Indianapolis Checkers

The first hockey team in Indy did not go well, as the Indianapolis Chiefs' arena burned down midway through their first season, but the second time was a gem. The Checkers entered the CHL in 1979-80, their moniker a nod to the legendary Indianapolis racetrack and the checkerboard flag that flies at the finish of a race. The squad was successful, making the playoffs in each of its five years in the CHL. They won back-to-back championships in 1982 and 1983. After the CHL disbanded, the Checkers joined the IHL, where they would make the playoffs year after year. After the 1986-87 season, the Checkers relocated to Denver and were renamed the Colorado Rangers.