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.

Not to be confused with Kentucky Thoroughbreds.
Kentucky Thoroughblades
CityLexington, Kentucky
LeagueAmerican Hockey League
Operated1996–2001
Home arenaRupp Arena
ColorsSpruce, plum and white
AffiliatesSan Jose Sharks,
New York Islanders
Franchise history
1996–2001Kentucky Thoroughblades
2001–2006Cleveland Barons
2006–2015Worcester Sharks
2015–presentSan Jose Barracuda
Championships
Division titles2 (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 7,847 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.[2]

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
SeasonGamesWonLostTiedOTLPointsGoals
for		Goals
against		Standing
1996–9780363590812782843rd, Mid-Atlantic
1997–9880293993702412783rd, Mid-Atlantic
1998–9980442673982722202nd, Mid-Atlantic
1999–0080422594972502111st, Mid-Atlantic
2000–01804225121972732121st, South

Playoffs
Season1st round2nd round3rd roundFinals
1996–97L, 1-3, Hershey———
1997–98L, 0-3, Hershey———
1998–99W, 3-2, HersheyL, 3-4, Philadelphia——
1999–00W, 3-1, LouisvilleL, 1-4, Hershey——
2000–01L, 0-3, Hershey———
Notables
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
  1. "1997-98 American Hockey League [AHL] standings at hockeydb.com". HockeyDB. Retrieved October 16, 2021.
  2. "Kentucky Thoroughblades hockey team statistics and history at hockeydb.com". HockeyDB. Retrieved October 16, 2021.


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