Houston Aeros (WHA)

Lore & Background

The franchise was originally granted to Dayton, Ohio in early 1971, but due to indifference from residents, doubts about the market, and lack of a suitable arena, the organization moved to Houston in March 1972. The team was named the Aeros, supposedly after owner Paul Deneau saw an AeroMexico jet on a tarmac. The Aeros began play at the Sam Houston Coliseum, which was considered primitive by some press outlets. On October 12, 1972, they won their first regular season game 3–2 against the Chicago Cougars. In June 1973, Mark and Marty Howe were signed to four-year contracts, and Gordie Howe soon joined them. On October 13, 1973, the Howes became the first father/son combination to play together in professional hockey. The team changed ownership several times: Paul Deneau sold his majority interest to Irvin Kaplan midway through the 1973–74 season; Kaplan sold to George Bolin in fall 1975; Bolin sold to Kenneth Schnitzer in 1977. Despite on-ice success, the Aeros never turned a profit in six seasons. By late 1976, the Howes were rumored to be leaving; after the 1976–77 season, they were traded to the New England Whalers. Fan attendance declined from over 9,500 in 1975–76 to barely over 8,000 in 1976–77. During merger talks with the NHL, the Aeros were considered a strong candidate but were ultimately excluded. NHL president John Ziegler was cool to admitting another Sun Belt team, and Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs opposed a merger including the Aeros. Owner Kenneth Schnitzer tried to purchase and relocate the Cleveland Barons, but the NHL instead approved a merger of the Barons with the Minnesota North Stars. Schnitzer announced that the Aeros would not take part in the 1978–79 WHA season.

Reader's Guide

The Houston Aeros are notable as one of the WHA's most successful franchises, winning two AVCO World Trophies and four consecutive division titles. Their significance lies in their role in the WHA–NHL merger negotiations: despite being a strong team, they were the only WHA champion not admitted to the NHL. The article attributes this to NHL president John Ziegler's reluctance to add another Sun Belt team and opposition from Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs. The Aeros' failure to join the NHL, despite owner Kenneth Schnitzer's efforts to purchase and relocate the Cleveland Barons, highlights the challenges faced by WHA teams in the merger process. The team also featured the historic father-son combination of Gordie, Mark, and Marty Howe, who played together from 1973 to 1977. The Aeros' financial struggles, including deferred paychecks and below-league-average player salaries, underscore the economic difficulties of the WHA. Their folding on July 9, 1978, marked the end of a franchise that never made a profit despite on-ice success.

Did You Know?

• The franchise was originally granted to Dayton, Ohio, but moved to Houston before playing a game.
• Gordie Howe, Mark Howe, and Marty Howe became the first father/son combination to play together in professional hockey on October 13, 1973.
• The Aeros won the AVCO World Trophy in 1974 and 1975, both times in four-game sweeps.
• The Aeros were the only WHA champion that did not join the NHL.