WORLD HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
The World Hockey Association was founded on September 13, 1971, and began operating in 1972. The league consisted of 10 teams, which included the Alberta Oilers, Chicago Cougars, Houston Aeros, Los Angeles Sharks, Minnesota Fighting Saints, New England Whalers, Ottawa Nationals, Philadelphia Blazers, Quebec Nordiques, and Winnipeg Jets.
And although it wasn’t the first league to challenge the National Hockey League’s dominance, it was easily the most successful. Nearly 70 players jumped from the NHL to the WHA in its first year, led by Bobby Hull, who signed an unprecedented $1 million contract. Gordie Howe soon followed.
The World Hockey Association was founded on September 13, 1971, and began operating in 1972. The league consisted of 10 teams, which included the Alberta Oilers, Chicago Cougars, Houston
The WHA also signed European players, paving the way for a new era in North American hockey. Hall of Famers Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier began their careers in the WHA. From 1972 through 74, Murphy served as commissioner of the league.
The league would expand its franchises to 25 before folding in 1979. However, the WHA left its mark on the hockey world by having four of its original teams: the Oilers, Whalers, Nordiques, and Jets, merge with the National Hockey League.
WORLD HOCKEY ASSOCIATION TEAM LOGOS
Logos courtesy of worldhockeylogos.net
