Order classic Chicago Cougars tees, hoodies and hats. An original WHA franchise, the Cougars went from last in their division to a surprise run to the finals in their second season, a series they had to play in a small arena on the outskirts of town. Celebrate Chicago's WHA team by browsing all of our Cougars gear, then read the team history below. Vintage Ice Hockey Canada is a small business that keeps the designs and history of forgotten hockey clubs alive.
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.
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