Winnipeg Clubs
The Winnipeg Clubs were a short-lived major junior hockey team that competed western league for three seasons, from 1973 to 1976. The team played its home games at the Winnipeg Arena, which was also home to the WHA's Winnipeg Jets. Originally, the junior team had been called the Winnipeg Jets, but when the WHA team arrived and took on the Jets moniker, the junior squad changed its name to the Winnipeg Clubs to avoid confusion.
The most famous alum of the Clubs is Doug Wilson, who went on to enjoy a long and distinguished NHL career, primarily with the Chicago Blackhawks. Wilson would eventually become a Norris Trophy-winning defenceman and later a successful NHL general manager with the San Jose Sharks.
In 1976, the Winnipeg Clubs rebranded as the Winnipeg Monarchs, marking the end of the Clubs' era. However, the Monarchs only lasted one season before the franchise relocated to Calgary in 1977, becoming the Calgary Wranglers.Â