50 Years Ago in the World Hockey Association, Mid-August 1972

WHA Competition Raises NHL Salaries

"The average salary increase in the NHL in the 1971/72 season was 15 percent. But because of competition from the WHA, the average increase in the NHL for the 1972/73 season may reach 35 percent. "Alan Eagleson Executive Director NHLPA, Aug. 17, 1972 Globe and Mail

He continued, "The players who played for $15,000 last season have negotiated 100 percent increases." He guessed that the WHA has cost the NHL "about $5-million additional salaries." The average NHL payroll in the NHL last season, he again guessed, was $620,000. "Next season I believe payrolls per club will be up to $900,000 or $1-million."

Smythe Says No to Hull 

"I don't think contract breakers should represent Canada." Conn Smythe, Aug. 16, 1972 Globe and Mail.

Smythe is referring to Bobby Hull who recently jumped to the WHA from the NHL's Chicago Black Hawks. "As for Hull being the greatest left-winger in the game, not many hockey men will agree with you. In 1957/58 Frank Mahovlich beat him out of the rookie award, and over the seasons since, Mahovlich has been much better as a team player. Hull, in 15 years has been on one Stanley Cup team. Mahovlich has been on five. Isn't it time that the NHL, who made it possible to have the greatest hockey team ever assembled represent Canada, and everybody back this Team Canada of ours all the way?"

NHL Compared to Hitler?

"We are going to prove to the NHL that no monopoly has ever survived. Even Hitler didn't make it." - Bill Hunter, General Manager of WHA Alberta Oilers, Aug. 15, 1972 Globe and Mail.

Hunter continued, "Nobody gave the NHL any reason to believe it's got a divine right to run hockey. No act of Canada has given Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens and Vancouver Canucks immunity from competition. The NHL's reserve clause is a sacrilege that doesn't tolerate the dignity to which a player is entitled." 

Referee Bill Friday May Jump to WHA

"If they come up with the bread, I'll be going. After all, I've got a wife and five kids and if I can double my salary...well, you don't have to think twice." Bill Friday, a ten-year veteran referee of the NHL, Aug. 19, 1972. Globe and Mail. 

Friday admits that up to half of the NHL's 14 referees and 16 linesmen may jump to the WHA. "We're negotiating, but nothing is settled yet.".The average salary for a referee in the NHL is $18,000 but senior men like Friday earn around $25,000. Asked if he was taking a chance in joining the WHA, Friday said, "I'm sure the league won't fold - there's too much work and money gone into it. But, I'd like to think I'd be welcomed back to the NHL in that eventuality"



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