Missouri River Otters
Missouri River Otters were a minor league hockey team based in St. Charles, Missouri. They played in the United Hockey League from 1999 to 2006. They played their home games at the St. Charles Family Arena which opened in October 1999. Mike Shanahan Jr. was the owner and president when the team ceased operations; Frank Buonomo served as general manager.
| Missouri River Otters | |
|---|---|
 | |
| City | St. Charles, Missouri, United States |
| League | UHL |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Operated | 1999 – 2006 |
| Home arena | Family Arena |
| Colors | Blue, Green, Brown |
| Owner(s) | Mike Shanahan, Jr |
| General manager | Frank Buonomo |
| Franchise history | |
| 1999-2006 | Missouri River Otters |
After the NHL lockout in 2004–2005, NHL defenseman Barret Jackman decided to stay in St. Louis and play hockey for the River Otters during the lockout, along with center Ryan Johnson, defenseman Bryce Salvador and right winger Jamal Mayers.
The River Otters also boasted veteran NHL'ers like Jim Montgomery, Dennis Vial, and Lonnie Loach, who wore #33 and is the only person to have his number retired with the Missouri River Otters.
On January 25, 2006 The Missouri River Otters hosted the 2006 United Hockey League All Star Classic which included events such as the UHL Alumni vs The St. Louis Blues Alumni in a pre game show to raise money for St. Louis Children's Hospital. And a special visit to Children's hospital to all of the United Hockey League Team Mascots and All Star Players.
In late April 2006, Mike Shanahan Jr. decided to fold the team due to lack of attendance, issues with the lease at the Family Arena and a steep workmans comp bill. The staff was then let go as the announcement was made that the team would not play in the upcoming 2006–07 United Hockey League season. While leaving open the possibility of a sale, owner Mike Shanahan Jr. said that the competition for the sports dollar in the greater St. Louis area meant that the team would likely fold instead of being sold .
Oscar The Otter (Team Mascot)
Oscar the Otter was named the team mascot before the inaugural opener on October 23, 1999, which the Otters won 6 to 2 against the Asheville Smoke
Oscar was well known for his craziness on the ice during home games. He loved to make everyone in the arena beg for T-shirts during intermissions as well as sign autographs and take rides on the Zamboni.
He was also very active in the community during the 2005–06 season, He made appearances at Ponderosa Steakhouse in St. Peters on a bi-weekly basis as well as visited local elementary schools and appeared on several TV segments including Tim Ezell's Morning Show during the Guns and Hoses Tournament at The Family Arena.
See also
- St. Louis Swarm, a professional basketball team that shared a venue with the River Otters