Alternate History Sports / South Penn Hockey Organization (SPHO) Introduction/1970 Season

**Posted by Raspa** 1/01/2024 2:45 am

In the late 60's, the landscape of Southeast Pennsylvania's amateur hockey community was dotted with six distinct leagues, each with its own rich history, traditions, and fiercely loyal fanbase. The Delco Hockey League, the Chester Hockey League, the Bux-Mont Hockey League, the Philadelphia Hockey League, the Lehigh Valley Hockey League, and the Berks Hockey League all thrived independently, nurturing the sport and contributing to its vibrant tapestry.

As the new decade dawned, the leaders of these leagues recognized the need for a transformative change. The world was evolving, and so too had the landscape of professional and collegiate sports. It was in this climate of change that the visionaries at the helm of these six leagues came together with an audacious plan—to merge their distinct entities into a singular powerhouse that would redefine the very essence of North American amateur hockey.

Welcome to the SPHO

Last edited by Raspa (1/09/2024 10:51 am)

**Posted by Raspa** 1/01/2024 4:30 pm

In 1916, a local railroad tycoon by the name of Cassius Schwoyer was seeing the growth of local hockey in cities such as Philadelphia and New York and wanted in on the popularity. He then gathered random workers from every railroad business he owned and formed his own team, the Reading Hockey Club, colloquially known as the Steamers.

The Steamers would play local clubs, until many other business owners responded to Schwoyer's success and began to form their own clubs, thus forming the Berks Hockey League.

Last edited by Raspa (1/01/2024 4:31 pm)

**Posted by ItDoesntMatter** 1/01/2024 10:50 pm

Welcome back to the boards, Raspa! I'm excited to see another region get the hockey league spotlight. You're off to a solid start here, and I think you've straddled the 60s/70s divide pretty well. I think the Dutch Lions have my favorite logo so far, although the cute simplicity of the Ice Bears is really charming as well. The biggest one I don't get is Leesport; it looks like you're trying to make an LA monogram but then you flipped the logo around and now it doesn't work anymore (and it also feels like it could be a bit bolder all the way around). Great work so far!

**Posted by Raspa** 1/02/2024 7:11 pm

An updated Leesport and a preview of uniforms to come as well.

**Posted by Raspa** 1/03/2024 7:23 pm

Uniforms for the 1970 BHL Season

**Posted by Section30** 1/04/2024 5:19 pm

Loving this already, so far I'd say my favorites are Leesport & Boyertown.

Can't wait to see where this goes!

**Posted by Raspa** 1/08/2024 11:48 pm

Once upon a frosty winter in the heart of Cherry Hill, a group of passionate hockey enthusiasts decided to create something extraordinary – the Philadelphia Hockey League. The year was 1955, and the city, known for its rich sports culture, was ready to embrace a new chapter in the world of amateur hockey.

The idea began with a handful of friends who shared a deep love for the sport. They were tired of merely watching the professionals from the sidelines and wanted to create a space where ordinary Philadelphians could lace up their skates and experience the thrill of the game firsthand. The vision was to foster a sense of community, camaraderie, and the sheer joy of playing hockey.

Last edited by Raspa (1/08/2024 11:50 pm)

**Posted by Dan O'Mac** 1/09/2024 8:50 am

I think these are all really solid. I feel the font on South Philly either got messed up in export, or it's too modern for the mid 50's.

**Posted by Raspa** 1/09/2024 10:50 am

Dan O'Mac wrote:
I think these are all really solid. I feel the font on South Philly either got messed up in export, or it's too modern for the mid 50's.

PHL was founded in 1955, we are currently in 1970