The Lexington Men O' War were a minor league professional ice hockey team and member of the ECHL. The name Man o' War is from a thoroughbred race horse that was bred in Lexington, and also the name of a highly traveled road in Lexington. The Men O' War played at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky from 2002 to 2003.

Lexington Men O' War
CityLexington, Kentucky
LeagueEast Coast Hockey League
ConferenceNorthern
DivisionNorthwest
Founded1981 (In the CHL)
Operated2002–03
Home arenaRupp Arena
Head coachJim Wiley
Franchise history
1981-1983Nashville South Stars
1983–1990Virginia Lancers
1990–1992Roanoke Valley Rebels
1992–1993Roanoke Valley Rampage
1993–1994Huntsville Blast
1994–2001Tallahassee Tiger Sharks
2001–2002Macon Whoopee
2002–2003Lexington Men O' War
2005–presentUtah Grizzlies

They finished with a record of 34-31-7 and 75 points, which placed them fourth in the Northwest Division. However, they only brought in an average of 2,368 fans per game, the fourth-fewest in the league. The team drew the Toledo Storm in the first round of the playoffs that year, and were swept in three games (1–9, 0–3, 1–5). Van Burgess led the team in points with 55, while Mark Smith paced the team with 22 goals. Jay Banach paced the team with 191 penalty minutes. Dan Murphy played a team high 43 games in net, and won 21.

The team folded following the 2002–03 season, and would later be revived as the Utah Grizzlies beginning in the 2005–06 season.[1]

Season-by-season results

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Season GP W L T Pts GF GA Playoffs
2002–03 72 34 31 7 75 188 212 Lost Div. Semifinals, 0–3 vs. Toledo Storm

References

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  1. ^ Hamilton, Linda (June 2, 2005). "Grizzlies are looking to skate in East Coast Hockey League". Deseret News. Salt Lake City, UT. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
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