New York Golden Blades/Jersey Knights Memories

New York Golden Blades/Jersey Knights



1973-74

Founded: In May of 1973 Ralf Brent purchased the New York Raiders from the WHA and changed the teams name to the Golden Blades.

The New York Raiders were a flop and the league wasn’t prepared to fold a team in their second season of play. After all the happenings the league which was the current owner of the team sold the team to New York businessman Ralf Brent. Brent gave a facelift to the front office by changing several high profiled spots on the team. He also switched the team’s name from Raiders to the Golden Blades for the 1973-74 season. The team also was fortunate to pick up last years leading scorer Andre Lacroix. Even though with all these changes the Golden Blades like the Raiders had problems with low attendance and a hefty game to game lease. After viewing the problems that the team had the league bought the team from Brent and moved them to Cherry Hill New Jersey, and re-named the squad the Jersey Knights.

The Cherry Hill Arena was not an up to date arena or an arena which was in great shape. The stands were wooden benches and there was only one dressing room. The opposing team was forced to change in their hotel rooms then make their way to the arena prior to a match on the ice. Although the year was filled with problems Andre Lacroix chipped in 111 points, and Wayne Rivers and Kevin Morrison had stellar seasons.

On January 3, 1974 during the mid point of the season Californian businessman Joseph Schwartz took over the team and when the season was finally over he moved the team across the country to sunny San Diego, California. 

NY Golden Blades/Jersey Knights Year-by-Year
Year      W     L    T     pts.    Finish        Playoffs
1973-74  32    42    4     68      6th Eastern   None

Other Team Facts

Jerseys-Colors: Blades-Purple,Gold,Black,White Knights-Gold,Blue,Red,White
  • Bobby Sheehan in a Golden Blades Uniform.
  • Andre Lacroix in a Knights Uniform.
    Arena Home Rink- Madison Square Garden(17,500) Cherry Hill Arena(4,000)
    Attendance Figures (Avg-Total)
  • 1973-74......2,585.......100,810
    Coaches
  • 1973-74...Camille Henry, Harry Howell
    All-Star Representatives
  • 1974..Andre Lacroix, Bobby Sheehan
    Affiliations
  • 1973-74...Syracuse Blazers (NAHL)
    Player Stats
  • New York Golden Blades/Jersey Knights 1973-74

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