How did Wpg not get a expansion team before 1979?

[shtinky]

When you consider that the Winnipeg Arena, when built, was as good as anything in the NHL in the mid-1950s, and that at the time Winnipeg was the 4th biggest city in Canada, how is it that Winnipeg did not get a NHL expansion team?

A while back, someone posted some articles from the Free Press archive about the construction of the Wpg. Arena, and there was mention at the time that it could lead the way to an expansion team. That didn't happen, but it's also kind of surprising that Winnipeg was overlooked in the late 60s/early 70s NHL expansions.

Do any "old timers" remember those days and more importantly, any discussion about the NHL coming to Winnipeg? Did it almost happen? Was anyone actively pursuing a NHL team before the WHA came around?

[Jari]

I know Ben Hatskin tried to get Winnipeg an expansion team in 1967 but NHL didnt want us

[The Winning Pegs]

Mar 20, 2011 21:43:52 GMT -5 Jari said:

I know Ben Hatskin tried to get Winnipeg an expansion team in 1967 but NHL didnt want us

sounds framiliar

[ovi1]

Mar 21, 2011 3:04:14 GMT -5 The Winning Pegs said:

Mar 20, 2011 21:43:52 GMT -5 Jari said:

I know Ben Hatskin tried to get Winnipeg an expansion team in 1967 but NHL didnt want us

sounds framiliar

the more things change.......

[CravenMoorhead]

The NHL rejected Vancouver, and they had the 16,500 seat Coliseum. They also had a population of 900,000 at the time.

Winnipeg had the 10,500 seat area, with a population of 500,000.

The Oakland Seals almost moved to Vancouver a couple of years after getting a team in 1967, but the NHL wanted to save the Seals, so they granted an expansion team to Vancouver and Buffalo for the 1970-71 season.

[mcguire4]

jetsender did a whole piece on here awhile back chronically the WHA/NHL years.
it is very in depth and detailed.
its the VERY FIRST STICKY IN THIS VERY SECTION.

enjoy