Very rare vintage WHA Philadelphia Blazers store model stick. The story of the Philadelphia Blazers franchise begins in Miami of all places. Granted franchise life in November 1971, the Miami Screaming Eagles would never actually play a WHA game. Despite this, the Screaming Eagles would make major WHA news by luring goalie Bernie Parent away from the NHL. Parent was the first star player to defect to the rival league. The team’s next NHL target was Boston Bruins fan favorite Derek Sanderson, who was more than intrigued by the Miami offer. A deal wasn’t yet completed when in April of 1972 Miami withdrew from the league because of the lack of a suitable arena among other financial reasons.

In June the Philadelphia Blazers were formed, replacing the Miami franchise and thus assuming Parent’s contract. The new owners also continued talks with Sanderson and eventually worked out a contract worth in excess of 2.5 million dollars. The next big move was the signing of another Bruin, Pie McKenzie. The 1972-73 season proved disasterous for the Blazers. The team started slowly, as injuries to Sanderson, Parent and McKenzie occurred early in the year. Sanderson was disgruntled and eventually returned to Boston after a 1 million dollar buyout was negotiated. Poor attendance and financial woes ensued. A strong finish that landed the Blazers a playoff spot was not enough to save the club. Following the inaugural season, the franchise was sold and moved to Vancouver where they would play for 2 seasons, keeping the Blazers as their nickname.

This store model stick represents only one season of WHA play. A very rare stick indeed.