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. 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. 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 Playoffs 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) References External links Stats from hockeydb.com Ice hockey clubs established in 1996 Ice hockey clubs disestablished in 2001 Ice hockey teams in Kentucky Defunct ice hockey teams in the United States 1996 establishments in Kentucky 2001 disestablishments in Kentucky San Jose Sharks minor league affiliates New York Islanders minor league affiliates Florida Panthers minor league affiliates