1974–75 Cleveland Crusaders season



The 1974–75 Cleveland Crusaders season was the Cleveland Crusaders 3rd season of operation in the World Hockey Association (WHA). It was the Crusaders' first season in the new Coliseum at Richfield. The Crusaders finished 2nd in the Eastern Division and lost in the Quarter-finals to the Houston Aeros 4 games to 1.

Off-season
The Crusaders moved into the new Coliseum at Richfield which at the time, was the most luxurious in hockey. The facilities far surpassed the Cleveland Arena which had become decrepit and the area was notorious for the high level of crime. Several Crusaders players experienced theft of their cars and mugging outside the old Cleveland Arena.

The Crusaders jerseys were the same design as in the 1973-74 season.

Pre-season
On October 6, 1974, the Crusaders lost an exhibition game 5-3 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Regular Season
The only shutout in Michigan Stags history occurred on December 19, 1974 in a 1-0 victory over the Cleveland Crusaders. In a game marred by multiple brawls, Stags goalie Paul Hoganson out-dueled All-Star goalie Gerry Cheevers and made 32 saves.

Player Stats
Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals

MIN = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals-against; GAA = Goals-against average; SO = Shutouts

Awards and Records

 * Gerry Cheevers, Goalie, WHA Second Team All-Star