| Columbus Checkers | |
 | |
| City: | Columbus, Ohio |
|---|---|
| League: | International Hockey League |
| Operated: | 1966 to 1970 |
| Home Arena: | Ohio Expo Fairgrounds Coliseum |
| Franchise history | |
| 1966 to 1970: | Columbus Checkers |
| 1971 to 1973: | Columbus Golden Seals |
| 1973 to 1977: | Columbus Owls |
| 1977: | Dayton Owls |
| 1977 to 1980: | Grand Rapids Owls |
The Columbus Checkers were a minor league professional ice hockey team in the International Hockey League from 1966 to 1970, and the first professional hockey team in Columbus, Ohio.
Their first game was against the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League on October 12, 1966 at the Ohio Expo Fairgrounds Coliseum.
The team was originally coached by Moe Bartoli, however after the 1967–68 season, Bartoli was involved in a dispute with the teams owners, and left. Jack Turner took over as the team's Head Coach at the start of the 1968 season.
The Columbus Checkers became defunct in the spring of 1970 due to low attendance.
Season-by-season results[]
| Season | Games | Won | Lost | Tied | Points | Goals for |
Goals against |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966–67 | 72 | 23 | 48 | 1 | 47 | 294 | 373 |
| 1967–68 | 72 | 32 | 30 | 10 | 74 | 312 | 300 |
| 1968–69 | 72 | 36 | 37 | 9 | 61 | 286 | 333 |
| 1969–70 | 72 | 24 | 36 | 12 | 60 | 287 | 307 |