Columbus Checkers
CityColumbus, Ohio
LeagueInternational Hockey League
Operated1966–1970
Home arenaFairgrounds Coliseum
Franchise history
1966–1970Columbus Checkers
1971–1973Columbus Golden Seals
1973–1977Columbus Owls
1977Dayton Owls
1977–1980Grand Rapids Owls

The Columbus Checkers were a minor league professional ice hockey team in the International Hockey League from 1966 to 1970, and the first professional hockey team in Columbus, Ohio.

Their first game was against the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League on October 12, 1966 at the Ohio Expo Fairgrounds Coliseum.

The team was originally coached by Moe Bartoli, however after the 1967–68 season, Bartoli was involved in a dispute with the teams owners, and left. Jack Turner took over as the team's Head Coach at the start of the 1968 season.

Notably, Alton White, who would become the second player of African descent, after Willie O'Ree, to play on a professional major league ice-hockey team, played for the club over three seasons from 1966 to 1969.[1] He tallied 96 goals and 130 assists for 226 points in 204 games played for the club.[1] He would go on to play 145 games in the WHA for the New York Raiders, Los Angeles Sharks, and Michigan Stags/Baltimore Blades.[1]

The Columbus Checkers became defunct in the spring of 1970 due to low attendance.

Season-by-season results

SeasonGamesWonLostTiedPointsGoals
for		Goals
against
1966–67722348147294373
1967–687232301074312300
1968–69723637961286333
1969–707224361260287307

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Alton White Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com". www.hockeydb.com. Retrieved 2023-02-17.
  1. Hockeydb.com Columbus Checkers Statistics


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