City Calgary, Alberta Owner(s) Bob Brownridge 1972–1976 Cleveland Crusaders Founded 1971 | Operated Did not play 1972 Calgary Broncos Location Calgary, Canada | |
League World Hockey Association | ||
The Calgary Broncos were an original World Hockey Association franchise founded November 1, 1971. In the first WHA draft, the Broncos chose: Barry Gibbs, Jim Harrison, Dale Hoganson and Jack Norris. The team relocated prior to the start of the first WHA season when team owner Bob Brownridge died. They moved to Ohio, becoming the Cleveland Crusaders.
The Broncos were established in anticipation of an Alberta rivalry between the Broncos and the Edmonton Oilers. After the team folded, the Edmonton Oilers were renamed Alberta Oilers with the intention of splitting their home games between Calgary and Edmonton. The Oilers ultimately did not play any home games in Calgary however, and reverted to the name "Edmonton Oilers" after one season.
Calgary later joined the WHA in 1975 when the Vancouver Blazers relocated to become the Calgary Cowboys.