Battle for Bama: The Chase for the Yellowhammer presented by Chase

The in-state rivalry between the Huntsville Havoc and the Birmingham Bulls will carry added significance this season with the presentation of the Joe Stroud Memorial Yellowhammer, awarded to the winner each time the two teams face off in the Battle for Bama.

The Yellowhammer will be present this Friday, January 2, when the Bulls visit Huntsville, and

will be awarded to the winner following the game. The two teams will meet again on Saturday

night in Birmingham, with the Yellowhammer on the line once more as the rivalry shifts

locations.

The Joe Stroud Memorial Yellowhammer honors the life and legacy of Joe Stroud, a respected

and influential figure in Alabama professional hockey whose impact spanned both organizations

and the broader state hockey community. The Yellowhammer, Alabama’s state bird, serves as a

symbol of state pride and the deep roots of hockey in Alabama, making it a fitting representation

of the rivalry.

Stroud began his career with the Birmingham Bulls as an intern in 1994, later returning to the

organization in 2017 as Vice President before being named Team President in 2019. During his

tenure, the Bulls experienced sustained on-ice success and continued growth within the

Birmingham community. His professional path also included time with the Huntsville Havoc,

further connecting Alabama’s two major hockey markets.

Stroud passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 53. He is remembered throughout the SPHL

and the Alabama hockey community for his leadership, professionalism, and dedication to

advancing the sport across the state. The Joe Stroud Memorial Yellowhammer stands as a lastingtribute to his contributions and the role he played in shaping hockey in Alabama.