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World Hockey Association

Article by Frank Polnaszek

Published Online February 7, 2006

Last Edited July 23, 2014

World Hockey Association, professional HOCKEY league established 1971 (first season of play was 1972-73) to challenge the NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE. Canada was well represented in the new league, with teams in Ottawa, Québec City, Edmonton and Winnipeg.

World Hockey Association

World Hockey Association, professional Hockey league established 1971 (first season of play was 1972-73) to challenge the National Hockey League. Canada was well represented in the new league, with teams in Ottawa, Québec City, Edmonton and Winnipeg. The signing of NHL superstar Bobby Hull by the Winnipeg Jets gave the league credibility and in its second season the Houston Aeros signed Gordie Howe to play with his sons Mark and Marty. The financially troubled league disbanded in June 1979 and Winnipeg, Québec, Hartford and Edmonton Oilers were taken into the NHL.

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