Ottawa Nationals Memories

Ottawa Nationals



1972-73

Founded: November 21, 1971 by Doug Michel as the Ontario charter franchise of the World Hockey Association.

On November 21, 1971 an Ontario group headed by Doug Michel was granted a franchise into the World Hockey Association along with with the New England Whalers. At the time michel was looking to place histeam in Toronto or Hamilton, but later placed the team in the nations capital Ottawa. In Ottawa Buffalo's Nick Trbovich joined the team as a co-owner. On the ice the team waslead by franchise player Wayne Carleton. He was followed by Gavin Kirk and stellar goaltending by ex-Penguin Les Binkley and Gilles Gratton. The team came 4th out of 6 teams in the Eastern conference, with 35 wins. Unfourtunately the Nats weren't a huge sucess because they competed for the dollar versus the popular junior team the Ottawa 67's. This had alot to do with the team's demise and low attendance. Michel and Trbovich were losing money and decided to move the team to Toronto to play out the playoffs. The team did well in Toronto attendance wise averaging 5,000 people so Michel decided to move the Nats to Toronto for good. 

Ottawa Nationals Year-by-Year
Year      W     L    T     pts.    Finish        Playoffs
1972-73  35    39    4     74      4th Eastern   Lost to New England 1-4

Other Team Facts

Jerseys:

Colors: Red, White, Blue
  • Wayne Carleton wearing Nationals jersey as he battles with Raiders Ron Ward.
    Arena Home Rink- Ottawa Civic Center (10,500)
    Attendance Figures (Avg-Total)
  • 1972-73......3,226.......125,802
    Coaches
  • 1972-73...Bill Harris
    All-Star Representatives
  • 1973..Wayne Carleton,Ron Climie,Guy Trottier,Bob Charlesbois
    Affiliations
  • 1972-73...Clinton Comets (EHL)
    Player Stats
  • Ottawa Nationals 1972-73

    Ottawa Nationals 1972-73 Schedule

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