Cincinnati Swords

The Swords were a short-lived but extremely beloved Queen City hockey team. The club was formed as a Buffalo affiliate for the 1971-72 season and played in the historic Cincinnati Gardens arena. In their inaugural season, the Swords advanced to the second round of the playoffs, a clear success. They outdid themselves in Year Two. In their second season, they would establish a league record for most points and victories in a season while winning the Calder Cup. The Swords would make the playoffs for the third year in a row, but the WHA intended to expand, bringing the Stingers to Cincinnati. Fearing WHA competition, the Swords pro affiliate opted to disband the team. The Swords had a brief but memorable history that is still remembered today.