The Denver Spurs started in the Western Hockey League in 1968. When that circuit folded, the joined the Central Hockey League in 1974. The following year, they joined the World Hockey Association, but moved to Ottawa halfway through the season.
The Cowboys were Calgary’s short-lived Major League precursor to the arrival of the Flames in 1980. The World Hockey Association club lasted just two seasons at the tiny Stampede Corral from 1975 to 1977 and are best remembered today for a violent 1976 playoff brawl against the Quebec Nordiques.
The Mariners were the first and only Major pro hockey team to play in the city of San Diego. The team was part of the World Hockey Association, the colorful 1970’s rival to the National Hockey League, from 1974 through 1977. The team’s arrival in 1974 displaced the popular San Diego Gulls minor league team from the Sports Arena. The Mariners made the WHA’s AVCO Cup playoff in all three of their seasons. But constant ownership turmoil proved to be the club’s undoing and the Mariners folded in the spring of 1977.
World Hockey Association (1973) Born: May 30, 1973- Re-branded from New York Raiders Moved: November 20, 1973 (Jersey Knights) First Game: October 6, 1973 (T 2-2 @
World Hockey Association (1972-1974) Born: 1972 – WHA founding franchise Moved: April 1974 (Michigan Stags) First Game: October 13, 1972 (L 3-2 vs. Houston Aeros)
*Like our new look? Next up: site speed. You can help with a tip for our Speed Fund today. Thank you!
