Miami Screaming Eagles

1972

Founded: November 1 ,1971 by Herb Martin as the Miami Screaming Eagles of the World Hockey Association.

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The Miami Screaming Eagles were an original ten charter franchise in the World Hockey Association. The team was a major part of the WHA's master plan to place teams in areas without an NHL hockey team. The very old and bitter President of the NHL Clarence Campbell didn't like the news about the new league and I deceided to counter the Miami team by adding a team in the Atlanta area called the Atlanta Flames.

Herb Martin owner of the Screaming Eagles knew he needed as many attributes as possible to make hockey work in an area which isn't known as a hockey town. He figured that signing an NHL all-star would boost interest in the area. Maple Leaf goaltender Bernie Parent deceided to sign with the Eagles and the new league becoming the first NHL all-star to sign with the rival league the World Hockey Association. Martin again searched for an all-star and began pursuing Bruins star Derek Sanderson. Sanderson was all ears to the new league and team, but when the team folded the talks ended too. The team relocated to Philidalphia and were now known as the Philidalphia Blazers. The Blazers signed Derek to a 2.6 million dollar contract over 5 years. This would be the biggest contract ever by any player at the time.

The Miami screaming Eagles withdrew from the league in April 28, 1972 due to arena difficulties and a general lack of funds.

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