The live experience
What reaches the room
The Vermilion County Bobcats were a short-lived but memorable part of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), based in Danville, Illinois. Founded in 2021 and operating at the David S. Palmer Arena, the team carried the hopes of local hockey fans for two seasons before ceasing operations in February 2023. Owner Ellen Tully led the franchise through its ambitious early steps, setting out to establish a competitive presence in the league. While their on-ice record stood at 9-70-7—the worst in SPHL history—the Bobcats’ story is about perseverance, community involvement, and the unique challenges of running a new team in professional hockey.