City Lexington, Kentucky Operated 1996–2001 Colors Spruce, plum and white Founded 1996 Parent organization San Jose Sharks | League American Hockey League Home arena Rupp Arena Arena Rupp Arena Color Spruce, plum and white | |
 | ||
1996–2001 Kentucky Thoroughblades Location Lexington, Kentucky, United States Affiliates San Jose Sharks, New York Islanders | ||
Wlex late 90 s 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.
Contents
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. 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.