The Hockey News NHL/WHA merger Issue

The Hockey News NHL/WHA merger Issue

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Merger 38 years ago helped NHL take shape

The NHL as we know it was largely formed by the events of March 30, 1979. The World Hockey Association, which began play in the 1972-73 season, sent salaries soaring for many players but led to numerous franchises being relocated or going under. The two sides finally made peace when the NHL voted to…

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When hockey had two competing leagues, the NHL and the WHA | CBC Archives

The World Hockey Association was founded as a competitor to the NHL and nurtured the careers of many players, but lasted just seven years.

The WHA brought Wayne Gretzky and several talented european stars into the fold. This brought up the quality of the NHL that was still reeling from key player defections (to the WHA) and the Philadelphia Flyers legacy of goon hockey (in my opinion). Hockey got better with this influx and the demise of the remainder of WHA teams.

Before there was the internet, The Hockey News was my main source of hockey information. That is where I could follow even the most obscure minor leagues and european hockey.

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