SportingPost
HomeTeam HistoryWHA LinksVancouver Blazers

Vancouver Blazers

Frank Fleming
Author: 
Frank Fleming
3 mins
October 27th, 2023
Bet With Confidence
Ad Disclosure
  • First Game Played October 10, 1973

  • Last Game Played April 6, 1975

  • Moved to Calgary in 1975

Historical Moments

1973/74: After a season in Philadelphia, the Blazers with new Owner Jim Pattison relocated to Vancouver. Much like Philadelphia, the Blazers needed to share the city with a NHL team. They would also share the Pacific Coliseum with the Vancouver Canucks, hoping that Canada’s West Coast could support two teams. Hoping to take a big star with them to Vancouver, the Blazers offered Phil Esposito of the Boston Bruins a five year deal, worth $2.5 million. However, Esposito chose to stay in the NHL for less money, as the Blazers even lost Andre Lacroix who was the inaugural MVP of the World Hockey Association after he signed with the New York Golden Blades. In their first game at the Pacific Coliseum the Blazers made their new fans in Vancouver go home happy as they beat the Winnipeg Jets 4-3 in an overtime thriller. However, success was fleeting as they won just two of their next 15 games. The Blazers never were a factor in the playoff chase, as they finished in fifth place with a record of 27-50-1, as they cycled through three coaches John McKenzie, Phil Watson, and Andy Bathgate. Without Lacroix the team lost much of its scoring ability as Bryan Campbell led the team in scoring with 27 goals and 62 assists, while Danny Lawson led the team with 50 goals. Another bright spot was Claude St. Sauveur who with 30 goals and 30 assists finished second in Rookie of the Year voting.

1974/75: Looking to improve their defense and goaltending, the Blazers picked up Don McLeod who was coming off a championship season with the Houston Aeros in which he was named the WHA’s top goalie. The Blazers move to improve on defense paid off as they allowed 75 fewer goals. However, their scoring under new Coach Joe Crozier was also down, as Danny Lawson was the only player from Vancouver to score more than 30 goals. The Blazers would be in the playoff chase all season. However, they would fall just short as they finished fourth in the Canadian Division with a record of 37-39-2, finishing the season with a 3-2 win over the Indianapolis Racers on April 6th. It would be the final game for the Vancouver Blazers as they determined they would be better off playing in a city of their own and moved to Calgary becoming the Cowboys for the 1975/76 season.

Blazers Arenas

Pacific Coliseum

1973-1975

Blazers Best

Pete Donnelly

1973/74

George Gardner

1973/74

Ron Plumb

1973/74

Don Burgess

1973-1975

Bryan Campbell

1973-1975

Danny Lawson

1973-1975

John McKenzie

1973-1975

John Migneault

1973-1975

Murray Myers

1973-1975

Claude St. Sauveur

1973-1975

Ron Chipperfield

1974/75

Don McLeod

1974/7

Mike Pelyk

1974/75

Related Content

s a sports fan, I’ve been following the developments closely and have discovered some of the best online sportsbooks available for NY residents.
December 22nd, 2023
Best March Madness Betting Platforms & Sportsbooks in 2024
As the NCAA Tournament unfolds, many people look to enhance their experience by betting on the games. Finding the right betting sites for March Madness is essential for placing smart bets and enjoying a seamless experience.
March 6th, 2024
Online sports betting has gained significant traction in recent years, with many people eager to participate in this fast-growing industry. As I dive into the topic, it’s essential to consider the legal landscape and how it varies across different states in the US. The legalization of sports betting has undoubtedly become a hot topic, with some states fully embracing it, while others are still on the fence.
November 10th, 2023
Best Sports Betting Sites in Iowa
Interested in finding out more about Iowa's sports betting scene? After the legalization of sports betting in May 2019, a range of sportsbooks both online and retail have become available to Iowa bettors.
February 5th, 2024
In June 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Sports Wagering Act into law, allowing residents and visitors to place bets on a wide range of professional and collegiate sports events. Since March 2020, sports enthusiasts have been able to participate in this exciting new form of entertainment, which has gained massive popularity in recent years.
December 22nd, 2023

Author

Frank Fleming
Frank Fleming founded the Sports Ecyclopedia in 2001 & is a passionate Devils fan.