The Birmingham Bulls of
the World Hockey Association
Bulls History, 1976-1992  |  Photos  |  Programs  |  Demise of the WHA

Created by Dennis Murphy and Gary Davidson, the World Hockey Association began play in 1972.  Davidson, who also founded the American Basketball Association [ABA] and the World Football League [WFL], set the WHA in motion with one aim in mind: to change hockey forever and for the better.  Free Agency, "banana blades," and pucks that were red & blue...the WHA flaunted its exciting and unconventional brand of hockey in the face of the tradition-bound NHL.  The WHA found itself soon drawing the NHL's biggest and most talented stars, signing them to million dollar contracts.  NHL greats Bobby Hull, Andre Lacroix, Gordie Howe, and Frank Mahovlich were among the many players to get on board with the new league.  With the NHL adhering to its policy of not signing players under the age of 18, the WHA had no problems raiding the resources of the Junior leagues, and in the process, signed a 17 year-old center named Wayne Gretzky.

The WHA's first-ever game was on October 11, 1972, and was played at the Ottawa Civic Centre between the Alberta Oilers and the Ottawa Nationals.  The Nationals made the playoffs that season, but struggled both financially and in popularity, as the local junior team, the 67's, was competing for area supremacy.  The struggles forced the team to move to Toronto after the first season.  

Renamed the Toros, the franchise struggled to average just over 4,200 per game.  The next season saw that average skyrocket to over 10,000.  However, the following season had the franchise faced with numerous problems including a decline in attendance and facility lease problems.  The next move for the franchise would be a gamble that would not only confound the hockey establishment, but also spark a new era for a certain, unsuspecting southern town.  Read more...