The Albany Choppers have to be one of the worst business decisions a minor league franchise has ever made. From 1952-1990 the Choppers were the Fort Wayne Komets in Indiana, a team that is an institution in Fort Wayne to this day. But in 1990, owner David Welker decided to move the franchise east to the New York State capital of Albany and turn them into the Albany Choppers. The supermarket chain Price Chopper became a part owner, hence the name and color scheme. The team also picked up Alain Lemieux, brother of Mario, along the way. The move to Albany didn’t go well. As part of the agreement to let them move east — further east than the IHL had ever been — they had to pick up the travel tab for some of the teams coming to visit them. They also faced competition from local college and AHL teams in the area, and played to small crowds in a 15,000 seat arena. Given all this financial pressure, the Choppers would fold after only 55 games in Albany.

This would make a unique gift for the hockey fan in your life or a neat find for yourself of a vintage hockey team from New York.

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The Albany Choppers have to be one of the worst business decisions a minor league franchise has ever made. From 1952-1990 the Choppers were the Fort Wayne Komets in Indiana, a team that is an institution in Fort Wayne to this day. But in 1990, owner David Welker decided to move the franchise east to the New York State capital of Albany and turn them into the Albany Choppers. The supermarket chain Price Chopper became a part owner, hence the name and color scheme. The team also picked up Alain Lemieux, brother of Mario, along the way. The move to Albany didn’t go well. As part of the agreement to let them move east — further east than the IHL had ever been — they had to pick up the travel tab for some of the teams coming to visit them. They also faced competition from local college and AHL teams in the area, and played to small crowds in a 15,000 seat arena. Given all this financial pressure, the Choppers would fold after only 55 games in Albany.

This would make a unique gift for the hockey fan in your life or a neat find for yourself of a vintage hockey team from New York.

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About theshirt from the manufacturer:

This Triblend tee combines the comfort of cotton with the durability of polyester to create a unique, unisex t-shirt that is impeccable in quality and style. Each shirt comes with side seams to remain like new for longer, shoulder tapes that prevent stretching and a ribbed knit collar that helps retain the shirts shape.

Garment:Bella + Canvas 3413

• 50% Polyester 25% Combed and ring-spun Cotton 25% Rayon
• Extra Light fabric (3.8 oz/yd (110 g/m))
• Sewn in label
• Retail Fit