The Salem Raiders were coached by former Colorado Rockies coach Patrick Kelly, who led the Raiders to a league-best regular season record of 32–15–0.
[1] Salem defeated the Winston-Salem Thunderbirds in the first round of the playoffs,[2] but eventually lost to the Mohawk Valley Stars in the Payne Trophy Finals.
Coach Pat Kelly was retained and the Raiders played 65 games compiling a record of 20 wins, 36 losses, and 9 ties for 51 points.
They placed fourth in the six team ACHL, making the playoffs and lost in the first round.
Brabham disbanded the team in 1983 citing financial losses and not coming to terms on a long-term lease in Salem.