Virginia Lancers

Vinton, Virginia was home to the Virginia Lancers of the ECHL from 1988-1990. At this time, the name was changed to the Roanoke Valley Rebels (1990-1992) and then the Rampage (1992-1993), but the franchise remained in the same location throughout. After the 1992-1993 season, the franchise was moved to Alabama and became the Huntsville Blast. The team would fold after the 1993-94 season.

The Lancers' coach from 1988-1990, John Tortorella, now head coach of the New York Rangers, won the Stanley Cup in 2003-04 with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Origins of team
The Lancers came into existence when the Nashville South Stars of the Atlantic Coast Hockey League would relocate to Vinton, Virginia early in the 1983-84 season. The South Stars played in the Central Hockey League (1963-1984) for the 1981-82 season and would join the Atlantic Coast Hockey League for 1982-1983.

Demise of the team in Vinton
Weather eventually played a factor into the Rampage only lasting one season. On March 13, 1993, the Rampage were trailing the Richmond Renegades 6-2 with 6:03 left in the second period. Officials decided to call the game due to structural damage to the LancerLot Arena. A beam supporting the arena started to buckle due to the 16 inches (40 cm) of snow on the roof and 40 mph (65 kmph) winds outside. All 63 fans (believed to also be an ECHL record for lowest paid attendance) were told to leave the arena, along with officials, players, coaches, and arena employees. This decision was fully vindicated when later that night the roof of the arena collapsed completely under the weight of the snow.