Remembering those that were Flames and Cowboys

Way, way back in the 1980s, the Calgary Flames came to town from the scenic climes of Atlanta. But prior to the arrival of the Flames, the World Hockey Association’s Calgary Cowboys spent two seasons in the Stampede Corral.

Five players suited up for both franchises.

Much ado about the Cowboys

First, a small amount of history.

The WHA was a competitor league to the NHL. Founded in 1972, its expansion itself led the NHL to rush to get into markets before the WHA could gain a foothold – the Atlanta Flames were founded in 1972 as part of the NHL’s rush into key American markets.

The WHA wanted to be in Calgary from the beginning, owing to the market’s size and the success of the WHL’s Calgary…