The
Kentucky Thoroughblades were a minor professional
ice hockey team in the
American Hockey League, who existed from
1996 to
2001. The Thoroughblades were based in
Lexington, Kentucky, playing home games at
Rupp Arena. The Thoroughblades were an affiliate of the NHL's
San Jose Sharks.
History
The Thoroughblades were the first professional ice hockey team to play in Lexington, Kentucky. Initially, attendance was high. During the
1997–98 season, Kentucky averaged 7,741 fans per game, despite a losing record on ice. . Attendance decreased in the next three seasons, even with two consecutive division championships. In their final season, attendance averaged only 4,461 fans per game.
In 2001, the team moved to
Cleveland, Ohio, becoming the
Cleveland Barons. In 2006, the team then moved to
Worcester, Massachusetts, becoming the
Worcester Sharks.
The void in Lexington was replaced in 2001, by the another minor league hockey team, the
Lexington Men O' War, lasting one season in Lexington.
Season-by-season results
Regular season
Playoffs
NotablesMiikka KiprusoffJohan HedbergEvgeni NabokovVesa ToskalaJonathan CheechooDan BoyleZdeno CharaAndy LundbohmMatt BradleyGarrett BurnettCareer leadersGoals: 88 (
Steve Guolla, 1996–99)
Assists: 132 (Steve Guolla, 1996–99)
Points: 220 (Steve Guolla, 1996–99)
PIM: 692 (
Garrett Burnett, 1998–00)
External links
Read More