A pretty bizarre situation unfolded in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) on Sunday. The Vermilion County Bobcats, based in Danville (Illinois), were set to host the Quad City Storm, but never showed up for the game.

According to Dave Eminian, a sports reporter for the Peoria Journal Star, the Quad City Storm showed up in Danville for the game, took warmup, lined up for the national anthem, skated a lap around the arena and saluted those who were in the crowd, before walking away with the forfeit win.

The Vermilion County Bobcats are easily the worst team in the history of the SPHL. The team was founded in 2021 and since their inception, have a record of 9-70-7 and have gone through TEN different coaches!

Eminian went on to add that the team's attendance has been very poor, only having about 400 per game. There also appears to be issues between ownership and the city over conditions of the arena.

SPHL drama in Danville, where host Vermilion County never showed up for game vs Quad City. It's a forfeit win for QC. Most bizarre thing I've seen in 40 years covering pro hockey. QC bused in, skated warmups, lined up national anthem/faceoff, skated a lap, then saluted "crowd" pic.twitter.com/5LN81QTEd2— Dave Eminian (@icetimecleve) February 5, 2023