Cleveland’s Hockey Legacy: From the Barons to Olympic Gold

When considering hockey hotbeds, cities in Canada and the northern United States often come to mind. Though, Cleveland, Ohio, boasts a rich and enduring hockey tradition, recently highlighted by the achievements of its native athletes on the world stage. From the historic Cleveland Barons to the modern-day Cleveland Monsters, and culminating in the Olympic success of Laila Edwards and a host of former Monsters players, Northeast Ohio continues to make its mark on the sport.

A History Forged in the AHL

Cleveland’s hockey roots stretch back to 1937 with the founding of the Cleveland Barons in the American Hockey League (AHL). Once the winningest team in AHL history, the Barons laid a strong foundation for the city’s hockey culture. In a nod to this legacy, the Cleveland Monsters donned Barons-themed specialty jerseys during the 2025-26 season to celebrate the AHL’s 90th anniversary.

The Lake Erie Monsters and a Championship Legacy

Professional hockey returned to Cleveland in 2007 with the arrival of the Lake Erie Monsters, initially as an affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche. Later becoming affiliated with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2015, the team reached its pinnacle in the 2015-16 season, capturing the franchise’s first and only Calder Cup championship. Following this victory, the team rebranded as the Cleveland Monsters, solidifying its commitment to the city.

Developing NHL Talent

The Cleveland Monsters organization has consistently focused on player development, nurturing talent that has gone on to succeed in the NHL and international leagues. “Cleveland hockey fans are very fortunate to watch AHL players and see so many future NHL players,” said Jock Callander, Senior Vice President, Hockey Affairs & Team Services.

Olympic Glory: Laila Edwards and Beyond

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina showcased Cleveland’s hockey prowess on the biggest stage. Laila Edwards, a native of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, made history as the first Black woman to play for the U.S. Women’s National Team and score a goal for Team USA at the Olympics. Edwards also earned a gold medal as a member of the team.

Edwards wasn’t the only Olympian with ties to Cleveland. Ten former Cleveland Monsters players participated in the 2026 Olympics, contributing to gold medals for both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s teams. These players included Zach Werenski (USA), Lukas Sedlak (Czechia), Oliver Bjorkstrand (Denmark), and Joonas Korpisalo (Finland), all of whom were part of the 2016 Calder Cup-winning Lake Erie Monsters team.

Growing the Game in Northeast Ohio

The Cleveland Monsters are dedicated to expanding access to hockey throughout Northeast Ohio through their “Grow the Game” initiative. This program provides introductory, low-cost opportunities for young people to learn and play the sport. “Youth hockey has taken another step since the Monsters have been in town,” Callander noted. “We hope to keep building on it by bringing hockey to all parts of the city and continuing to build the sport’s popularity.”

Cleveland’s hockey story is one of enduring passion, dedicated development, and recent Olympic success. The city’s commitment to the sport ensures that it will remain a hockey town for years to come.