Las Vegas Thunder

The Thunder first appeared on the Vegas Strip and in the IHL in 1993, when they played at UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center. On the ice, the club was successful, making the playoffs in five of its six seasons in the desert. They were also recognized for making big name signings, bringing in NHL holdouts and other notable players. During the 1994 lockout, they signed Alexei Yashin, Petr Nedved, and Curtis Joseph, as well as other notable names like Manon Rheaume and Brent Gretzky. They were also coached by several big name former players throughout the years, as Butch Going and Bob Bourne each spent a year in command.

Boom Boom, a really angry looking hockey playing polar bear wielding a hockey stick and a lightning bolt, was the team's mascot off the ice, making for a super 90s sports logo. The team was successful in Vegas, but when its lease expired in 1999, they were unable to extend it and dissolved since there were no viable options.