4: Slim and None / Episode #4: "Winging It"

Before the World Hockey Association played its first games, they won several important battles in the courts that allowed the league to pursue players from the NHL. Today you’ll meet one of the founders of the WHA that was responsible for litigation---Don Regan.The Hockey News: THN.com/FreeBLEAV: Bleav.com/shows/

There is more to building a hockey league than signing players and coaches. It took all kinds of professionals behind the scenes to get the WHA ready for its inaugural season.The Hockey News: THN.com/FreeBLEAV: Bleav.com/shows/

The twelve teams of the WHA contributed to Winnipeg Jets to sign Bobby Hull, considered by many to be the most charismatic player in pro hockey. It ended up being one of the biggest signings in sports history, giving the league legitimacy.The Hockey News: THN.com/FreeBLEAV: Bleav.com/shows/

It’s time for the teams of the WHA to build their rosters. While a lot of franchises looked to make a big splash, the Whalers took a different approach---a mixture of young NHL talent and top college players.The Hockey News: THN.com/FreeBLEAV: Bleav.com/shows/

It’s getting close to dropping the puck for the WHA, but there was a series of franchise moves and ownership changes. Joining Howard Baldwin is the founder and first President of the league --- Gary Davidson.The Hockey News: THN.com/FreeBLEAV: Bleav.com/shows/

The WHA had franchises, but needed to add players. This is the story of the first WHA draft and the building of the New England Whalers. Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager Rob Ryan joins in the conversation.The Hockey News: THN.com/FreeBLEAV: Bleav.com/shows/

This episode features a discussion of the key February meeting when the $25,000 obligation is raised to $250,000, then eliminated.  There is also a discussion of some of the more colorful owners and hockey personalities at that point in time and the status of the league itself.The Hockey News: THN.com/FreeBLEAV: Bleav.com/shows/

The Whalers had gone from having people wonder whether they could pull it off to where are they going to play. Howard Baldwin explored a number of options including the Providence Civic Center, which was filled with chaos.  Also, Howard says goodbye to his longtime friend and associate, Bob Caporale.The Hockey News: THN.com/FreeBLEAV: Bleav.com/shows/

It's November 1971, and Howard and the team have gotten the green light on their franchise. Now back home in Massachusetts, reality sets in. There are 10 months until the puck drops on opening night, and no shortage of tasks to complete - secure financial backing, find a place to play, build a front office and fill out a roster. Thankfully, there's still some luck left in the tank.The Hockey News: THN.com/FreeBLEAV: Bleav.com/shows/

After returning home from the WHA league meetings in New York City, Howard and company had their marching orders. But, with only weeks until the next league meetings scheduled for Miami and so much to accomplish, the odds are stacked against the boys. Then again, when had a little adversity ever slowed them down before?The Hockey News: THN.com/FreeBLEAV: Bleav.com/shows/