Cincinnati Stingers

Robbie Ftorek in a Stingers Uniform (77K)

Dan Justin in a Stingers uniform. (64K)

Stingers-in-brief

The Cincinnati Stingers were the Queen City's entry in the World Hockey Association. Playing at Riverfront Coliseum, they were the first expansion franchise in the WHA. Awarded in 1973, they did not start play until 1975, as the Coliseum was still being built. They adopted the "Stingers" nickname in 1974. Even though they did not field a team until 1975, they were busy participating in the drafts, and signing players to minor league contracts, so several players were already Stinger property when 1975 came around. Upon the fold of the Chicago Cougars and Baltimore Blades, the WHA created the Denver Spurs to join the league with the Stingers. The Stingers named Terry Slater coach. The club finished out the season (more than the Spurs could do), and ended up in fourth place, just missing the playoffs. A rivalry had developed with the Cleveland Crusaders, although this was short lived, as the Crusaders moved to St. Paul in 1976. Attendance increased the following season, and the Stingers finished in second place, getting knocked out of the playoffs by the Indianapolis Racers.

In 1977, Cincinnati, along with Edmonton, Quebec, Winnipeg, New England, and Houston applied to the NHL for admission. This would have continued the rivalry with Cleveland, but it was voted down. Cincinnati started the 1977-78 season with high hopes, having lured coach Jacques Demers from Indianapolis. Cincinnati spent most of the season in last place, and financial crisis developed. However, the fans kept coming, and owners Brian Heekin III and Bill DeWitt were able to pull through. For 1978-79, the WHA's final season, the Stingers finished in fifth place and once again qualified for the playoffs, although they were eliminated by the New England Whalers. Along with Birmingham, the owners agreed to take a cash payment and fold the Stingers at season's end.

Stingers year-by-year

Year       W      L     T     pts.   Finish       Playoffs
1975-76   35     44     1     71     4th Eastern  None
1976-77   39     37     5     83     2nd Eastern  Lost to Indianapolis 0-4
1977-78   35     42     3     73     7th League   None
1978-79   33     41     6     72     5th League   Lost to New England 1-2
Information on this page is from The Complete Historical and Statistical Reference to the World Hockey Association 1972-1979; by Scott Adam Surgent.