockey.com
Franchise history
2024–presentBloomington Bison
Current season

The Bloomington Bison are an American minor league ice hockey team based in Bloomington, Illinois. Founded in 2024, the team made its debut in the ECHL in 2024–25. They are the ECHL affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets and the Manitoba Moose.

History

On January 16, 2024, the ECHL awarded an expansion team to Bloomington, Illinois.[1][2][3] The ownership group consists of Jim Hallett of Hallett Sports and Entertainment, owners of the Indy Fuel. The club will play in Grossinger Motors Arena, which is located in Bloomington, Illinois. On May 30, it was announced that a five-year affiliation with the New York Rangers had been signed. In addition, Phillip Barski was named as the team's first head coach and general manager.[4]

On July 8, 2026, it was announced that the Bison would become the new affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets, thus ending their affiliation with the New York Rangers.[5]

Season-by-season records

Bloomington Bison season-by-season records
Regular season Playoffs
Season GP W L OTL SOL Pts GF GA PIM Standing Year 1st round 2nd round 3rd round Kelly Cup
2024–25 72313542681872108047th of 7, Central2025did not qualify
2025–26 72373023792242199223rd of 7, Central2026L, 2–4, TOL———

Notes

References

  1. ↑ "ECHL approves Expansion Membership for Bloomington, Illinois". Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  2. ↑ "Pro hockey approved to play in Bloomington". Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  3. ↑ "Bloomington lands a new pro hockey team". Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  4. ↑ "Bloomington Bison Announce NHL Affiliation and Introduce New Head Coach". bloomingtonbisonhockey.com. May 30, 2024. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
  5. ↑ "Jets and Moose announce affiliation agreement with Bloomington Bison". nhl.com. July 8, 2026. Retrieved July 8, 2026.

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