Kentucky Thoroughblades
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.
| Kentucky Thoroughblades | |
|---|---|
 | |
| City | Lexington, Kentucky |
| League | American Hockey League |
| Operated | 1996–2001 |
| Home arena | Rupp Arena |
| Colors | Spruce, plum and white |
| Affiliates | San Jose Sharks, New York Islanders |
| Franchise history | |
| 1996–2001 | Kentucky Thoroughblades |
| 2001–2006 | Cleveland Barons |
| 2006–2015 | Worcester Sharks |
| 2015- | San Jose Barracuda |
| Championships | |
| Division Championships | 2 (1999–00, 2000–01) |
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.[1] 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 | Won | Lost | Tied | OTL | Points | Goals for | Goals against | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996–97 | 80 | 36 | 35 | 9 | 0 | 81 | 278 | 284 | 3rd, Mid-Atlantic |
| 1997–98 | 80 | 29 | 39 | 9 | 3 | 70 | 241 | 278 | 3rd, Mid-Atlantic |
| 1998–99 | 80 | 44 | 26 | 7 | 3 | 98 | 272 | 220 | 2nd, Mid-Atlantic |
| 1999–00 | 80 | 42 | 25 | 9 | 4 | 97 | 250 | 211 | 1st, Mid-Atlantic |
| 2000–01 | 80 | 42 | 25 | 12 | 1 | 97 | 273 | 212 | 1st, South |
Playoffs
| Season | 1st round | 2nd round | 3rd round | Finals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996–97 | 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 | — | — | — |
- Notables
- Miikka Kiprusoff
- Johan Hedberg
- Evgeni Nabokov
- Vesa Toskala
- Jonathan Cheechoo
- Dan Boyle
- Zdeno Chara
- Andy Lundbohm
- Matt Bradley
- Garrett Burnett
- 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)