The Columbus Chill played in the East Coast Hockey League from 1991 to 1999. They’re success paved the way for Columbus to be awarded an an NHL team, though the Chill are still fondly remembered by the city’s hockey fans.
World Team Tennis (1974-1977) Born: July, 25, 1973 – WTT founding franchise Moved: February 1978 (New Orleans Nets) First Game: May 7, 1974 (L 32-21
National Hockey League (1976-1978) Born: July 14, 1976 – The California Golden Seals relocate to Cleveland, OH. Died: June 14, 1978 – Merger with Minnesota
The Cleveland Thunderbolts were a bottom-dwelling Arena Football League franchise that played for three seasons at the suburban Richfield Coliseum from 1992 to 1994. The T-Bolts were one of the weakest entries in the Arena League in the mid-1990’s, posting an 8-26 record during their three seasons in Cleveland, including back-to-back 2-10 campaigns in 1993 and 1994. The ‘Bolts signed two big names from the world of college football. Two-time Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Major Harris of the University of West Virginia played for the team in 1992 and 1994. Former Ohio State boss Earle Bruce coached the Thunderbolts during their final season in 1994.
The Crunch were Cleveland’s indoor soccer team of the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Led by standout forwards Hector Marinaro and Zoran Karic, the Crunch won National Professional Soccer League titles in 1994, 1996 and 1999. Between 1993 and 2001, either Marinaro or Karic led the NPSL in scoring for nine consecutive seasons. Off the field, the Crunch never managed to rekindle the passionate following enjoyed by their local predecessor, the Cleveland Force, who packed the Richfield Coliseum for Major Indoor Soccer League matches during the mid-1980’s. The Crunch era came to an end in 2002, as new owners switched back to the old “Force” name and colors in an unsuccessful bid to juice the team’s financial fortunes.
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