Paul Stewart: Rhode Island Reds Heritage Society

I lived in Providence for 5 years while going to college. I was aware of the town's hockey heritage but they did not have a team while I was there. It stunk.

Now the Providence Bruins play downtown. While that is certainly an improvement it sadly lacks a real Rhode Island identity like the Reds. The AHL has become more and more in lockstep and whitewashed by the NHL. It's unavoidable.

Some of the best hockey I've experienced is watching the Prov Bruins. I wish they kept the "Reds" name and uniforms but, even still, the flex tickets were $10 and I always found 2 seats near the glass. My non hockey loving wife made the beer and popcorn runs so I never had to miss the game. I got to see MANY players that were either Ex-NHL, NHL rehab or NHL up and coming. Most of the time I was close enough to say hello. Easy to park too.