Indianapolis Checkers

Indianapolis first franchise in the CHL didn't go well -- the Indianapolis Capitols arena burned down midway through their first season -- but the second time was a charm. The Checkers joined the CHL for the 1979-80 season, their name an homage to the famous racetrack in Indianapolis and the checkered flag that flies at the end of a race. The team was successful, as they would make the playoffs each of their five years in the CHL. They won back-to-back titles in 1982 and 1983. After the CHL folded, the Checkers joined the IHL where they would continue to make the playoffs each season. The Checkers were moved to Denver after the 1986-87 season where they became the Colorado Rangers.