North American Hockey League (1973–1977)
 | |
| Founded | 1973 |
|---|---|
| Ceased | 1977 |
| Replaced by | American Hockey League |
| No. of teams | 7 to 10 |
| Country | United States & Canada |
| Most titles | Syracuse Blazers (2) |
The North American Hockey League was a low-level minor professional hockey league that existed from 1973 to 1977. Several of the NAHL teams operated as developmental ("farm") teams for World Hockey Association franchises. The NAHL was one of two leagues, along with the Southern Hockey League, that were formed after the Eastern Hockey League ceased operations in 1973. The Lockhart Cup was the league's championship trophy. With the loss of a number of franchises, the NAHL elected to fold in September 1977.[1]
The league served as the inspiration for the movie Slap Shot.[citation needed] The Inspiration came from screenwriter Nancy Dowd, whose brother Ned Dowd, who played the Character "Ogie" Oglethorpe, was a real Professional Hockey Player in the NAHL, playing in Johnstown, PA for the Johnstown Jets[2], during a season where the team was for sale, when his sister came to live in Johnstown and got the inspiration for the movie.[citation needed] And then there are the references to "Syracuse", and "Broome County", all of which were teams in the NAHL [3], as were some of the incidents depicted actually occurred in actual NAHL Games with the Johnstown Jets and the Carlson Brothers (who were portrayed with the characters Hanson Brothers).[citation needed]
Teams
| Team name | Years | Seasons | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beauce Jaros | 1975–1976 | 2 | Saint-Georges, Quebec |
| Broome Dusters | 1973–1977 | 4 | Binghamton, New York |
| Buffalo Norsemen | 1975–1976 | 1 | North Tonawanda, New York |
| Cape Cod Cubs / Cape Codders | 1973–1976 | 3 | South Yarmouth, Massachusetts |
| Erie Blades | 1975–1977 | 2 | Erie, Pennsylvania |
| Johnstown Jets | 1973–1977 | 4 | Johnstown, Pennsylvania |
| Long Island Cougars | 1973–1975 | 2 | Commack, New York |
| Maine Nordiques | 1973–1977 | 4 | Lewiston, Maine |
| Mohawk Valley Comets | 1973–1977 | 4 | Utica, New York |
| Philadelphia Firebirds | 1974–1977 | 3 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Syracuse Blazers | 1973–1977 | 4 | Syracuse, New York |
Lockhart Cup
| Season | Champion | Finalist |
|---|---|---|
| 1973-74 | Syracuse Blazers | Long Island Cougars |
| 1974-75 | Johnstown Jets | Broome Dusters |
| 1975-76 | Philadelphia Firebirds | Beauce Jaros |
| 1976-77 | Syracuse Blazers | Maine Nordiques |
External links
References
- ^ Reading Eagle, September 26, 1977
- ^ http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=10212
- ^ http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/148.html
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