Long Island Cougars

When the EHL disbanded in 1977, the NAHL was founded from the northern clubs, with one notable exception. One of the EHL's longest-running teams, the Long Island Ducks, was left out. Beginning in 1972, the Ducks experienced attendance issues when the NHL's Islanders came to town and disbanded along with the EHL (despite the Ducks' protestations). The Long Island Cougars continued where the Ducks left off, but with a parent team in the WHA (Chicago Cougars). Their general manager was former Ducks player Gerry Lamorouex, and their coach was EHL and Ducks icon John Brophy. The Cougars wouldn't enjoy the same success as the Ducks, though. They would make the playoffs in both of their seasons, but never get the same level of fan support as the Ducks had in their prime. After the 1974-75 season, they relocated to Pennsylvania and became the Erie Blades, with considerably more on and off ice success.