RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
The WHA expanded by adding the Indianapolis Racers and Phoenix Roadrunners, and splitting into 3 divisions (Western, Eastern, and Canadian). The top two teams in each division qualified for the playoffs along with the two next best teams overall. Prior to the season, Southern California welcomed the Jersey Knights, who moved to San Diego and became the Mariners, and said goodbye to the Los Angeles Sharks, who moved to Detroit and became the Michigan Stags. Midway through the season, the Stags moved to Baltimore and became the Blades; they folded for good after the season. Chicago also folded at season's end. Also, the New England Whalers left Boston for Hartford, but played the first half of the season in Springfield, Massachusetts until construction on the Hartford Civic Center was finished.
On April 11, 1975, the atmosphere was charged at the playoff game between the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers, marking Game 3 of their series. This matchup came at a critical time for both teams in their first-ever playoff encounter, a battle reflective of the growing rivalry. The Islanders, only in their third season and experiencing their first playoff run, were keen to establish themselves against the veteran Rangers team. The Rangers, with a robust lineup and seasoned playoff experience, were determined not to let the newer franchise overshadow them in what had become a closely contested series.
The game unfolded with intense action, as both teams displayed strong defensive and offensive plays. Key players from both sides were pivotal in driving the game's pace, with the Rangers trying to exploit their experience and the Islanders leveraging their youthful energy and growing fan support. This game was not just a battle on the ice; it was a fight for supremacy in New York, giving fans a thrilling display of hockey and setting the tone for what would become one of the great rivalries in the NHL.
Rare audio of a Global TV WHA broadcast which featured the Baltimore Blades and the Toronto Toros March of 1975
Partial game audio from Blades vs Toros TV Broadcast / Rare audio of a Global TV WHA broadcast which featured the Baltimore Blades and the Toronto Toros March of 1975 at Maple Leaf Gardens. The announcers are Mike Anscombe and Carl Brewer.
Team Canada hero eventually jumped to the WHA's Toros from the Leafs due to Harold's...
Henderson vs. Ballard in their Battle of Toronto / Team Canada hero eventually jumped to the WHA's Toros from the Leafs due to Harold's inability to respect him
October 1975 - Footage of WHA game between the EDMONTON OILERS and the TORONTO TOROS,...
WHA Hockey violence debate / October 1975 - Footage of WHA game between the EDMONTON OILERS and the TORONTO TOROS, Ontario Attorney General Roy McMurtry talks about bringing the criminal code into hockey rinks, Toros coach Bobby Baun says fighting is a part of hockey (CBC-TV reporter Peter Murphy)
Toronto Toros starter left out to dry after 8-2 lead in 10-9 loss to the...
When former Habs prospect Jim Shaw was fired / Toronto Toros starter left out to dry after 8-2 lead in 10-9 loss to the Crusaders in late 1975 - and he and two other TT skaters were turfed minutes after the game ended
1 Comment
I sincerely appreciate the research work, and the information being shared. It is important and interesting history.
I sincerely appreciate the research work, and the information being shared. It is important and interesting history.