The World Hockey Association

World Hockey Association

The World Hockey Association was a professional ice hockey league that operated in North America from 1972 to 1979. It was the first major competition for the National Hockey League since the collapse of the Western Hockey League in 1926...

(WHA) operated for seven seasons

Season (sports)

In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an...

from 1972 until 1979.

Season	Teams	Avco Cup Champion
1972–73	Eastern: Cleveland Crusaders 1972–73 Cleveland Crusaders season The 1972–73 Cleveland Crusaders season was the first season of operation of the new Cleveland Crusaders in the new World Hockey Association. The team qualified for the playoffs and won its first series, before losing in the Division semi-final.-Game log:...  • New England Whalers 1972–73 New England Whalers season The 1972–73 New England Whalers season was the Whalers' first season. The Whalers were competitive from the start, placing first in the Eastern Division to qualify for the playoffs. The Whalers then won three playoff series to become the first winner of the Avco World Trophy.-Game log:-External...  • New York Raiders 1972–73 New York Raiders season -Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals...  • Ottawa Nationals 1972–73 Ottawa Nationals season The 1972–73 Ottawa Nationals season was the Nationals' only season, as they were one of the original teams in the newly created WHA. The Nationals played most of the season in Ottawa, but transferred their playoff games to Toronto...  • Philadelphia Blazers 1972–73 Philadelphia Blazers season The 1972–73 Philadelphia Blazers season was the first season of the Blazers' franchise in the World Hockey Association. It would also be the only season of the Blazers in Philadelphia, as the team relocated to Vancouver for the following season...  • Quebec Nordiques 1972–73 Quebec Nordiques season The 1972–73 Quebec Nordiques season was the Nordiques' first season, as they were one of the original teams in the newly created WHA. The Nordiques franchise was originally awarded to a group in San Francisco, California, and was named the San Francisco Sharks, however, funding collapsed prior to... Western: Alberta Oilers 1972–73 Alberta Oilers season The 1972–73 Alberta Oilers season was the Oilers' first season, as one of twelve inaugural franchises of the now-defunct World Hockey Association .-Regular season:...  • Chicago Cougars 1972–73 Chicago Cougars season -Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals...  • Houston Aeros 1972–73 Houston Aeros season -Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals...  • Los Angeles Sharks 1972–73 Los Angeles Sharks season -Offseason:The WHA awarded a franchise to Los Angeles and it was originally called the "Los Angeles Aces," while the San Fransicso franchise was called the Sharks. However, when funding fell through and the San Francisco franchise was then moved to Quebec to become the Nordiques, the Los Angeles...  • Minnesota Fighting Saints 1972–73 Minnesota Fighting Saints season -Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals...  • Winnipeg Jets 1972–73 Winnipeg Jets season The 1972–73 Winnipeg Jets season was their first season in the World Hockey Association . The Jets' first signing was Norm Beaudin and their first major signing was Bobby Hull.-Bobby Hull:...	New England Whalers
1973–74	Eastern: Chicago Cougars 1973–74 Chicago Cougars season The 1973–74 Chicago Cougars season was the Chicago Cougars' second season of operation in the World Hockey Association. The team qualified for the playoff and won two playoff series to make it to the Avco Cup Final before losing to the Houston Aeros....  • Cleveland Crusaders 1973–74 Cleveland Crusaders season The 1973–74 Cleveland Crusaders season was the Cleveland Crusaders' second season of operation in the World Hockey Association. The Crusaders placed second in the Eastern Division, qualifying for the playoffs...  • New England Whalers 1973–74 New England Whalers season The 1973–74 New England Whalers season was the second season of the Whalers' franchise. The Whalers qualified for the playoffs for the second-straight season to attempt to defend their championship. Unfortunately they were defeated in the first round by the Chicago Cougars.-Game log:-External links:...  • NY Golden Blades / NJ Knights 1973–74 New York Golden Blades/New Jersey Knights season The 1973–74 New York Golden Blades/New Jersey Knights season was the second season of operation of the franchise in the World Hockey Association. The club was known as the New York Raiders in the previous season...  • Quebec Nordiques 1973–74 Quebec Nordiques season The 1973–74 Quebec Nordiques season was the Nordiques 2nd season, as they were coming off a 33–40–5 record, earning 71 points, failing to qualify for the playoffs in their first season....  • Toronto Toros 1973–74 Toronto Toros season The 1973–74 Toronto Toros season was the team's first season in Toronto, as they spent their inaugural season as the Ottawa Nationals in 1972-73.-Offseason:... Western: Edmonton Oilers 1973–74 Edmonton Oilers season The 1973–74 Edmonton Oilers season was the second season of operation of the Edmonton Oilers in the World Hockey Association. The Oilers' qualified for the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Minnesota Fighting Saints.-Game log:-Player stats:...  • Houston Aeros 1973–74 Houston Aeros season The 1973–74 Houston Aeros season was the Houston Aeros second season of operation in the World Hockey Association . The season saw the debut of Gordie Howe and his sons in the WHA. The team would win the Avco World Trophy WHA championship.-Game log:...  • Los Angeles Sharks 1973–74 Los Angeles Sharks season The 1973–74 Los Angeles Sharks season was the Los Angeles Sharks' second and final season in Los Angeles in the World Hockey Association. The club finished last in the WHA Western Division and missed the playoffs...  • Minnesota Fighting Saints 1973–74 Minnesota Fighting Saints season -Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals...  • Vancouver Blazers 1973–74 Vancouver Blazers season The 1973–74 Vancouver Blazers season was the first year of operation of the Vancouver Blazers of the World Hockey Association . It was the second season of the franchise, which had operated in Philadelphia the season before...  • Winnipeg Jets 1973–74 Winnipeg Jets season The 1973–74 Winnipeg Jets season was their second season in the World Hockey Association .-Season standings:-Playoffs:The Jets were beaten in the first round of the playoffs in four games by the Houston Aeros.-Forwards:... New York Raiders renamed New York Golden Blades, which then renamed New Jersey Knights midseason. Ottawa Nationals relocated to Toronto as the Toros. Philadelphia Blazers relocated to Vancouver, switching divisions with Chicago Cougars. Alberta Oilers renamed Edmonton Oilers, thus lacking the ability to play some of their home games in Calgary.	Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :...
1974–75	Canadian: Edmonton Oilers 1974–75 Edmonton Oilers season The 1974–75 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' third season of operation. The Oilers placed last and failed to make the playoffs.-Game log:-Player stats:...  • Quebec Nordiques 1974–75 Quebec Nordiques season The 1974–75 Quebec Nordiques season was the Nordiques' 3rd season, as they were coming off a 38–36–4 record in 1973–74, earning 80 points, however, they failed to qualify for the post-season for the 2nd straight season....  • Toronto Toros 1974–75 Toronto Toros season The 1974–75 Toronto Toros season was the team's second season in Toronto, after spending their inaugural season as the Ottawa Nationals in 1972-73...  • Vancouver Blazers 1974–75 Vancouver Blazers season The 1974–75 Vancouver Blazers season was the Vancouver Blazers' second season of operation in the World Hockey Association . The Blazers failed to make the playoffs-Game log:-Player stats:...   • Winnipeg Jets 1974–75 Winnipeg Jets season The 1974–75 Winnipeg Jets season was the Jets' third season of operation in the World Hockey Association . The club finished third in the Canadian Division and missed the playoffs.-Game log:-External links:... Eastern: Cleveland Crusaders 1974–75 Cleveland Crusaders season The 1974–75 Cleveland Crusaders season was the Cleveland Crusaders third season of operation in the World Hockey Association. It was the Crusaders' first season in the new Coliseum at Richfield...  • Chicago Cougars 1974–75 Chicago Cougars season The 1974–75 Chicago Cougars season was the Chicago Cougars third and final season of operation in the World Hockey Association . The Cougars finished third in the East, but did not have enough points to qualify for the playoffs.-Game log:...  • Indianapolis Racers 1974–75 Indianapolis Racers season The 1974–75 Indianapolis Racers season was the first season of operation of the Indianapolis Racers in the World Hockey Association. The Racers finished fourth to miss the playoffs.-Game log:-Player stats:...  • New England Whalers 1974–75 New England Whalers season The 1974–75 New England Whalers season was the Whalers' third season of play.-Game log:-External links:... Western: Houston Aeros 1974–75 Houston Aeros season The 1974–75 Houston Aeros season was the Aeros' third season of operation in the World Hockey Association . The Aeros qualified first in their division for the playoffs and successfully defended their Avco World Trophy WHA championship.-Game log:...  • Michigan Stags/Baltimore Blades 1974–75 Michigan Stags/Baltimore Blades season The 1974–75 Michigan Stags/Baltimore Blades season was the third season of the former Los Angeles Sharks franchise. Prior to the season, the team relocated to Detroit, and then relocated to Baltimore partway through the season...  • Minnesota Fighting Saints 1974–75 Minnesota Fighting Saints season -Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals...  • Phoenix Roadrunners 1974–75 Phoenix Roadrunners season The 1974–75 Phoenix Roadrunners season was the Phoenix Roadrunners first season of operation in the World Hockey Association . The Roadrunners qualified for the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Quebec Nordiques.-Game log:-Player stats:...  • San Diego Mariners 1974–75 San Diego Mariners season The 1974–75 San Diego Mariners season was the first season of operation of the San Diego Mariners in the World Hockey Association . The franchise was formerly named the New Jersey Knights and was transferred to San Diego... Two expansion teams, Indianapolis Racers (on the Eastern Division) and Phoenix Roadrunners (on the Western Division), are added. The Canadian Division is created, as Edmonton, Vancouver, and Winnipeg moved in from the Western Division while Quebec and Toronto moved in from the Eastern Division. Los Angeles Sharks relocated to Detroit as the Michigan Stags, which relocated to Baltimore as the Blades midseason. New Jersey Knights moved to San Diego as the Mariners.	Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :...
1975–76	Canadian: Calgary Cowboys 1975–76 Calgary Cowboys season The 1975–76 Calgary Cowboys season was the fourth season of the World Hockey Association franchise and first in Calgary, Alberta. The Vancouver Blazers relocated to Calgary prior to the season...  • Denver Spurs/Ottawa Civics 1975–76 Denver Spurs/Ottawa Civics season The 1975–76 Denver Spurs/Ottawa Civics season was the ill-fated single season of operation of the Denver Spurs/Ottawa Civics in the World Hockey Association...  • Edmonton Oilers 1975–76 Edmonton Oilers season The 1975–76 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' fourth season of operation. The Oilers placed fourth to qualify for the playoffs, losing in the first round.-Game log:-Player stats:...  • Toronto Toros 1975–76 Toronto Toros season The 1975–76 Toronto Toros season was the team's third season in Toronto, fourth of the franchise. The Toros missed the playoffs.-Game log:-Scoring leaders:-Goaltending:-Draft picks:Toronto's draft picks at the 1975 WHA Amateur Draft....  • Quebec Nordiques 1975–76 Quebec Nordiques season The 1975–76 Quebec Nordiques season was the Nordiques 4th season, as they were coming off their best season to date in 1974–75, earning 92 points and finishing on top of the Canadian Division in the regular season, and making it to the Avco Cup finals in the playoffs, where they were swept by the...   • Winnipeg Jets 1975–76 Winnipeg Jets season The 1975–76 Winnipeg Jets season was the Jets' fourth season of operation in the World Hockey Association . After qualifying first in the Canadian Division, the Jets then proceeded to win three rounds of the playoffs to win their first Avco Cup, sweeping the Houston Aeros 4–0 in the final.-Game... Eastern: Cleveland Crusaders 1975–76 Cleveland Crusaders season The 1975–76 Cleveland Crusaders season was the Cleveland Crusaders' fourth season of operation in the World Hockey Association. It was the last season of the franchise in Cleveland, Ohio...  • Cincinnati Stingers 1975–76 Cincinnati Stingers season The 1975–76 Cincinnati Stingers season was the Stingers' first season of operation in the World Hockey Association .-Game log:...  • Indianapolis Racers 1975–76 Indianapolis Racers season The 1975–76 Indianapolis Racers season was the Indianapolis Racers' second season of operation in the World Hockey Association . The Racers made the playoffs this season, losing in the first round to the New England Whalers.-Game log:-Player stats:...  • New England Whalers 1975–76 New England Whalers season The 1975–76 New England Whalers season was the Whalers' fourth season of play. The Whalers once again made the playoffs but fell short of winning the Avco Cup, falling in the semi-finals to the Houston Aeros.-Game log:-External links:... Western: Houston Aeros 1975–76 Houston Aeros season The 1975–76 Houston Aeros season was the Aeros' fourth season of operation in the World Hockey Association . The Aeros again qualified first for the playoffs and made it to the Avco Cup Final but lost the championship to the Winnipeg Jets.-Game log:...  • Minnesota Fighting Saints 1975–76 Minnesota Fighting Saints season The 1975–76 Minnesota Fighting Saints season was the original Minnesota Fighting Saints' fourth and final season of operation in the World Hockey Association...  • Phoenix Roadrunners 1975–76 Phoenix Roadrunners season The 1975–76 Phoenix Roadrunners season was the second season of operation of the Phoenix Roadrunners in the World Hockey Association . The Roadrunners qualified for the playoffs but lost in the first round to the San Diego Mariners.-Game log:...  • San Diego Mariners 1975–76 San Diego Mariners season The 1975–76 San Diego Mariners season was the second season of operation of the San Diego Mariners in the World Hockey Association . The Mariners placed third in the Western Division to qualify for the playoffs, losing in the second round to the Houston Aeros.-Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos =... Baltimore Blades and Chicago Cougars folded. Two expansion teams, Cincinnati Stingers (on the Eastern Division) and Denver Spurs (on the Western Division, are added. Also halfway through the season, Denver moved to Ottawa as the Civics (moving to the Canadian Division), which will be folded later on. Vancouver Blazers relocated to Calgary as the Cowboys.	Winnipeg Jets
1976–77	Eastern: Birmingham Bulls 1976–77 Birmingham Bulls season The 1976–77 Birmingham Bulls season was the Bulls' first season of operation in Birmingham, Alabama after the Toronto Toros relocated from Toronto, Canada.-Game log:-Player stats:...  • Cincinnati Stingers 1976–77 Cincinnati Stingers season The 1976–77 Cincinnati Stingers season was the Stingers' second season of operation in the World Hockey Association .-Game log:...  • Indianapolis Racers 1976–77 Indianapolis Racers season The 1976–77 Indianapolis Racers season was the Racers' third season of operation in the World Hockey Association.-Game log:-Player stats:...  • Minnesota Fighting Saints 1976–77 Minnesota Fighting Saints season The 1976–77 Minnesota Fighting Saints season was the last season of WHA hockey in Minnesota. The original Fighting Saints disbanded and the Cleveland Crusaders relocated to become the Minnesota Fighting Saints...  • New England Whalers 1976–77 New England Whalers season The 1976–77 New England Whalers season was the fifth season of operation of the New England Whalers in the World Hockey Association. The Whalers placed fourth in the Eastern Division, qualifying fourth for the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Quebec Nordiques.-Game log:-Playoffs:The...  • Quebec Nordiques 1976–77 Quebec Nordiques season The 1976–77 Quebec Nordiques season was the Nordiques 5th season, as they were coming off their best season to date in 1975–76, earning a team record 50 victories and 104 points, as they finished in second place in the Canadian Division. In the post-season, Quebec win their first Avco Cup in team... Western: Calgary Cowboys 1976–77 Calgary Cowboys season The 1976–77 Calgary Cowboys season was the Calgary Cowboys' second and final season of operation in the World Hockey Association. The Cowboys failed to make the playoffs.-Game log:-Player stats:...  • Edmonton Oilers 1976–77 Edmonton Oilers season The 1976–77 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' fifth season of operation. The Oilers placed fourth to qualify for the playoffs, losing in the first round.-Game log:-Player stats:...  • Houston Aeros 1976–77 Houston Aeros season The 1976–77 Houston Aeros season was the Aeros' fifth season of operation in the World Hockey Association. The Aeros finished first in the West to qualify for the playoffs. The Aeros would lose in the semi-finals to the Winnipeg Jets.-Game log:-Playoffs:...  • Phoenix Roadrunners 1976–77 Phoenix Roadrunners season The 1976–77 Phoenix Roadrunners season was the third and final season of the Phoenix Roadrunners in the World Hockey Association . The Roadrunners finished sixth in the Western Division and did not qualify for the playoffs.-Game log:-Player stats:...  • San Diego Mariners 1976–77 San Diego Mariners season The 1976–77 San Diego Mariners season was the third and final season of operation of the San Diego Mariners of the World Hockey Association...  • Winnipeg Jets 1976–77 Winnipeg Jets season The 1976–77 Winnipeg Jets season was the Jets' fifth season of operation in the World Hockey Association . The Jets, the defending WHA champions, made it to the Avco Cup final before losing to the Quebec Nordiques.-Game log:-Regular season:Scoring... The Canadian Division ceased to exist as Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg rejoined the Western Division while Toronto (relocated to Birmingham as the Bulls) and Quebec rejoined the Eastern Division. The first Minnesota Fighting Saints team are folded, but the Cleveland Crusaders relocated as the second Fighting Saints team, still remaining in the Eastern Division, which will also be folded midseason.	Quebec Nordiques Quebec Nordiques The Quebec Nordiques were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The Nordiques played in the World Hockey Association and the National Hockey League...
1977–78	Birmingham Bulls 1977–78 Birmingham Bulls season The 1977–78 Birmingham Bulls season was the Birmingham Bulls second season of operation in the World Hockey Association. The Bulls qualified for the playoffs, losing in the quarter-finals to the Winnipeg Jets.-Game log:-Player stats:...  • Cincinnati Stingers 1977–78 Cincinnati Stingers season The 1977–78 Cincinnati Stingers season was the Stingers' third season in the World Hockey Association . The Stingers placed seventh and missed the playoffs.-Game log:...  • Edmonton Oilers 1977–78 Edmonton Oilers season The 1977–78 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' sixth season of operation. The Oilers placed fifth to qualify for the playoffs, losing in the first round.-Game log:-Player stats:...  • Houston Aeros 1977–78 Houston Aeros season The 1977–78 Houston Aeros season was the Houston Aeros' sixth and final season of operation in the World Hockey Association . The Aeros again qualified for the playoffs, but lost in the first round to the Quebec Nordiques.-Game log:-Player stats:...  • Indianapolis Racers 1977–78 Indianapolis Racers season -Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals...  • New England Whalers 1977–78 New England Whalers season The 1977–78 New England Whalers season was the Whalers' sixth season of operation in the World Hockey Association . This season saw the debut of Gordie Howe and his sons with the Whalers' franchise...  • Quebec Nordiques 1977–78 Quebec Nordiques season The 1977–78 Quebec Nordiques season was the Nordiques sixth season in the WHA, as they were coming off of a 47-31-3 record in the 1976-77 season, finishing in first place in the Eastern Division...  • Winnipeg Jets 1977–78 Winnipeg Jets season The 1977–78 Winnipeg Jets season was the Jets sixth season of operation in the World Hockey Association . The Jets, finalists in 1977, qualified first for the playoffs and the championship against the New England Whalers in the Final... Both divisions ceased to exist as Calgary, Phoenix, and San Diego are folded, thus the league has been realigned into a single table. Two expansion teams, the Soviet All-Stars and Czechoslovakia All-Stars, are added.	Winnipeg Jets
1978–79	Birmingham Bulls 1978–79 Birmingham Bulls season The 1978–79 Birmingham Bulls season was the Bulls' final season of operation in the World Hockey Association .-Game log:...  • Cincinnati Stingers 1978–79 Cincinnati Stingers season The 1978–79 Cincinnati Stingers season was the Stingers' last season of operation in the World Hockey Association.-Game log:...  • Edmonton Oilers 1978–79 Edmonton Oilers season The 1978–79 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' seventh season of operation. The Oilers placed first and made it to the Avco Cup Final, losing to the Winnipeg Jets.-Game log:-Player stats:...  • Indianapolis Racers 1978–79 Indianapolis Racers season The 1978–79 Indianapolis Racers season was the Racers' final season in the World Hockey Association . The team folded after only 25 games.-Offseason:...  • New England Whalers 1978–79 New England Whalers season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending...  • Quebec Nordiques 1978–79 Quebec Nordiques season The 1978–79 Quebec Nordiques season was the Nordiques' seventh season in the WHA, were coming off of a 40-37-3 record in the 1977–78 season and a loss in the playoff semi-finals...  • Winnipeg Jets 1978–79 Winnipeg Jets season 1978-79 was the final year of the World Hockey Association before the league folded.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-External links:... Houston Aeros folded. The Indianapolis Racers folded midseason as well. The Finnish National Team played only one regular season game in the league, losing to the Edmonton Oilers.	Winnipeg Jets

The WHA ceased operations after the 1978–79 season and four WHA franchises moved to the National Hockey League

National Hockey League

The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...

 for the 1979–80 NHL season, which are Edmonton, New England (renamed Hartford Whalers), Quebec, and Winnipeg. The other two WHA-enfranchised teams, Birmingham and Cincinnati, are folded due to the NHL-WHA merger.