North American Hockey League (1973–1977)
Minor professional hockey league / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The North American Hockey League (NAHL) was a low-level minor professional ice hockey league that existed from 1973 to 1977. Several of the NAHL teams operated as developmental ("farm") teams for World Hockey Association franchises. The NAHL was one of two leagues, along with the Southern Hockey League, that were formed after the Eastern Hockey League ceased operations in 1973. The Lockhart Cup was the league's championship trophy. With the loss of a number of franchises, the NAHL elected to fold in September 1977.[1]
Founded | 1973 |
---|---|
Ceased | 1977 |
Replaced by | American Hockey League |
No. of teams | 7 to 10 |
Country | United States & Canada |
Most titles | Syracuse Blazers (2) |
The league served as the inspiration for the film Slap Shot.[2] Ned Dowd, who played for the Johnstown Jets,[3] was the brother of the film's screenwriter, Nancy Dowd. Ned played for Johnstown during a season where the team was for sale, when his sister came to live in Johnstown and was inspired to write the screenplay. The film contains references to "Syracuse" and "Broome County", which were teams in the NAHL.[4] Some of the incidents depicted actually occurred in actual NAHL games.[2]