Kansas City Blades

Last updated
Kansas City Blades
Kc blades logo.png
City Kansas City, Missouri
League IHL
Operated1990-2001
Home arena Kemper Arena
ColorsRed, White, Silver, and Black
Owner(s)
Franchise history
1974-1986 Toledo Goaldiggers
1990-2001Kansas City Blades

The Kansas City Blades were a professional ice hockey team in the International Hockey League (IHL) from 1990 until 2001, when the league folded. The Blades were based in Kansas City, Missouri, at Kemper Arena.

Contents

Team history

Russ and Diane Parker bought the dormant Toledo Goaldiggers franchise and moved it to Kansas City in 1990. Russ Parker conducted a contest to name the team and fans chose the name "Jazz". However, because the NBA's Utah Jazz were already using that name, Parker decided to use the second most popular name, "Blades." George Brett was one of a number of local residents that had submitted the name "Blades" during the naming contest. [1] [2]

Blades Logo 1998-2001 Kcbladeslogo2.gif
Blades Logo 1998-2001

For the 1990-91 season, the Blades had partial NHL affiliations with the Edmonton Oilers and Hartford Whalers. [3] From 1991 to 1996, they were the primary affiliate of the San Jose Sharks (coincidentally, the Blades moniker was the first-place finisher for the Sharks' "name the team" contest, but the ownership feared negative connotations and went with Sharks instead). [4] [5] In the team's second season, they won the Turner Cup, the only cup win of their history. However, the team would make it to the Turner Cup Finals again in 1995.

In the spring of 1996, the Parkers sold the team to Richard DeVos, who also owned stakes in the Grand Rapids Griffins and the Orlando Solar Bears. Under the DeVos ownership, the team would make many controversial changes on and off the ice. This coincided with a sharp decline in attendance. [6]

The Sharks and Blades ended their association in the summer of 1996, leaving the Blades as an independent team again. During this period, many NHL teams severed ties with their IHL affiliates over concerns that the IHL was trying to challenge the NHL as the premier hockey league.

On July 9, 1998, the team unveiled a new logo and jersey design, keeping the same color scheme. The new logo was created by Sean Michael Edwards Design (SME) of New York City. [7]

In 1999, DeVos attempted to move the team to Oklahoma City. A "Save the Blades" rally was held at a City Council meeting, and eventually Kansas City and DeVos signed a new contract to keep the team at Kemper Arena. [8]

For the 2000-01 season, the Blades were the primary farm team of the Vancouver Canucks. [9]

In June 2001, the IHL ceased operations. Many IHL teams moved to the American Hockey League. However, the Blades could not join the AHL because the league forebode a single owner from controlling multiple teams (unlike the IHL). Owner Dan DeVos chose to move the Grand Rapids Griffins to the AHL, ending the Blades and Orlando Solar Bears. [10]

Head coaches

Mascots

From 1992-1997, the team's mascot was a chipmunk named Chilly. From 1997-2001, the mascot was a fierce red animal named Scrapper. Chilly would make occasional appearances at games after being replaced by Scrapper.

Legacy

The Kansas City Outlaws of the United Hockey League played in the Kemper Arena for the 2004-2005 season before they folded. Since 2009, The Kansas City Mavericks of the ECHL play in nearby Independence, Missouri.

Several NHL exhibition games have also been held in Kansas City since the demise of the Blades. The St. Louis Blues have played six exhibition games in Kansas City, including games at Kemper arena in 2003 and 2005, games at Sprint Center (now T-Mobile Center) in 2008, 2014 and 2016, & 2021 and 2022 at Cable Dahmer Arena. [11] [12] [13]

In 2018, the San Jose Barracuda, affiliate of the Blades' former partners the San Jose Sharks, held a Blades tribute night. The team wore Blades jerseys and changed their name/logo on social media to the Blades. [14]

In 2021, the Kansas City Mavericks held a Blades Tribute Night. Festivities included the team wearing Blades-style jerseys and logos, appearances by former Blades GM Doug Soetart and Blades captain Gary Emmons, and displaying the Blades 1991 Turner Cup champions banner. [15]

Trivia

On October 3, 1997, the Blades played against 69-year-old hockey legend Gordie Howe, who suited up for one game as a member of the Detroit Vipers. [16]

On April 17, 1999, 269 fans with missing teeth received free admission as part of a "Toothless Night" promotion. [17]

Notable alumni

[18]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Jose Sharks</span> National Hockey League team in California, United States

The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California. The Sharks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference, and are owned by San Jose Sports & Entertainment Enterprises. Beginning play in the 1991–92 season, the team initially played its home games at the Cow Palace, before moving to its present home, now named SAP Center at San Jose, in 1993; the SAP Center is known locally as "the Shark Tank". The Sharks are affiliated with the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cleveland Barons (2001–2006)</span> American Hockey League team (2001–2006)

The Cleveland Barons were a professional American ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Cleveland, Ohio, at Gund Arena between 2001 and 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Hockey League (1945–2001)</span> 1945–2001 North American ice hockey league

The International Hockey League (IHL) was a minor professional ice hockey league in the United States and Canada that operated from 1945 to 2001. The IHL served as the National Hockey League's alternate farm system to the American Hockey League (AHL). After 56 years of operation, financial instability led to the league's demise. Six of the surviving seven teams merged into the AHL in 2001.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Houston Aeros (1994–2013)</span> Professional ice hockey team

The Houston Aeros were a professional ice hockey team in the International Hockey League (IHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL). The team played in Houston, Texas, at The Summit from 1994 until 2003 and the Toyota Center from 2003 to 2013. In the IHL, the team operated as an independent minor league team from 1994 to 2001, though the team occasionally accepted players on loan from various National Hockey League (NHL) clubs for development. Upon joining the AHL for the 2001–02 season, they became the primary affiliate of the one-year-old NHL expansion team, the Minnesota Wild, a partnership they maintained until the franchise's relocation in 2013. While the team's only formal partnership with the Dallas Stars was a partial affiliation agreement during the 2004–05 season, Dallas occasionally sent some of their prospects to the Aeros on individual loans from 1993 to 2005, until the establishment of the Iowa Stars gave Dallas its own primary farm team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kansas City Scouts</span> Ice hockey team

The Kansas City Scouts were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1974 to 1976. In 1976, the franchise relocated to Denver, and became the Colorado Rockies. In 1982, the Rockies relocated to New Jersey where they have since been known as the New Jersey Devils.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Francisco Spiders</span> Ice hockey team in San Francisco, California

The San Francisco Spiders were a professional ice hockey team based in Daly City, California. They were members of the South Division of the former International Hockey League (IHL). Playing at the Cow Palace, the Spiders competed for one season, folding at the close of the 1995–96 IHL season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grand Rapids Griffins</span> American Hockey League team in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Grand Rapids Griffins are a professional ice hockey team based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They compete in the American Hockey League (AHL), playing their home games at Van Andel Arena. They are the AHL affiliate to the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League, and are the 2013 and 2017 Calder Cup champions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toledo Storm</span> Ice hockey team in Toledo, Ohio

The Toledo Storm were a minor league professional ice hockey team in the ECHL from 1991 to 2007. The Storm played their home games at the venerable Toledo Sports Arena along the eastern banks of the Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio. The team colors were red and white, similar to the Detroit Red Wings, their NHL affiliate for fourteen of their sixteen seasons. The Storm would win six division titles, two Henry Brabham Cups and two Jack Riley Cups as champion of the East Coast Hockey League. The franchise suspended operations following the 2006–07 season after they were sold to Toledo Arena Sports, Inc. The Storm returned to the ECHL for the 2009–10 season as the Toledo Walleye.

The Detroit Vipers were an International Hockey League team. The team was founded in 1994, and played at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toledo Goaldiggers</span> Former professional minor league ice hockey team in Toledo, Ohio

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).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toledo Blades</span> Ice hockey team in Toledo, Ohio

The Toledo Blades and Hornets were the International Hockey League franchise of Toledo, Ohio from 1963 to 1974. The first four years (1959-1963) of the franchise was in Omaha, NE as the Omaha Knights. After moving to Toledo for the 1963-64 season, they were renamed the Blades. The team name was changed to Hornets in 1970. The franchise left Toledo after the 1973–74 season for Lansing, MI, where they became the Lansing Lancers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toledo Mercurys</span> Ice hockey team in Toledo, Ohio

The Toledo Mercurys is a discontinued International Hockey League franchise from Toledo, Ohio. The Toledo Franchise was the first IHL franchise to be granted outside of the Windsor-Detroit area, for the cost of $1000 to Virgil Gladeaux of Toledo. The Mercurys existed 15 seasons in total from 1947 to 1962 with some minor naming variations. Toledo was successful on the ice, being the first IHL team to win multiple Turner Cup championships, and the first to do so consecutively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kansas City Outlaws</span> Former professional ice hockey team

The Kansas City Outlaws were a minor professional ice hockey team that played in the United Hockey League (UHL) for the 2004–05 season. They played their home games at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lyndon Byers</span> Ice hockey player

Lyndon Svi Byers is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. Byers played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for parts of ten seasons with the Boston Bruins and San Jose Sharks, earning a reputation as one of the league's toughest enforcers. He is the cousin of former NHL forward Dane Byers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kentucky Thoroughblades</span> Former professional minor league ice hockey team in Lexington, Kentucky

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.

David Angus Barr is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils and Dallas Stars. He was previously an assistant coach for the Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche, and San Jose Sharks.

Robert Wayne Thomas is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Rangers between 1972 and 1981. He also held several positions in coaching and management in the NHL and the minor leagues, including 22 years in management with the San Jose Sharks.

Bruce Maurice Racine is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played 11 games in the National Hockey League with the St. Louis Blues during the 1995–96 season. The rest of his career, which lasted from 1988 to 2003, was mainly spent in the minor leagues.

Claudio Francesco Scremin is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played two seasons in the NHL for the San Jose Sharks.

Rick Lessard is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played 15 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Calgary Flames and San Jose Sharks. He was a seventh round selection by Calgary, 142nd overall, at the 1986 NHL Entry Draft. Lessard's six-year professional career was spent primarily in the minor leagues; he was a member of the Kansas City Blades' Turner Cup championship team in 1991–92.

References

  1. ↑ Kansas City Blades 1998-99 Official Guide & Record Book. p. 4.
  2. ↑ "KANSAS CITY'S IHL TEAM TO BE 'BLADES'". Deseret News . April 27, 1990. Retrieved February 28, 2016.
  3. ↑ "Lawrence Journal-World".
  4. ↑ Donovan, Michael Leo (1997). The Name Game: Football, Baseball, Hockey & Basketball How Your Favorite Sports Teams Were Named. Toronto: Warwick Publishing. ISBN   1-895629-74-8.
  5. ↑ Ledra, Cristina; Pickens, Pat (November 23, 2016). "NHL team nicknames explained". National Hockey League . Retrieved November 30, 2016.
  6. ↑ "Kansas City Blades". 8 January 2017.
  7. ↑ Kansas City Blades 1998-99 Official Guide & Record Book. p4
  8. ↑ "History". 28 August 2021.
  9. ↑ https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/display_affiliations_parent.php?tmi=8756 [ bare URL ]
  10. ↑ "International Hockey League to cease operations - UPI Archives".
  11. ↑ Pinkert, Chris. "Blues are Set for Exhibition in KC". St. Louis Blues . Archived from the original on April 10, 2016. Retrieved March 27, 2016.
  12. ↑ Covitz, Randy (February 12, 2014). "Blues, Stars to play NHL preseason game at the Sprint Center". The Kansas City Star . Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  13. ↑ Reitz, Matt (July 15, 2011). "The forgotten arena: The Sprint Center in Kansas City". NBC Sports . Retrieved February 26, 2016.
  14. ↑ "'CUDA SET TO BECOME THE KANSAS CITY BLADES ON DEC. 9TH | San Jose Barracuda".
  15. ↑ "Mavs Win on Blades Tribute Night".
  16. ↑ "When 69-year-old Gordie Howe suited up and gave fans a last show". 11 June 2016.
  17. ↑ Weekes, Don & Banks, Kerry, "The Unofficial Guide to Hockey’s Most Unusual Records", Greystone Books, 2003.
  18. ↑ https://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/display_players.php?tmi=6294 [ bare URL ]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.