List of WHA broadcasters

After CBS lost the American television rights of the National Hockey League to NBC following the 1971-72 season (CBS was paying less than $2 million a year and NBC jumped to $5.3 million[1]), the network covered[2] the inaugural season of the World Hockey Association.[3] The WHA's TV deal[4][5] permitted it to sell week‐night games to other networks (CBS meanwhile, would show games on Sunday afternoons in addition the all-star game and playoffs[6]). In addition, the WHA also sold a $3‐million package to Canada.

On January 7, 1973, CBS aired its first WHA game between the Minnesota Fighting Saints and Winnipeg Jets live from the new St. Paul Civic Center with Ron Oakes, Gerry Cheevers and Dick Stockton announcing. Don Chevrier would also provide play-by-play for CBS[7] come the 1973 playoffs. CBS' contract[8] with the WHA overall, called for the network to broadcast a maximum of 10 games during the 1972–73 and 1973–74 seasons and a bigger slate of games for the 1974–75 and 1975–76 seasons.

Local broadcasters[edit]

See also: Historical NHL over-the-air television broadcasters
Team Radio station Radio announcers Television station Television announcers
Baltimore Blades WCBM WMAR
Birmingham Bulls WAPI Eli Gold[9] WBRC[10]
Calgary Cowboys CFAC[11] Eric Bishop[12][13] CFAC
Chicago Cougars WTAQ Howard Balson, Bud Kelly WSNS[14] Brad Palmer (1972–73),[15] Red Rush (1973–75),[16] and Bobby Hull[17]
Cincinnati Stingers WKRC Andy MacWilliams[18][19] WXIX
Cleveland Crusaders WWWE[20] Steve Albert (1972-75)[21][22] and Lee Hamilton (1975-76)[23] WUAB[24]
Denver Spurs KLZ KOA
Edmonton Oilers CJCA[25] Bryan Hall[26] and Rod Phillips[27] CFRN[28] Al McCann[29] and Bruce MacGregor
Houston Aeros KIKK KHTV Jerry Trupiano[30] and Jack Stanfield[31]
Indianapolis Racers WNDE Bob Lamey[32] WLWI
Los Angeles Sharks KNX KTTV
Michigan Stags WWJ[33] Gary Morrel[34] and Norm Plummer WXON Vince Doyle and Marty Pavelich
Minnesota Fighting Saints WLOL Frank Buetel,[35] Roger Buxton, Bill Allard,[36] and Bob Halvorson WTCN[37] Frank Buetel and Roger Buxton
New England Whalers WHDH[38]
WTIC[39] 		Dave Martin, John Moynihan,[40] Bill Rasmussen, Ron Ryan, Bob Neumeier, Dennis Randall, and John Hewig WKBG[41][42]
WFSB
Connecticut Public Television[43] 		John Carlson,[44] Tim Horgan, Stan Fischler,[45] Shirley Fischler, Bob Neumeier,[46] Bill Rasmussen,[47] Dennis Randall,[48] and John Hewig
New York Golden Blades WMCA John Sterling[49] and Fritz Peterson[50][51] WNEW
Ottawa Civics
Ottawa Nationals 		CKOY[52] TVOntario
Philadelphia Blazers WIBG (Vancouver Blazers) (CJJC)[53] WKBS
Phoenix Roadrunners KOY Al McCoy[54] KPHO[55]
San Diego Mariners KOGO Roy Storey KCST
Toronto Toros CFRB William Stephenson[56] CKGN
Winnipeg Jets CJOB[57] Ken Nicholson[58][59] and Don Wittman Don Wittman[60][61]

Notes[edit]

  • The Michigan Stags' radio station was WWJ 950. Gary Morrel was play-by-play announcer while Norm Plummer handled color commentary. (At least one broadcast had only two sponsors mentioned: Nolwood Chemical, a company owned by the Stags' owners, and the Stags themselves.) Michigan played just one game on local television: the season opener against the Indianapolis Racers, broadcast live from Indianapolis on WXON Channel 20. Detroit radio icon Vince Doyle called play-by-play and former Red Wing Marty Pavelich was the color commentator. The Stags won the game, 4-2, but few saw it; the Stags were up against game five of the 1974 World Series. Eight other games were scheduled to be televised but money became a problem by mid-November, especially after Michigan lost 11 of their next 12 following their season-opening win.
  • Games of the original Minnesota Fighting Saints were heard on WLOL Radio (1330 AM) from 1972 to 1976, with Frank Buetel as play-by-play announcer. Buetel was the original TV voice of the NHL's Minnesota North Stars from 1967 to 1970 on WTCN-TV (now KARE-TV). Buetel's color commentators included Roger Buxton and Bob Halvorson, the Saints' first-season public relations director (1972–73), and Bill Allard (1973–76). Al Hirt's version of "When the Saints Go Marching In" was used as the theme song for WLOL's Fighting Saints broadcasts. No local radio station carried games of the New Fighting Saints (1976–77). Fighting Saints games were televised sporadically on WTCN from 1973 to 1975. The first WTCN game was a home contest versus Cleveland on December 23, 1973, with Buetel and Allard simulcasting. Buxton called subsequent games on WTCN. In the 1973–74 season, one Saints home game was carried on KTCA-TV (PBS). No local TV station aired games of the New Fighting Saints.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Craig, Jack. "NHL finds NBC coverage more to its liking".
  2. ^ Duncan, Stephen (April 7, 1973). "The Financial Post - Page 11". The Financial Post. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  3. ^ Jonathan Lucas (2007). First, Fourth and Last. Trafford Publishing. p. 60. ISBN 9781425111311.
  4. ^ Eskenazi, Gerald (October 27, 1972). "Raiders Win, 7-6". The New York Times.
  5. ^ "Cbs Will Televise Wha. - Page 22". The Montreal Gazette. October 27, 1972. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  6. ^ "Looking Back At The WHA". NHL.com. November 21, 2005.
  7. ^ McDonald, L. Ian (April 23, 1973). "Networks Desert Usual Easter Fare. With A Five Part ... - Page 20". The Montreal Gazette. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  8. ^ Duncan, Stephen (April 7, 1973). "The Financial Post - Page 11". The Financial Post. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  9. ^ Gaither, Joe (August 2, 2021). "Eli Gold Announced as the Official Voice of the Birmingham Squadron". Tide 100.9. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  10. ^ Powell, Richard (May 11, 1988). "3 Emerge For Tide Radio Spot. - Page 50". The Tuscaloosa News. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  11. ^ "The Calgary Herald - Page 23". The Calgary Herald. March 29, 1977. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  12. ^ "BC Radio History". BC Radio History. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  13. ^ Collins, Fred (June 4, 1983). "Oakes now is behind the mike for football". The Calgary Herald. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  14. ^ "Wha Series On Television - Page 47". Star-News. May 9, 1974. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  15. ^ "About The Professor". Chicago Now. Archived from the original on 2011-10-04. Retrieved 2020-06-08.
  16. ^ "Red Rush passes away". THE BROADCAST BOOTH. January 15, 2009.
  17. ^ WHA: Dec.17/1972 Chicago Cougars - Minnesota Fighting Saints on YouTube
  18. ^ "REMEMBERING THE CINCINNATI STINGERS HOCKEY TEAM". Cincy Shirts. November 8, 2018.
  19. ^ Williams, Ken (March 21, 1976). "Stingers' broadcaster got to the top fast". The Journal News. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  20. ^ "Indians Sign Radio Pact For Games. - Page 33". The Portsmouth Times. February 8, 1973. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  21. ^ Popelka, Greg (January 25, 2012). "Blast From the Past: Gerry Cheevers and the Cleveland Crusaders". TheClevelandFan. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  22. ^ "Steve Albert Joins Suns Broadcast Team". NBA.com.
  23. ^ Pitarresi, John (August 18, 2009). "Tuesday Conversation: Triumphs to tragedies, sportscaster Lee Hamilton has seen it all". Observer-Dispatch. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  24. ^
    • "Crusaders, Cavs On TV". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. August 23, 1974. p. B3. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
    • "Television For Tonight". Akron Beacon Journal. Akron, Ohio. December 5, 1972. p. A24. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
    • Smith, Don (March 22, 1973). "CATV has variety". The Newark Advocate. Newark, Ohio. p. 1. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  25. ^ "Adio Highlights. - Page 66". Edmonton Journal. March 24, 1973. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  26. ^ Gaschnitz, K. Michael (11 September 2015). The Edmonton Oilers. McFarland. p. 266. ISBN 9780786455461.
  27. ^ Iorfida, Chris (May 28, 2010). "Oilers radio announcer Phillips to retire". CBC. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  28. ^ "And Your Radio Sports. - Page 109". Edmonton Journal. December 26, 1974. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  29. ^ 1979 Avco Cup Edmonton vs Winnipeg Bobby Hull and Wayne Gretzky interviews on YouTube
  30. ^ Reiss, Aaron (July 15, 2016). "Original Aeros brought Hall of Famer and hockey to Houston". Chron. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  31. ^ 1978.04.04.WHA WinnipegJets- Houston Aeros on YouTube
  32. ^ WIBC Hockey Bob Lamey Indianapolis Racers on YouTube
  33. ^ "The Windsor Star - Page 48". The Windsor Star. September 25, 1974. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  34. ^ McKay, Jim (September 17, 1974). "Stags Look To Haidy Tor Added Leadership. - Page 26". The Windsor Star. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  35. ^ "Frank Buetel". Pavek Museum. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  36. ^ "Comments radiotapes.com". RadioTapes.com. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  37. ^ "Minnesota Fighting Saints (1972-1977)". Vintage Minnesota Hockey. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  38. ^ Isler, Jim (February 15, 1980). "Dave Martin Joining Buc Broadcast Lineup. - Page 6". The News-Dispatch. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  39. ^ "Oody Songs. - Page 34". The Morning Record. October 30, 1976. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  40. ^ "Panthers' Television, Radio Announcers". Sun Sentinel. October 4, 1993.
  41. ^ "Whalers Rule Out Home Playoff TV". The Day. April 4, 1973. Retrieved 2010-11-24.
  42. ^ team was located in Boston at the time
  43. ^ Bob Strecker (November 1, 1975). "Whalers hockey goes on Channel 53". The Day. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
  44. ^ "Former Patriots radio announcer John Carlson has died". Boston.com. April 29, 2016. Retrieved June 22, 2018.
  45. ^ "Personalities - Stan Fischler". MSG Networks. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  46. ^ Buckler, Matt (October 28, 2021). "Matt Buckler: Bob Neumeier was all about the passion". Yahoo!. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  47. ^ DeLorenzo, Jim (September 7, 2022). "On this Date in 1979, ESPN Founder Bill Rasmussen Changed the Way the World Watches Sports and Television". EIN Presswire. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  48. ^ Surgent, Scott. "The Complete World Hockey Association - Scott Surgent". surgent.net. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  49. ^ Halberstam, David J. (July 4, 2018). "Often criticized Yankees play-by-player John Sterling, 80 today, was a pioneer sports talk host". Sports Broadcast Journal. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  50. ^ "New York Raiders Memories". GeoCities.
  51. ^ "Peterson To Air N.Y. Hockey Games". The Morning Record. Associated Press. September 29, 1972 – via Google News.
  52. ^ Koffman, Jeff (June 2, 1972). "Eight-Year Minor Leaguer One Of First Two Nats. - Page 23". Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  53. ^ Vancouver Broadcasters, NorthWest Broadcasters, BC Radio History, Gary Rable did Colour with Ron Oakes PXP
  54. ^ Cluff, Jeremy. "Legendary Phoenix Suns broadcaster Al McCoy returning for 48th season with team in 2019". The Arizona Republic.
  55. ^ "Phoenix On Road Next 12 Games. - Page 11". The Prescott Courier. October 25, 1972. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
  56. ^ Csillag, Ron (August 3, 2014). "William (Bill) Stephenson: Broadcaster was voice of CFRB sports for four decades". The Globe and Mail.
  57. ^ "Wittman, Don". Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame.
  58. ^ "Nicolson, Ken "Friar" - Manitoba Hockey ..." Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  59. ^ "Ken Nicholson Voice of the Jets - Making It Up". fallows.ca. November 7, 2015. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  60. ^ MacDonald, L. Ian (October 10, 1972). "Football Freaks Unite, Keep The Nfl. Get Righ It Would ... - Page 23". The Montreal Gazette.
  61. ^ 1977-05-26 Gm 7 coupe AVCO nordiques-jets on YouTube
  62. ^ Logan, Bob (October 14, 1973). "Ringmaster in the Bulls-eye". Chicago Tribune. p. TV Week 5. Archived from the original on July 23, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  63. ^ Logan, Bob (May 18, 1976). "Bulls' TV contract canceled". Chicago Tribune. p. 4:1. Archived from the original on July 23, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  64. ^ Deeb, Gary (February 1, 1974). "Owen Marshall degenerates to record low". Chicago Tribune. p. 1:13. Archived from the original on July 23, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  65. ^ Hirsley, Michael (February 13, 2007). "Bob Luce: 1928 - 2007 A promoter extraordinaire: Staging pro wrestling shows was a labor of love for Bob Luce". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on October 18, 2015. Retrieved September 10, 2015.
  66. ^ Isaacs, Stan (April 4, 1982). "More to New Voices Than Meets the Ear". Newsday. Melville, New York. p. Baseball 10. Archived from the original on July 23, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  67. ^ "ESPN Founder - About Bill Rasmussen". Archived from the original on June 8, 2010. Retrieved 5 November 2016.
  68. ^ April 11, 1975 Whalers-Fighting Saints brawl from YouTube
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