The Chicago Cougars were an original WHA franchise. They lasted for a total of 3 seasons before folding due to financial pressures, their inability to find a suitable arena and unhappy ownership. The first year saw the Cougars post the leagues worst overall record. Ownership then signed local Black Hawks stars Pat Stapleton and Ralph Backstrom which helped the Cougars make a marked improvement in their 2nd season. Sneaking into the playoffs, the team then caught on fire, winning two hardfought playoff rounds, both coming on the road in game 7 and advancing to the Avco World Finals.

The Cinderella story would then come to an abrupt end at the hands of Gordie Howe’s Houston Aeros who swept the underdog Cougars in 4 straight. During those 1974 playoffs, the Cougars were forced to leave their already small and inadequate arena and play some of their home games at a tiny arena located in a shopping center in Mt. Prospect, Illinois! During the 1974-75 season, three players; Ralph Backstrom, Pat Stapleton and goalie Dave Dryden purchased a controlling interest in the franchise from the disgruntled ownership group. The move proved a poor one financially for the players and the team’s fate was sealed, forcing them to fold following the 1974-75 campaign.

This home gold mesh gamer by Champion was worn by Jim Benzelock during the 1974-75 WHA season. Benzelock was part of the Cougars franchise for all 3 seasons of their existence, beginning during the WHA’s inaugural campaign of 1972-73. Jim would play one additional season in the WHA, with the Quebec Nordiques, during the 1975-76 campaign.

Sewn into the collar is the Champion manufacturer’s tag. Game use consists of stick marks, board burns, un-repaired holes, bloodstains and a team-sewn repair.