The New England Whalers, later known as the Hartford Whalers, were one of the last two teams to join the brand-new World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1971, but they ended up being one of the most successful clubs in the league, on the ice and at the gate.
The team that would become the Quebec Nordiques began in 1971 as the San Francisco Sharks, a charter member of the WHA. When the new league got skittish on San Francisco, the team was sold to a group of investors from Quebec City.
The Chicago Cougars were charter members of the WHA in 1972. The team played three seasons in the Windy City before folding in 1975.
The Minnesota Fighting Saints were charter members of the World Hockey Association (WHA). They folded midway through the 1975-76 season, only to be reborn when the Cleveland Crusaders moved to the Twin Cities.
World Hockey Association (1974-1978) Born: September 14, 1973 – WHA expansion franchise Folded: December 15, 1978 First Game: October 17, 1974 (L 4-2 vs. Michigan Stags) Last
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