World Hockey Association Hall of Fame facts for kids
Quick facts for kids WHA Hall of Fame |
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| Established | 2009 |
| Location | 801 Hat Trick Avenue, Eveleth, Minnesota |
| Founder | Timothy Gassen |
| Inductees | 55 total: 30 players 4 coaches 6 builders 1 on-ice officials 10 legends of the game 4 members of the Howe Family |
The World Hockey Association Hall of Fame is a special place that honors the history of the World Hockey Association (WHA). This was a big professional ice hockey league that played from 1972 to 1979. It was a rival to the more famous National Hockey League (NHL).
The WHA Hall of Fame was started in 2009. It's an independent group, meaning it's not part of the old WHA league itself. People were first chosen to be honored in 2010 and then again in 2012.
You can find the main museum displays for the WHA Hall of Fame inside the United States Hockey Hall of Fame museum. This museum is located in Eveleth, Minnesota. Sometimes, special displays from the WHA Hall of Fame travel to other places for events.
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How Players Are Chosen for the Hall of Fame
In 2009, a special voting ballot was created. Experts from hockey history groups helped make sure it was fair. This ballot was then sent to people who used to play or work for the WHA. It also went to sports reporters and other important hockey figures. Anyone who had been a part of the WHA was able to be considered for the Hall of Fame.
First Group of Honorees
The very first group of people chosen for the WHA Hall of Fame was announced in 2010. There were 41 individual people, plus a famous hockey family: the Howe Family. This family included Gordie Howe, his sons Marty Howe and Mark Howe, and his wife Colleen Howe. They were all inducted together as a family.
In 2012, eight more individual people were added to the Hall of Fame.
Legends of the Game
The Hall of Fame also has a special group called "Legends of the Game." There are ten people in this group. They are honored because they made important contributions to hockey or started their careers in the WHA. Some of these legends include famous players like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, who later became huge stars in the NHL.
Who is in the WHA Hall of Fame?
The WHA Hall of Fame honors many different types of people who helped the league. This includes players, coaches, and even people who helped build and run the league (called "builders"). There's also a referee and the special "Legends of the Game" group.
Here are some examples of the amazing people who have been inducted:
- Players: Many talented players from the WHA are honored. This includes forwards like Bobby Hull and Andre Lacroix, defencemen like Ted Green, and goalies like Gerry Cheevers.
- Coaches: People who led the teams, such as Jacques Demers and Bill Dineen, are also recognized.
- Builders: These are the people who worked behind the scenes to create and manage the league, like Gary Davidson and Bill Hunter.
- Officials: Even referees, like Bill Friday, who made sure the games were fair, are honored.
- The Howe Family: Gordie Howe, often called "Mr. Hockey," played in the WHA with his sons, making history. His wife, Colleen, was also a very important part of their hockey journey.
