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 7,847 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. In 2015, the team moved to San Jose, California to become the San Jose Barracuda.
The void in Lexington was replaced in 2001, by another minor league hockey team, the Lexington Men O' War of the ECHL, lasting one season in Lexington.
Season-by-season results
Regular season Season Games WonLostTiedOTLPoints Goalsfor Goalsagainst Standing1996–97 803635 9 0 812782843rd, Mid-Atlantic1997–98 802939 9 3 702412783rd, Mid-Atlantic1998–99 804426 7 3 982722202nd, Mid-Atlantic1999–00 804225 9 4 972502111st, Mid-Atlantic2000–01 80422512 1 972732121st, South
Playoffs Season1st round2nd round3rd roundFinals1996–97 L, 1–3, Hershey ———1997–98 L, 0–3, Hershey ———1998–99 W, 3–2, Hershey L, 3–4, Philadelphia ——1999–00 W, 3–1, Louisville L, 1–4, Hershey ——2000–01 L, 0–3, Hershey ———
Notable Alumni Miikka Kiprusoff Johan Hedberg Evgeni Nabokov Vesa Toskala Jonathan Cheechoo Dan Boyle Zdeno Chara Andy Lundbohm Matt Bradley Garrett Burnett
American Hockey League Hall of Famers AHL Hall of Fame Honored Members Name Seasons Induction Year Roy Sommer 1998-2001 (head coach) 2024
Career leaders Goals: 88 (Steve Guolla, 1996–99) Assists: 132 (Steve Guolla, 1996–99) Points: 220 (Steve Guolla, 1996–99) PIM: 692 (Garrett Burnett, 1998–00)
References
External links Stats from hockeydb.com