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Not realizing the true devotion of Detroit hockey fans for their Red Wings, the Stags were forced to play without a television deal. Financial woes resulted for the new owners and forced the trade of Tardif, their only real marquee player to Quebec on December 7, 1974. The final shot was made. Less than 6 weeks later, On January 19, 1975, the Stags limped out of Detroit with 39 points in 61 games to their name after a 2-1 road loss to the Crusaders. But their move to Baltimore didn't fare much better. They resurfaced as the Blades a week later, bu the red and black jersies weren't all the team brought with them. Poor attendance was again a problem and the team managed only 7 points in the remaining 17 games. Now under a three division league, the team finished last in the East with the second worse overall record. Maryland was already plucked of it's new hockey fans by the NHL's Washington Capitals. Unable to secure a local television deal for the upcoing season, the team planned to give it a go in hockey-virgin Seattle, Washington. This however never came to be and the team ceased operations in May of 1975.
The WHA in Detroit seemed like a natural fit. A major market + proven hockey hotbed should equal success. Then add the fact the Stags began operations in the league's third season, when the WHA's future looked brighter than it really was. Had the league decided to play in Detroit from the beginning, the team, even a weak team they inherited from Los Angeles would have had a chance to gain a following. Had that happened, the WHA's future may have been brighter for at least awhile longer.
SEASON | W | L | T | P | GF | GA | PIM | SEASON FINISH |
1974-1975 | 18 | 40 | 3 | 39 | ??? | ??? | ??? | moved to Baltimore Jan 18, 1975 |
TIMELINE
![]() LA Sharks | ![]() Michigan Stags | ![]() Baltimore Blades |
'72-'74 | 61 games in '74-'75 | final 17 games in '74-'75 |