Toledo Goaldiggers

Last updated
Toledo Goaldiggers
ToledoGoaldiggersLogo.png
City Toledo, Ohio
League IHL
Operated1974–1986
Home arena Toledo Sports Arena
ColorsKelly green, gold, & white
   
Franchise history
1974–1986Toledo Goaldiggers
1990–2001 Kansas City Blades
Championships
Regular season titles2 (1981–82, 1982–83)
Division titles2 (1976–77, 1982–83)
Turner Cups4 (1974–75, 1977–78, 1981–82, 1982–83)

The Toledo Goaldiggers were a minor professional ice hockey club based in Toledo, Ohio, from 1974 to 1986. They played in the International Hockey League (IHL) and held their home games at the Toledo Sports Arena on the east side of Toledo. Prior to the Goaldiggers, Toledo had two minor league franchises: The Mercurys (1947–1962) and Blades/Hornets (1963–1974).

Contents

History

During their 12-year history, the Goaldiggers qualified for the post season 10 times, reaching the playoff finals six times (1975, 1977, 1978, 1982, 1983 and 1984) winning four Turner Cup playoff championships (1975, 1978, 1982, and 1983). Also, the "Diggers" won two regular season championships (Fred A. Huber, Jr. Memorial Trophy) finishing with the most points in the IHL two consecutive seasons (1981–82 and 1982–83).[ citation needed ]

In 1981, Bill Beagan became a partial owner and the general manager of the Goaldiggers. Under his management, the team won Turner Cup championships during the 1981–82 IHL season and the 1982–83 IHL season. [1]

After the 1985–86 season the franchise was forced to suspend operations due to financial difficulties and poor attendance. The dormant franchise was eventually sold to Russ and Diane Parker and moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where they became the Kansas City Blades in 1990.[ citation needed ]

Season-by-season record

Turner Cup champions League leader in points *Division champions ¤
Season DivisionRegular seasonPost season
FinishGPWLTSOLPtsGFGAGPWLGFGAResult
1974–75 South3rd763438472285275191278373Won in quarterfinals, 4–1 (Columbus)
Won in semifinals, 4–3 (Dayton)
Won in Turner Cup finals, 4–3 (Saginaw)
1975–76 South3rd78273714682692934041423Lost in quarterfinals, 0–4 (Fort Wayne)
1976–77 South ¤1st784031787321317191187378Won in quarterfinals, 4–3 (Columbus)
Won in semifinals, 4–1 (Fort Wayne)
Lost in Turner Cup finals, 3–4 (Saginaw)
1977–78 South2nd803428188633131613858251Won in quarterfinals, 4–1 (Milwaukee)
Won in semifinals, 4–1 (Fort Wayne)
Won in Turner Cup finals, 4–2 (Port Huron)
1978–79 South3rd80353213833203026242130Lost in quarterfinals, 2–4 (Fort Wayne)
1979–80 South2nd8028341874293345404725Lost in quarterfinals, 0–4 (Fort Wayne)
1980–81 East4th822647961303392Did not qualify
1981–82 1st82532441111*407320131036448Won in quarterfinals, 4–0 (Flint)
Advanced in semifinals, 2–2 (Saginaw, Toledo advance, Fort Wayne eliminated)
Won in Turner Cup finals, 4–1 (Saginaw)
1982–83 East ¤1st825120101113*36226911836135Advanced in quarterfinals (bye)
Won in semifinals, 4–1 (Fort Wayne)
Won in Turner Cup finals, 4–2 (Milwaukee)
1983–84 4th824132549132631813674849Won in quarterfinals, 2–1 (Kalamazoo)
Won in semifinals, 4–2 (Fort Wayne)
Lost in Turner Cup finals, 0–4 (Flint)
1984–85 East4th82324253722923626241526Lost in quarterfinals, 2–4 (Muskegon)
1985–86 East4th82244801058293421Did not qualify
12 seasons [2] 2 division titles
2 Huber Trophies
96442541310719976
(.506)
3,8023,930108594946843810 playoff appearances
4 Turner Cup championships

Franchise records

All-time leaders

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References

  1. "Bill Beagan". Bobby Orr Hall of Fame. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  2. "Toledo Goaldiggers Statistics and History". HockeyDB.
  3. http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/display_players.php?tmi=8460 Toledo Goaldiggers all-time player roster
Preceded by Professional Hockey Team in
Toledo, Ohio

19741986
Succeeded by
Preceded by Turner Cup
champions

197475
Succeeded by
Preceded by Turner Cup
champions

197778
Succeeded by
Preceded by Huber Trophy
champions

198182, 198283
Succeeded by
Preceded by Turner Cup
champions

198182, 198283
Succeeded by