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September 1, 1973
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
NHL Realigned To 4 Divisions
NEW YORK— The National Hockey League moved to realign its teams for the 1974-75 season by announcing a four-division format. NHL President Clarence Campbell disclosed the league will be broken down into four divisions starting in 1974 when the Washington and Kansas City teams move into big league hockey for the first time. When the NHL expands to 20 teams in 1976 (the franchises have not been awarded as yet), the league will operate with four five-team divisions. For 1974 it will be comprised of two five teams and two four-team groupings. Here’s how the NHL will look with the 1976 expansion: DIVISION I—Atlanta, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia and a 1976 expansion entry. DIVISION II—Detroit, Montreal, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh and Washington. DIVISION III—Chicago, Minnesota, Vancouver, St. Louis and Kansas City. DIVISION IV—Boston, California, Buffalo, Toronto…
CENTRAL LEAGUE
Dallas looms As CHL Favorite Despite Defections To WHA DALLAS— In spite of defections to the World Hockey Association, both from the Dallas Black Hawks and the parent Chicago Hawks, there is optimism among hockey fans in “Big D”, looking forward to their seventh season in the Central League. Dallas has dominated regular-season play the past two years, although losing the 1973 playoff finals to the upstart Omaha Knights. There will be enough returnees from last season to give the CHL Hawks a solid corps of veterans. And Chicago has a large crop of talented amateurs ready to move into the pro ranks. Coach Bobby Kromm had the league’s two top goalkeepers last season. Mike Veisor in his rookie season had a 2.75 average, with four shutouts, topping the CHL in both categories. Michel…
OHA Seniors Set New Age Limits; More Balanced League Expected
TORONTO— All six teams in the Ontario Hockey Association Senior ‘A’ loop are expected to make wholesale roster changes when the new season gets underway Oct. 5. Teams will be accenting youth, a major shift from previous years which stems from a rule change passed by all teams last spring. Effective this season, each team will be allowed a maximum of 12 players who are 24 years or older on Jan, 1, 1974. In past seasons, there was no age limit. The rule change now means each team of the team’s 19-man roster will be supported by at least seven players who are 23 years of age or younger. The move was made for several reasons, the primary one being to add balance to the league which for the past 5 years has…
Lowly Cougars Become Threat Luring Backstrom, Stapleton
CHICAGO— Pat Stapleton and Ralph Backstrom’s move to the rich side of Chicago has given the World Hockey Association two more proven National Hockey League players. Both players left the NHL Black Hawks in favor of the cross-town Cougars and signed multi-year contracts. In Spaleton’s case, the veteran defenseman inked a five-year pact as player-coach. He replaces Marcel Pronovost behind the bench. Stapleton, who had thought of retiring a year ago after Team Canada’s tournament with Russia, said the idea of coaching was a recent development with him. “Earlier in my career, I concentrated mostly on the playing aspect of the game. But lately, the more I thought about going into coaching, the more attractive and exciting it became. “The WHA is still a new league, but I am convinced that it’s here to…
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