The WHA 2000 tried to take advantage from the 2004-05 NHL Lockout which threw the entire season through the window. The problem was that many of the announced teams didn't had financing or organization (or arena for that matter) and most of the established NHL players went to play in Europe or the minor leagues like the ECHL and AHL. Sidney Crosby refused a 3.7M $ contract to play there and he was selected 1st overall by the Penguins in 2005.
@@ivaneurope Considering how Bobby Hull was the first big name signed by the original one in the 70s, the new league actually named him commissioner. Of course, this one was not even close to getting off the ground.
@@bluebear1985 I think fans, players and investors weren't buying into an unproven product, which used the name of an defunct organization merely as a nostalgia piece. Hull's appointment as commissioner was perhaps part of the attempt by the WHA 2000 to bring back the magic of the 70's when it was brave enough to challenge the NHL. But when you have an upstart sports league the first thing you need is a plan. Without it - forget it, your league will be dead on arrival. WHA 2000 had none of it only relying on the WHA name to gather interest. And you know it's unsalvageable when your 1st overall pick (Sidney Crosby) straight up refuses to play in your league.
My favorite WHA story I've heard is that the Birmingham Bulls' crowd were cheering for line changes. Since fans in Birmingham, AL haven't been exposed to hockey and no other North American sport has on-the-fly changes like hockey.
One big thing they did was allowing players under 20 years old to play in the league. This gave a 17 year old Gretzky a chance to play professional hockey instead of dominating the juniors for another 3 years.
For the 1974 championship between the Cougars and Whalers, Chicago's home games were played at public ice rink in suburban Mount Prospect because of a scheduling conflict at the International Amplitheater. And of course the Arthur Wirtz wouldn't allow "the other league" to use Chicago Stadium.
The Baltimore Blades folded after a half season and there was a joke in the Baltimore-Washington Area, that was only big enough for one bad hockey which was the Capitals who did not make the post season until 1983.
USFL vs NFL would be a better example, mainly because they were both competing for top talent with the NFL. Which his why I’d say it’s a better comparison to the NHL/WHA. I’m just being knit picky though, great video 😎
Do a video on the coloured hockey league from Nova Scotia, the guys in that league invented the slapshot and the ability for the goalie to drop down and cover the puck
Could you possibly cover the two other Sports Leagues Gary Davidson founded? The American Basketball Association and The World Football League. I hope you consider.
It's interesting how the Houston team lured Gordie Howe out of retirement after two of his sons signed with the Aeros. I'm willing to bet that some people saw the signing as a publicity stunt when it first happened, but of course his critics were soon silenced after they saw how well he did.
Oh, when Karmanos was owner the Hurricanes barred any use of the whaler logos for sale in the world till about 2010. Now you can finally get a Ron Francis Whalers jersey, but for 15 years….. You could not EVEN BUY a PIN with that LOGO!!
At 2:06 you say " Gary Cheevers" it's Gerry Cheevers. I love your channel . Not trying to be a dick .. just letting ya know. " Cheesie" was a great goalie with the best mask in hockey. Keep up the good work .
I live 10 minutes from the home of the former Hartford Whalers. If I was a fan I’d still be mad at Karmanos’ LIE AFTER LIE! First he told Hartford he’d stay if they build a stadium. They got it approved . He gave them the finger. Then in Raleigh he lied about offers from Columbus and Detroit. Columbus was already GRANTED as team ANd Illitch blocked him from Detroit! What a sleaze bag! I witnessed it in Real Time!
I hate the WHA because it ruined a potential dynasty for my B's. Lost Cheevers Sanderson Green and McKenzie to the new league. Replaced with Brooks, Sheppard, Beverly and O'Donnell. Didn't cut it. Due to this new league Bruins lose first round series in 1973 to Rangers. Should have won 5 cups, not 2, from 1970 to 1974. 71 was Ken Dryden 73 was WHA and 74 was Bernie Parent and WHA raid. Lack of. Discipline played a small part too. Hehehe.
pretty much the same as the ABA ground breaking in some of the markets some financial troubles and folding franchises .eventual forced merger ,..even though the NHL called it an expansion. it really was a merger .. the WHA winning the reserve clause lawsuit changed all sports forever..
