1974–75 Chicago Cougars season



The 1974–75 Chicago Cougars season was the Chicago Cougars 3rd and final season of operation in the World Hockey Association (WHA). The Cougars finished 3rd in the Eastern Division and did not qualify for the playoffs.

Off-season
The Cougars approached their third season in the WHA with much hope. They had improved their squad with the arrival of top goaltender Dave Dryden and centre Gary MacGregor, fresh from an incredible 100 goal and 174 point season in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Cornwall Royals.

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

Regular Season
Team owners the Kaisers were losing money and Chicago Black Hawks fans were not willing to support the Cougars. The Kaisers decided to get rid of the team and sold it to players Ralph Backstrom, Dave Dryden and Pat Stapleton on December 28, 1974. It was the first time active players of a sports team purchased their own team and controlled its destiny. In front of an average of 3,000 fans, the Cougars missed the playoffs in what became their last season. They posted a 30-47-1 record, good for 61 points, 20 less than the previous season. Gary MacGregor delivered excellent performances with 42 goals and 76 points while Rosaire Paiement had 74 points. Frank Rochon enjoyed a 21 goal rookie season.

The sale of the Cougars to the players was not to their advantage. They did not have access to the season tickets' money, which remained in the Kaisers' pockets. Since the turn out at the gates was never good, the players lost a lot of money and were forced to fold the team at the end of the season.

Playoffs

 * The Cougars did not qualify for the post season.

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

 * The Cougars did not win any awards this season.

Farm Teams

 * Long Island Cougars, NAHL