1976–77 WHA season


The 1976–77 WHA season was the fifth season of the World Hockey Association. Prior to the season, the Toronto Toros moved to Birmingham, Alabama and became the Birmingham Bulls. The Cleveland Crusaders attempted to move to South Florida, but instead became the short-lived second incarnation of the Minnesota Fighting Saints and folded after playing 42 games. With the death of the Saints, the WHA officially left the last market it had been sharing with the NHL. The remaining 11 teams finished the season, playing 80 or 81 games.
With the reduction of teams before the start of the season, the league returned to a two-division setup, eliminating the Canadian Division.
The Avco World Trophy winners were the Quebec Nordiques, defeating the Winnipeg Jets four games to three; it was the only WHA final series that went the full seven games.

Regular season standings

Player stats

Scoring leaders

Bolded numbers indicate season leaders
GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes
PlayerTeamGPGAPtsPIM
Real CloutierQuebec Nordiques76667514139
Anders HedbergWinnipeg Jets68706113148
Ulf NilssonWinnipeg Jets71398512489
Robbie FtorekPhoenix Roadrunners80467111786
Andre LacroixSan Diego Mariners81328211479
Marc TardifQuebec Nordiques62496010965
Rich LeducCincinnati Stingers81525510775
Chris BordeleauQuebec Nordiques72327510734
Blaine StoughtonCincinnati Stingers81525210439
Mark NapierBirmingham Bulls8060369624
Dennis SobchukCincinnati Stingers8144529638
Serge BernierQuebec Nordiques7443539694

Leading goaltenders

Bolded numbers indicate season leaders
GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties, GA = Goals against; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average
PlayerTeamGPMinWLTGASOSV%GAA
Ron GrahameHouston Aeros39234527102107490.12.74
Ernie WakelySan Diego Mariners46250622181129389.63.09
Cap RaederNew England Whalers2613281210169290.23.12
Wayne RutledgeHouston Aeros42251223144132389.83.15
Joe DaleyWinnipeg Jets65381339212206389.23.24

Avco World Trophy Playoffs

WHA awards

Trophies

All-Star Team