1972 WHA League Logo Tee

The World Hockey Association operated from 1972-1979. Although the WHA was not the first league to attempt to challenge the NHL's supremacy, it was by far the most successful. The league tried to capitalize on the lack of hockey teams in a number of major American cities and mid-level Canadian cities, and also hoped to attract the best players by paying more than NHL owners would. The WHA successfully challenged the NHL's reserve clause, which bound players to their NHL teams even without a valid contract, allowing players in both leagues greater freedom of movement. Sixty-seven players jumped from the NHL to the WHA in the first year, led by star forward Bobby Hull, whose ten-year, $2.75 million contract was a record at the time. The WHA also took the initiative to sign European players.

The WHA had an acrimonious relationship with the NHL, resulting in numerous legal battles, as well as competition for control of players and markets. In spite of this, merger talks began almost immediately, as the WHA was constantly unstable, with franchises occasionally relocating or folding in the middle of the season. NHL owners voted down a 1977 plan to merge six WHA teams into the NHL before a 1979 merger was approved. As a result, the WHA ceased operations, and four teams joined the NHL for the 1979-80 season: the Edmonton Oilers, New England Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and Winnipeg Jets. 

Our t-shirts are made sustainably from 100% combed & ringspun cotton and printed with eco-friendly, water-based ink that blends into the fabric with each wash, giving it a softer feel and more character as time goes on.

Size Chart

• Color: Vintage Royal
• 100% airlume combed & ring-spun cotton
• Unisex cut. Take one size up for a more relaxed fit.
• Imported garment with fabric sustainably dyed & cut in Los Angeles
• Distressed print for a vintage look
• Printed in New York