The Ice Melts: A Tale of Two Indianapolis Hockey Teams (and One That Didn't Quite Make It)
Ah, Indianapolis. City of Indy 500 dreams, sizzling summers, and...well, a somewhat checkered history with professional hockey. Buckle up, puck bunnies (or should we say "corn people," as the case may be?), because we're about to delve into the chilly saga of Indianapolis' ice hockey teams.
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| What Happened To The Indianapolis Ice Hockey Team |
The Indianapolis Racers: A Flash in the Pan (with a Mustache)
First up, we have the Indianapolis Racers, a team that zoomed onto the scene in the 1970s as part of the upstart World Hockey Association (WHA). Think of them as the renegade cousin of the NHL, with faster play and flashier uniforms (think more "Miami Vice" than "vanilla ice"). The Racers even had the legendary Wayne Gretzky on their roster before he became "The Great One" in the NHL.
But here's the rub: The WHA couldn't quite keep up with the NHL's established presence. The Racers, despite their impressive fan base and a truly epic mustache sported by player Robbie Ftorek, eventually merged with the NHL in 1979. However, unlike some of their WHA brethren, they didn't make the final cut. So long, Racers, and thanks for the memories (and the facial hair inspiration).
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The Indianapolis Ice: Chilling Out (Then Disappearing)
Enter the Indianapolis Ice, who took to the ice (get it?) in 1988. This team played in the International Hockey League (IHL), a minor league with a passionate following. The Ice even snagged a couple of championship titles, proving they weren't just a bunch of frozen puddles.
But here's the plot twist: As the years passed, the IHL started to crumble, and the Ice found themselves facing financial difficulties. In 2004, they hung up their skates for good, leaving a hole in the hearts of Indianapolis hockey fans (and a definite chill in the air...metaphorically speaking, of course, it's Indiana after all).
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Wait, Wasn't There Another Ice Team?
Sharp eyes! There was indeed a United States Hockey League (USHL) team called the Indiana Ice that started up in 2004, right around the time the IHL team folded. This team focused on developing young talent, but in 2014, they too went on a hiatus with plans to build a new arena. Unfortunately, updates on their return seem to be as scarce as snowflakes in July.
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So, what's the takeaway? Indianapolis has a hockey heart, but translating that passion into a long-lasting professional team has proven tricky. Here's hoping the future holds a Stanley Cup for the Circle City (or at least a return of the USHL Ice team)!
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FAQ: Hockey in Indy - You Ask, We (Sort of) Answer!
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How to become a hockey fan in Indianapolis? Dust off your rollerblades, grab a Pacers jersey (hey, it's close enough, right?), and root for the closest NHL team – maybe the St. Louis Blues or the Chicago Blackhawks.
How to find a hockey game to watch in Indianapolis? Your best bet might be catching a college hockey game at a local university.
How to convince someone to bring a professional hockey team back to Indianapolis? Start a petition, write to the mayor (bribery not recommended!), and maybe get Wayne Gretzky to wear a "Bring Back the Racers" T-shirt.
How to keep cool if professional hockey in Indianapolis is a long shot? Stock up on ice cream, learn to love basketball (it's kind of a big deal there), or channel your inner ice skater and hit the rink.
How to tell if someone is REALLY from Indianapolis? They'll tell you they miss the Racers (and their epic mustaches).
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