The Toledo Goaldiggers were a minor professional ice hockey club based in Toledo, Ohio, from 1974 to 1986. They played in the International Hockey League (IHL) and held their home games at the Toledo Sports Arena on the east side of Toledo. Prior to the Goaldiggers, Toledo had two minor league franchises: The Mercurys (1947–1962) and Blades/Hornets (1963–1974).

Toledo Goaldiggers
CityToledo, Ohio
LeagueIHL
Operated1974–1986
Home arenaToledo Sports Arena
ColorsKelly green, gold, & white
     
Franchise history
1974–1986Toledo Goaldiggers
1990–2001Kansas City Blades
Championships
Regular season titles2 (1981–82, 1982–83)
Division titles2 (1976–77, 1982–83)
Turner Cups4 (1974–75, 1977–78, 1981–82, 1982–83)

History

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During their 12-year history, the Goaldiggers qualified for the post season 10 times, reaching the playoff finals six times (1975, 1977, 1978, 1982, 1983 and 1984) winning four Turner Cup playoff championships (1975, 1978, 1982, and 1983). Also, the "Diggers" won two regular season championships (Fred A. Huber, Jr. Memorial Trophy) finishing with the most points in the IHL two consecutive seasons (1981–82 and 1982–83).[citation needed]

In 1981, Bill Beagan became a partial owner and the general manager of the Goaldiggers. Under his management, the team won Turner Cup championships during the 1981–82 IHL season and the 1982–83 IHL season.[1]

After the 1985–86 season the franchise was forced to suspend operations due to financial difficulties and poor attendance. The dormant franchise was eventually sold to Russ and Diane Parker and moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where they became the Kansas City Blades in 1990.[citation needed]

Season-by-season record

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Turner Cup champions League leader in points * Division champions ¤
Season Division Regular season Post season
Finish GP W L T SOL Pts GF GA GP W L GF GA Result
1974–75 South 3rd 76 34 38 4 72 285 275 19 12 7 83 73 Won in quarterfinals, 4–1 (Columbus)
Won in semifinals, 4–3 (Dayton)
Won in Turner Cup finals, 4–3 (Saginaw)
1975–76 South 3rd 78 27 37 14 68 269 293 4 0 4 14 23 Lost in quarterfinals, 0–4 (Fort Wayne)
1976–77 South ¤ 1st 78 40 31 7 87 321 317 19 11 8 73 78 Won in quarterfinals, 4–3 (Columbus)
Won in semifinals, 4–1 (Fort Wayne)
Lost in Turner Cup finals, 3–4 (Saginaw)
1977–78 South 2nd 80 34 28 18 86 331 316 13 8 5 82 51 Won in quarterfinals, 4–1 (Milwaukee)
Won in semifinals, 4–1 (Fort Wayne)
Won in Turner Cup finals, 4–2 (Port Huron)
1978–79 South 3rd 80 35 32 13 83 320 302 6 2 4 21 30 Lost in quarterfinals, 2–4 (Fort Wayne)
1979–80 South 2nd 80 28 34 18 74 293 345 4 0 4 7 25 Lost in quarterfinals, 0–4 (Fort Wayne)
1980–81 East 4th 82 26 47 9 61 303 392 Did not qualify
1981–82 1st 82 53 24 4 1 111* 407 320 13 10 3 64 48 Won in quarterfinals, 4–0 (Flint)
Advanced in semifinals, 2–2 (Saginaw, Toledo advance, Fort Wayne eliminated)
Won in Turner Cup finals, 4–1 (Saginaw)
1982–83 East ¤ 1st 82 51 20 10 1 113* 362 269 11 8 3 61 35 Advanced in quarterfinals (bye)
Won in semifinals, 4–1 (Fort Wayne)
Won in Turner Cup finals, 4–2 (Milwaukee)
1983–84 4th 82 41 32 5 4 91 326 318 13 6 7 48 49 Won in quarterfinals, 2–1 (Kalamazoo)
Won in semifinals, 4–2 (Fort Wayne)
Lost in Turner Cup finals, 0–4 (Flint)
1984–85 East 4th 82 32 42 5 3 72 292 362 6 2 4 15 26 Lost in quarterfinals, 2–4 (Muskegon)
1985–86 East 4th 82 24 48 0 10 58 293 421 Did not qualify
12 seasons[2] 2 division titles
2 Huber Trophies
964 425 413 107 19 976
(.506)
3,802 3,930 108 59 49 468 438 10 playoff appearances
4 Turner Cup championships

Franchise records

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All-time leaders

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References

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  1. ^ "Bill Beagan". Bobby Orr Hall of Fame. Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  2. ^ "Toledo Goaldiggers Statistics and History". HockeyDB.
  3. ^ http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/display_players.php?tmi=8460 Toledo Goaldiggers all-time player roster
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Preceded by Professional Hockey Team in
Toledo, Ohio

1974–1986
Succeeded by
Preceded by Turner Cup
champions

1974–75
Succeeded by
Preceded by Turner Cup
champions

1977–78
Succeeded by
Preceded by Huber Trophy
champions

1981–82, 1982–83
Succeeded by
Preceded by Turner Cup
champions

1981–82, 1982–83
Succeeded by