Kentucky Thoroughblades

The Kentucky Thoroughblades were a minor professional 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. The award winning Logo was created by Wilton, NY based McKinley Griffen Design and Advertising. 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.

Playoffs
Notable players

Miikka Kiprusoff

Johan Hedberg

Evgeni Nabokov

Vesa Toskala

Jonathan Cheechoo

Dan Boyle

Zdeno Chara

Zoltán Bátovský

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)

Role In Youth Hockey
Former Thoroughblades player Chris Lipsett (also alumni of Dayton Gems, etc.) has made an impact, helping youth hockey grow in Kentucky by working with a new program at the Lexington Ice and Recreation Center. Many other players have chipped in as well, helping coach and manage the Central Kentucky Thoroughbreds, which has grown in number of players dramatically over the years.