The Toronto Toros where an original WHA team - but during the league's first season they were known as the Ottawa Nationals. They left Canada's capital when they left town over money they owed the city of Ottawa. So in 1973–74 they moved to Toronto and became the Toros, playing at the University of Toronto's Varsity Arena . The Toros finished with 41 victories and made a playoff appears. The team relocated to Maple Leaf Gardens for their second campaign in 1974–75, and they would become another WHA franchise that struggled financially because of unfavorable lease arrangements in an NHL facility.
Famously, Frank Mahovlich, a former NHL player and Toronto Maple Leafs legend signed for the Toros for their second season in Toronto in an effort to make a big splash and drum up fan support. Their second season in Toronto, third as a franchise, was successful on the ice again as they recorded 43 wins and made the playoffs. Unfortunately, they would be bounced in the first round of the post-season. and the squad had another season with 40 or more wins. The successful season and Mahovlich gambit were both successes as Mahovlich recorded 82 points in 73 games and the team's attendance was over 10,000 per game.
However, the success was short-lived. Despite another big season from Mahovlich and adding 18-year old Mark Napier who would score 92 points (!) the team would only manage 24 wins. The team struggled on defense, allowing nearly 100 more goals (398) than they did in the prior season (304) as netminder Gillies Gratton moved onto the St. Louis Blues.
The team's lease would prove to be too difficult to sustain. For the 1976–1977 season, they would relocate to Birmingham, Alabama, and become the Birmingham Bulls.
This would make a unique gift for the hockey fan in your life or a neat find for yourself of a vintage hockey team.
Free standard shipping, no minimum. All t-shirts and hoodies ship from Vancouver, BC via Canada Post, with expected delivery in 6 –10 business days. Please note that we are a print-on-demand shop, which means that we will create your products upon receiving your order.
About the t-shirt from the manufacturer:
- Brand & Product: Bella Canvas 3001 or 3001CVC
- Lightweight: 4.2 oz., 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton
- Note: Athletic Heather is 90% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
- Crew neck
- Lightweight, thin feel
- Athletic/slim fit
