Chicago Cougars

The Chicago Cougars were a founding WHA team, beginning play in 1972-73 in one of the NHL's Original Six markets. The Cougars would finish last in their division after winning only 26 games in their debut season. They had a lot more success in their season year, which ultimately contributed to the team's demise. The Cougars had a successful season, winning 38 games and finishing fourth in their division. They went on a run in the playoffs, winning each of the first two rounds and reaching the championship game. Unfortunately, their usual facility was unavailable for the finals, forcing them to play in a tiny arena on the outskirts of town. They would lose in the finals, and the relocation was viewed as a public relations disaster, making the pro club appear minor league. The Cougars' inability to get money for and build their own arena was also a factor in their collapse. They would play one last season, their third, in 1974-75, before folding. The majority of the team's players were taken by the Denver Spurs in the subsequent WHA dispersal draft.