WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE 1952-1974

The Western Hockey League was a minor pro ice hockey league that operated from 1952 to 1974. Managed for most of its history by Hockey Hall of Fame member Al Leader, it was created out of the merger of the Pacific Coast Hockey League and the Western Canada Senior Hockey League. During the 1960s, the WHL moved into large west coast markets like Los Angeles and San Francisco, and it was fears that the WHL would become a rival major league that finally convinced the National Hockey League to expand for the 1967-68 season.[citation needed]

In the 1965-66 and 1967-68 seasons, they played an interlocking schedule with the American Hockey League. A diluted talent pool, and the move of the NHL and World Hockey Association into many of its traditional markets forced the league to cease operations after the 1973-74 season. A few of its surviving teams were absorbed into the Central Hockey League.

The championship trophy of the WHL was the Lester Patrick Cup, which is currently on display at the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• BRANDON REGALS
• WHL
• WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE
• CALGARY STAMPEDERS
• CALIFORNIA SEALS
• DENVER INVADERS
• DENVER SPURS
• EDMONTON FLYERS
• LOS ANGELES BLADES
• NEW WESTMINISTER ROYALS
• PHOENIX ROADRUNNERS
• PORTLAND BUCKAROOS
• SALT LAKE GOLDEN EAGLES
• SAN DIEGO GULLS
• SAN FRANCISCO SEALS
• SASKATOON QUAKERS
• SEATTLE AMERICANS
• SEATTLE BOMBERS
• SEATTLE IRON MEN
• SEATTLE TOTEMS
• SPOKANE COMETS
• SPOKANE FLYERS
• TACOMA ROCKETS
• VANCOUVER CANUCKS
• VICTORIA COUGARS
• VICTORIA MAPLE LEAFS
• WINNIPEG WARRIORS

[nordiqueboy77]

awesome video. i'd love to see a victoria maple leafs jersey for sale

[luridplanet]

I'm still pissed about the NHL gutting the WHL when they expanded. When are Portland, Seattle and Salt Lake going to get franchises? The NBA probably bribed the league to stay out of those markets

[keeshasky2]

My brother's name is Jim Atamanenko-He was drafted by the LA Kings and played with the Portland Buckaroos in 73/74. Before that he was with Vancouver and Victoria.I am looking for footage or radio clips of games from these 3 teams.

[bishopaz]

i remember listening to the salt lake golden eagles here in calif. in the the early 70`s. thanks for the memories.

[bishopaz]

what is your brothers name?

[keeshasky2]

great video-my brother played for the Buckaroos in 73/74-also played w Vancouver Nats and Victoria Cougars-have some extra pucks from the Nats-will go to your website to find jerseys-thx. so much

[kingz9916]

Great video. I have tried to collect items from the old WHL. I have an old blades jersey and some programs, but it is hard to add to the collection.

[17865329]

Odds aren't good, but does anybody

have footage of the WHL Vancouver

Canucks circa 1964-69???? I don't

believe any exists, but if you do by fluke,

can you post please?

[picpoppn]

Great video! Thank you! I would love to see more!