The years following the Civil War forced the plantations into smaller and smaller subdivisions, which opened up the doors to development. The history of this area runs deep and there is a unique blend of old world and modern in North Charleston. North Charleston is home to some of the most avid hockey fans in the U.S. At any time, at any game for the Sintgrays, the North Charleston Coliseum is packed with cheering followers and all eyes are on the hockey scoreboards for the winning points scored.

The area now known as North Charleston was originally some of the most beautiful plantations in the south.
It wasn’t until the twentieth century that major change hit the North Charleston area. Both businesspeople and the United States Government saw this as an opportunity for industrial growth. While the people of the area fought these changes, they were eventually defeated. Progress brought lumber, military bases and the largest mill for asbestos at that time. The Charleston Naval Base was a key employer of the area and continued so until the end of the cold war. With budget cut backs, both the naval base and the shipyards were closed, causing a reeling economic effect on the North Charleston area.

The city of Norfolk is a testiment to the strength of the country. The citizens have maintained a community identity from the past through to today. Famed for their sports stadiums for basketball, baseball, hockey and now football; it is the hockey games that seem to bring attendance to see their beloved Norfolk Admirals. At any game the lights of the hockey scoreboards and the cheering fans show the city’s pride. Norfolk, Virginia started out as a port city stronghold, mainly due to its strategic location and the natural large harbor. It has been attacked, destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, because the people simply will not give up or give in.

The area currently known as Norfolk was originally part of the larger land area patroned by Adam Thoroughgood, in the 1830’s. The Norfolk area experienced a division until it was finally settled with the name it bears today. The wonderful harbor was a springboard for the construction of the first Half Moone Fort and allowed the port environment to have one of the best success rates for the export of supplies for the British Empire.

Wickenheiser is probably the most notable female player in the world of professional hockey. She broke all the rules in male dominated hockey when she became the first woman in hockey history to play in the professional arena in a position other than the goalie.

Born in 1973 in Saskatchewan, Canada, Hayley’s love of hockey never stopped her and she started out by playing on the boy’s teams. By the age of 13, she assisted Team Alberta to win the gold medal for the girls-under-17 event in the Canada Winter Games. Hayley became a well-known player when she was given the coveted title of Most Valuable Player. The young athlete continued to pursue her dream and when she was 15 she found herself in the Canadian Women’s National Team international competition.