Oklahoma City Blazers (1992–2009)
| Oklahoma City Blazers | |
|---|---|
 | |
| City | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| League | Central Hockey League |
| Conference | Northern Conference |
| Division | Northeast Division |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Home arena | Myriad/Cox Convention Center |
| Colors |
Burgundy, Gold, White |
| Owner(s) | Bob Funk |
| General manager | Brad Lund |
| Head coach | Doug Sauter |
| Affiliates | None |
| Franchise history | |
| 1992–2009 | Oklahoma City Blazers |
| Championships | |
| Division Championships | 9 |
| Ray Miron President's Cup | 2 |
The Oklahoma City Blazers were a professional ice hockey team based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma that played in the Northwest Division of the Central Hockey League. The Blazers played at the Ford Center, located in downtown Oklahoma City. Their colors were burgundy, gold and white. On July 2, 2009, the Blazers ceased operations after failing to reach a lease agreement with the city.[1]
Starting with the 2010-11 season, the market was served by the Oklahoma City Barons AHL franchise playing at Cox Convention Center as the top affiliate of the NHL's Edmonton Oilers.
History
The last incarnation of the Blazers came into being in 1992 with the revival of the CHL. They were one of the most successful minor league hockey franchises of all time, averaging 9,128 fans a game over 17 seasons. The franchise led the CHL in attendance in each of its 17 seasons in the league; and all of North American minor pro hockey on five occasions. On ice, the Blazers excelled as well, winning an unprecedented nine regular season division championships (including seven straight, 1996–2003), five regular-season points titles and CHL championships in 1996 and 2001. The franchise's two great stars, Joe Burton and Hardy Sauter, are the CHL's first and third all-time career leading scorers, and Burton is the fourth leading goal scorer in minor league hockey history.
In 2009 the Blazers withdrew their lease with Oklahoma City and ceased operations. Following months of speculation, Oklahoma City was officially granted an AHL franchise on February 10, 2010. The new AHL team is called the Oklahoma City Barons. They began play in the 2010-11 season as the top affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers.
It was announced on December 18, 2014, that the Barons would leave Oklahoma City at the end of the season.
Original Blazers franchise, 1965–1977
The first incarnation of the Blazers played in an earlier Central Hockey League between 1965 and 1977.
Championships
| Year | League | Trophy |
|---|---|---|
| 2000–2001 | CHL | Ray Miron Cup |
| 1995–1996 | CHL | William "Bill" Levins Memorial Cup |
External links
References
- ↑ http://www.newsok.com/okc-blazers-cease-operations-city-to-talk-with-ahl-team/article/3382433?custom_click=lead_story_title