Columbus Checkers

The Checkers were Columbus, Ohio's first professional club, and their logo was a medieval style crest. They debuted in the IHL in 1966-67 at the Ohio State Fairgrounds Coliseum, finishing last in their first season. In year two, they would break .500 with a 32-30-10 record in 72 games and make the playoffs. But that's about all the Checkers could muster. They'd have a worse record in year three but still make the playoffs, before an even poorer performance in year four. The Checkers folded after four years owing to low attendance, although they made an essential contribution by introducing hockey to Columbus, which became a major league market in 1997.