Rochester Mustangs (junior)

The Rochester Mustangs were an American junior A ice hockey team that was located in Rochester, Minnesota. The Mustangs were in existence from 1986-2002. Prior to 1986, the organization was located in Austin, Minnesota and were known as the Austin Mavericks.^[1] The Mavericks played from 1974-1977 in the Midwest Junior Hockey League until it moved to the United States Hockey League in 1978.^[2] The Mustangs played its home games in the Rochester Recreation Center which seated approximately 2,500.^[3] Amazingly, the 'Recreation Center was home to the Mustangs for 17 years. It was the only arena Rochester ever played in. Unfortunately, the team ceased operations at the end of the 2001-2002 season because of poor attendance numbers and an old arena. The 'Stangs won the American National Junior "A" championship in 1987, 1988, and 1998.^[4]

Notable Alumni

• Keith Aldridge - competed in four games for the Dallas Stars of the NHL
• Jozef Balej - played three season in the NHL for the Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, and Montreal Canadiens
• Ralph Barahona - played six games for the Boston Bruins.
• Peter Markle - played in a World Hockey exhibition between Soviet Union and U.S.^[5]
• Shjon Podein - played in eleven NHL seasons for the Blues, Flyers, Avalanche, and Oilers.

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References