The fourth team to be covered in this series is the Kansas City Scouts, who played from 1974-1976.
When the NHL expanded in 1974 by creating the Washington Capitals franchise, they evened things out by putting a team in Kansas City.
Ownership originally wanted the team to be named the "Mohawks," but the Chicago Blackhawks' front office blocked the name because it came too close to that of their own franchise. They finally settled on "Scouts," because of a famous statue nearby the arena called the Scout.
When the 1974-75 season began, there was a rodeo show at Kemper Arena—and like the New Jersey Devils at the start of this season, the Scouts had to play their first nine games on the road. They lost eight of those games and tied one, as the team struggled miserably. Their record of 15-54-11, it would be the best they would ever finish in their two-season history.
Following a 12-56-12 season in 1975-76, in which the team went winless in their last twenty-one games, the Scouts realized that things were just not going to work out in Kansas City. The team packed their bags for Denver to become the Colorado Rockies, and shortly thereafter would find a more permanent home as the New Jersey Devils.
In just two seasons the Scouts went through three coaches—Bep Guidolin, Sid Abel, and Eddie Bush.
The team had only one captain—their leading scorer for two seasons, Simon Nolet.
To wrap things up, it is clear that this was one of the worst franchises in the history of the National Hockey League. But to this day, there are still rumors of a hockey franchise to be started again in Kansas City. Before their management situation was settled, the Penguins were rumored to relocate there.
Now it seems if there has to be another team to relocate, this city will be the destination. The Kansas City hockey movement even has their own Myspace page to show how dedicated they are. Hopefully, if that time should come, the new franchise will learn from the mistakes that haunted the original for two seasons.
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3 months ago
ah everythings up to date in kansas city....sorry, reference to the show, oklahoma...im a theatre geek..anyway, great article greg
3 months ago
After the IHL Kansas City Blades went under with the league. Blades fans and season ticket holders purchased season tickets to St. Louis Blues games. Still to this day they travel the 4 hour trip to support the only hockey franchise in Kansas City. Sure, its not Canada, and no, its not a hockey rich culture, but the city deserves a team. My vote is move the Panthers to Kansas City, and bring back the Blades!
P.S. I'm a KC native and I freaking hate the Devils, go figure...I guess beggars can be choosers. Also, my heart broke when the Pens made the agreement for the new arena and to stay. I was really hoping. Great Article Greg!
2 months ago
I see quite a few Scouts and Rockies jerseys being worn by fans at Devils home games.
The Devils have a display in The Rock noting the team's history in Kansas City and Denver.
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