The Albany Choppers were an independent professional ice hockey team competing in the International Hockey League. The team originally existed as the Fort Wayne Komets, whose owner, David Welker, opted to move his franchise to Albany and its brand new arena during the IHL's period of nationwide expansion. The team began play in the 1990-91 season, but folded due to lack of funds on February 14, 1991. Ice hockey, known simply as hockey in areas where it is more common than field hockey, is a team sport played on ice. ... The International Hockey League (IHL) was a minor league professional ice hockey league of the triple-A level in the United States and Canada from 1945 to 2001. ... The Fort Wayne Komets are a minor-league hockey franchise currently playing in the United Hockey League (UHL). ... The name Albany is an ancient and literary name for Scotland, north of the Firth of Forth (east) and Firth of Clyde (west). ... 14 February is the 45th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ...

Among players for the Choppers were goaltenders Rick Knickle and John Blue, former New York Islander Dale Henry, and Mario Lemieux' brother, center Alain Lemieux. Mario Lemieux (born October 5, 1965 in Montreal, Quebec) is a professional hockey player. ...