1979 Event NHL votes to accept 4 WHA teams (Oilers, Jets, Nordiques and Whalers) 1977 Event NHL refuses merger of 6 WHA clubs 1974 Event Gordie Howe comes out of retirement for $1M from Houston Aeros, WHA 1973 Event Indianapolis is awarded a WHA franchise 1973 Event 1st WHA championship, New England Whalers beat Win Jets, 4 games to 1 1954 Event WHA TV channel 21 in Madison, Wisconsin (PBS) begins broadcasting 1934 Birthday Gary Davidson, U.S. sports league founder, ABA, WHA, WFL
