Western Hockey League (1952–1974)

The Western Hockey League (WHL) was a major professional ice hockey league operating from 1952 to 1974. It was considered one of the top leagues in North America, second only to the National Hockey League (NHL) and, for a time, the American Hockey League (AHL). The league served as a primary development ground for NHL talent, with many future NHL stars honing their skills in the WHL.

The WHL was formed following the demise of the Pacific Coast Hockey League (PCHL). Teams were primarily located in cities across western Canada and the western United States, including but not limited to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Denver, Portland, Seattle, and Los Angeles.

The league was known for its competitive play and its colorful personalities, both on the ice and behind the bench. Several prominent coaches and general managers who would later achieve success in the NHL gained experience in the WHL.

The WHL awarded the President's Cup to its playoff champion each season.

The league folded in 1974 due to a combination of factors, including the expansion of the NHL into the western United States and the formation of the World Hockey Association (WHA), which drew away players and fans. A new junior league, also named the Western Hockey League, was formed in 1966, initially operating alongside the professional league before eventually becoming the sole bearer of the WHL name. The current WHL is a major junior league and is not directly related to the professional WHL of 1952-1974, despite sharing the same name.