Sports History On This Day: August 9

August 9, 1977 – The National Hockey League voted to refuse a merger of six World Hockey Association franchises. The NHL President John Ziegler reported that the NHL owners at the time rejected an offer to expand the League by absorbing 6 teams from the WHA.

These 6 squads were the Edmonton Oilers, New England Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, Cincinnati Stingers, Houston Aeros, and the Winnipeg Jets. Almost a year later the NHL decided to accept the merger on June 22, 1979, thus ending the existence of the WHA.

To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.

Zandstra noren ice skates
The photo is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of Zandstra noren ice skates. Special thanks to the resources of Newspapers.com and OnThisDay.com for the information obtained.

Stay Up To Date With Content From The Sports History Network

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.
    SHN Contact

    More From Sports History Network

    Leave a Comment