From TheBestLinks.com
The old World Hockey Association (WHA) merged into the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1979. But in 2003, Allan Howell and Dr. Nick Vaccaro announced the formation of the new World Hockey Association. Former WHA star Bobby Hull (the first major star to play in the old WHA) is its commissioner.
The new league may spawn many problems in the NHL, such as another franchise merger, as the Minnesota North Stars and Cleveland Barons did last time there was a rival league. The Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers (who played in the old WHA), and Phoenix Coyotes (the old WHA's Winnipeg Jets) are all possible teams for a merger, since they are all teetering on the brink of financial existence. Also, many players, such as the Philadelphia Flyers' Jeremy Roenick have considered the new league as an alternative to NHL hockey during the player lockout. The timing of the new WHA has lead to accusations of vulture marketing by critics.
Some accepted cities, like Quebec City, had a WHA franchise in the 1970s. Fans are suggesting that those cities retain the old names. But problems may occur in this because some trademark owners may not approve use of the name or because the NHL owns the trademark (as in Quebec City's case). On August 27, it was announced (http://www.worldhockeyassociation.net/news/media_releases/media_082704.htm) that the Quebec city francise was terminated.
On July 17 and July 18, 2004, the league conducted a draft. Each of 8 teams drafted 30 NHL and AHL free agents and 30 entry-level players. Simon Gagne was the first player drafted. The teams participiating in the draft were:
Prospective future franchises that the new WHA is considering include:
The new WHA will operate with a US$15,000,000 salary cap and a number of innovative rule changes, such as three-on-three overtime to decide tied games, and the goaltender being forbidden to play the puck in back of the red goal line.
On June 21, 2004, David Waronker, owner of the Southern Professional Hockey League's Orlando Seals and Jacksonville Barracudas, cancelled transferral of ownership to Calgary businessman Max Chambers because Waronker had not heard from Chambers since signing a letter of intent, before June 2, when a deadline for submission of $100,000 was not made.
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