Jayzhockey

The great World Hockey Association 1972 - 79

Founded: The World Hockey Association became officially a league when co-founders Gary L. Davidson and Dennis A. Murphy signed the articles of Incorporation in a Delaware courthouse on June 10, 1971.
The World Hockey Association was formed in April of 1971, by Dennis A. Murphy and Gary L. Davidson. This league would be the first major pro hockey league to rival the NHL in 55 years. The NHL Thought nothing of the new league till the Winnipeg Jets signed Bobby Hull to a million dollar contract. The new league attacked the NHL rosters by paying players more money then the older league. The WHA had a simple game plan. It was to establish teams far from NHL cities and in the media centers like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

I will never understand how such an educated, experienced, and intelligent man as (NHL Commissioner) Clarence Campbell underestimated us (the WHA) so badly." -Gary Davidson

In the summer of 1971 the league was looking for owners and arenas to host teams. After several meetings on the west coast and a few in Chicago the WHA announced in New York City at the Americana hotel that 10 teams would be added. This news happened on Nov, 1 1971 and the 10 franchises were Edmonton, Calgary, New York , Winnipeg, Chicago, St.Paul, Miami, Dayton(Ohio), Los Angeles and San Fransisco. Later on that month on November 21st the WHA granted two more franchises, one in the New England area (later settled in Boston) and the other in Ontario, Canada (later settled in Ottawa).
With the WHA expanding into New York City the NHL knew they had to put a few new teams to counter the new league.In 1972 the NHL added teams in Atlanta and Long Island. The WHA's New York franchise was upset at the news because the new Nassau Coliseum would house the Long Island NHL franchise. The Atlanta franchise was added to counter the WHA's addition of Miami.
With all this happening in New York City several teams moved before the inaugural season. The Calgary Broncos moved to Cleveland, The Miami Screaming Eagles moved to Philadelphia, the San Francisco SeaHawks moved to Quebec and the Dayton Aeros moved to Houston. After several early problems the WHA was ready to play but not this time with a black puck, but with RED and BLUE ones.

First WHA game

Alberta-7....Ottawa-4

The first WHA puck dropped on October 11,1972 at the Ottawa Civic Centre. Also, that night the first WHA goal was scored by Alberta's Rob Anderson.Hours later the Quebec Nordiques travelled south to play the Cleveland Crusaders. The Crusaders won 2-0!