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The Rebel League: The Short and Unruly Life of the World Hockey Association

Ed Willes

4.10 · Rating details · 455 ratings · 51 reviews

The wildest seven years in the history of hockey

The Rebel League celebrates the good, the bad, and the ugly of the fabled WHA. It is filled with hilarious anecdotes, behind the scenes dealing, and simply great hockey. It tells the story of Bobby Hull’s astonishing million-dollar signing, which helped launch the league, and how he lost his toupee in an on-ice scrap.It expla ...more

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Paperback, 288 pages

Published October 4th 2005 by McClelland & Stewart (first published September 14th 2004)

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Oct 15, 2013 Grace rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: hockey fans, sports fans and fans of sports history

Shelves: canadian, sports, non-fiction, hockey

6/10/16: Like Bobby Hull, Gordie Howe was one of those larger-than-life players that put the WHA on the map. He came to play next to his sons. And it was there his legend grew far greater.

This book tells all those stories and more in beautiful detail.

He was one of the greatest hockey players to ever play this game. RIP Mr. Hockey.

Book Review:
As far as writing goes for a historical event within hockey, I thought this book was first rate in how engaging and witty it was in re-telling the rise, an 6/10/16: Like Bobby Hull, Gordie Howe was one of those larger-than-life players that put the WHA on the map. He came to play next to his sons. And it was there his legend grew far greater.

This book tells all those stories and more in beautiful detail.

He was one of the greatest hockey players to ever play this game. RIP Mr. Hockey.

Book Review:
As far as writing goes for a historical event within hockey, I thought this book was first rate in how engaging and witty it was in re-telling the rise, and ultimately the fall, of the World Hockey Association.

As a fan of the sport that was born well after the beginning and the end of the once rival North American league, the whole history was largely novel to me. Granted, I was aware of the leagues former existence in addition to the tidbits here and there regarding Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull with the Winnipeg Jets, and the fact the Edmonton Oilers dynasty of the 80s was built from the last gasps of its WHA days, as it's hard to be a serious hockey fan without hearing of these things.

And while all those people, teams and places did play a pivotal role and was discussed extensively within the book, it was the other stuff that it told us that really made the book and the league of such immense interest and the regaling of its story so charming. The characters in the books are simply unparalleled and really did illustrate the character and personality of this cowboy league.

The tone of the book also really helped sell the story and make it so enjoyable. It's so easy to imagine such a story could be treated somberly, like those regretting what they lost, or more likely disapproving of its existence, as Harold Ballard would have certainly done if he had written this book. It could have even been a dry, straight-forward retelling, as it certainly spoke enough about the business of sport to garner it.

But Ed Willes managed to weave all of it artfully with a light and humourous air that allowed the tale to float along seamlessly. None of the business talk weighed it down and in fact, in a lot of ways added to the lightness of the book when presented simultaneously with the experiences and stories of the players and teams that were involved.

Don't assume however that he treated the whole event as if a joke. He gave the league and the impact it had on the NHL and hockey with the due diligence it deserved, as it did bring about some very important changes for the good of its players.

In some ways, the lightness of the book was really a reflection of the league it pays homage to, a league that is a serious subject that really at its roots didn't take itself as seriously as it'd like those to believe it to. The amount of fun it had at the expense of the NHL was incredible, and it is also stunning how ruthless the NHL was in turn, and how terrified they were of the WHA and its new world order.

A worthwhile read for hockey fans, and a very enjoyable experience for someone who have never lived it. And a newfound respect as well to all those that took part in this rebel league. ...more

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Feb 02, 2021 Alex Stroshine rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: history

As a big hockey fan, I've long been intrigued by the World Hockey Association; I don't follow other sports and the WHA seemed to be an impressive major league rival to the National Hockey League. I also marvel that my hometown (Vancouver) in the mid-1970s boasted BOTH the Vancouver Canucks AND the Vancouver Blazers (sadly, one of the personal letdowns of this book is that Ed Willes spends only a few pages covering the Blazers; learning more about Vancouver's WHA team was one of the impetuses I h ...more

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Dec 21, 2020 Dave Cottenie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: hockey, canada, owned, owned-read

An amazing ride through a crazy league. From non-descript, blah origins to the crazy connections with the movie Slap Shot, The Rebel League is one of the best hockey books written. The influence of the World Hockey Association on the modern game should not be taken lightly. Ed Willes has provided us a hockey masterpiece.

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May 13, 2009 Tim rated it really liked it

As the NHL tries to revive interest following a lock out and lacking a contract with a significant television network, this isn't the first time there was an effort to shake up the world of professional hockey. Taking cues from the American Football League and the American Basketball Association, the World Hockey Association was born. The Rebel League , by Ed Willes, makes a worthy but not always successful effort to document the history of the WHA.[return][return]Although in existence only f As the NHL tries to revive interest following a lock out and lacking a contract with a significant television network, this isn't the first time there was an effort to shake up the world of professional hockey. Taking cues from the American Football League and the American Basketball Association, the World Hockey Association was born. The Rebel League , by Ed Willes, makes a worthy but not always successful effort to document the history of the WHA.[return][return]Although in existence only from October 1972 through March 1979, the impact the WHA on professional hockey in North American is unquestionable. As a renegade league of sorts, the founders and owners knew the only chance of success was to have top-name players. As a result, they lured superstar Bobby Hull with a million dollar bonus at a time when most NHL stars were lucky to make six figures.[return][return]Large contracts and bonuses allowed the WHA to land other quality NHL players and top quality draft picks. The WHA's actions not only increased player salaries in the NHL, they cracked the reserve clause in the NHL. Whether that ultimately has been good or bad for hockey is a matter of opinion.[return][return]Yet the WHA also got Gordie Howe to come out of retirement and play -- and quite effectively -- with his sons. It delved heavily into European players, opening the door much wider for those players in the NHL. It also was the starting ground for many future NHL superstars, such as Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier.[return][return]Still, the WHA remains perhaps more renowned for its characters. There was, for example, the night a referee was somewhat stumped on what penalty to call when two teammates on the Minnesota Fighting Saints got in a fight on the ice. Seems the rules don't specifically cover teammates fighting each other. Then there was goalie Gilles Gratton. A believer in reincarnation, among other things, Gratton begged off starting a game because of sore ribs he said were the result of a spear wound he suffered 300 years before. In another game, he simply left after two periods because he felt he'd faced enough shots.[return][return]Thanks to Hollywood, though, perhaps the most famous were the Carlson brothers of Minnesota. Not only did they serve as the inspiration for the bespectacled Hanson brothers of Slap Shot fame, two of the three actually played themselves in the movie.[return][return]The problem with The Rebel League is there is just too much ground and too many people to cover. Business and financial details compete with personalities and historical developments for both the writer's and the reader's attention. Willes also makes an effort to give each team equal time and its due but that is at time disruptive to the flow of the material. Still, it is a worthwhile excursion into a rebel league that would change the face of professional hockey.[return][return]Anyone who might question the impact of the WHA need only look at the 2006 Stanley Cup finals, the first after the rule changes bringing about the so-called "new NHL." The ultimate winners -- the Carolina Hurricanes -- actually began as the New England Whalers in the WHA. Their opponent? The only original WHA team that remains from the WHA's merger with the NHL 1979 -- the Edmonton Oilers.[return][return]Originally posted at http://prairieprogressive.com/2006/06... ...more

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May 24, 2014 bamlinden rated it really liked it

The Rebel League surprised me a bit. I was concerned it would be more of a "surface" story. Not really getting into details of the 7-year venture that was the WHA. It turned out to be a very well-written, detailed story.

Sure, there are the must-haves like Gordie Howe and his kids, Bobby Hull, Wayne Gretzky, the Slap Shot inspiration, the goonery. But this had more.

Details, details, details. Lots of interviews - and from a very diverse bunch. That was a big part of the enjoyment. Recognizing name ...more

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Oct 19, 2008 Ryan rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction

I was born in Edmonton at the tail end of the 1970s, so I always had a general awareness of the World Hockey Association, but I didn't really know much about it beyond a bunch of the teams ended up in the NHL, and that Gordie Howe played on the same team with his kids at one point. This book was clearly an education, then.

The WHA story is an interesting one - it was started by people who seemed to not know much about hockey or business, and kept itself together with little more than duct tape a ...more

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Jun 27, 2011 Eric rated it really liked it

Hilarious. A decent history of the rise and fall, and the WHA's legacy, but mostly a collection of great anecdotes involving some pretty wacky characters. Willes tries a bit too hard to be the deadpan raconteur at times, but the tales themselves are amusing. A fun read, especially if you're a hockey fan. ...more

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Jan 22, 2013 Sean Eddy rated it it was amazing

This is the best hockey book you've never heard of. The book chronicles the good, the bad, and the ugly of the WHA, and there was plenty of bad and ugly to go around. The stories that filtered out of the wild and crazy backwoods league went on to inspire just about everything in SlapShot. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction and this holds true here.

...more

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Jan 26, 2015 Chris rated it really liked it

Most enjoyable hockey book I have ever read--and I've read quite a few of them. Does for the World Hockey Association what Terry Pluto's LOOSE BALL did for the American Basketball Association. And once more, that is saying a lot.

If you love hockey, or if you love the business of sports, if you remember the 70s--heck, if you ever rented "Slapshot," you should read this book. ...more

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Jul 11, 2012 Angelica rated it really liked it

funny, well-researched and interviewed and attributed, and just everything is so good about this book. The names and such got a bit jumbled up in my head so I had to keep going back and reminding myself of who was who, but other than that... this is such an entertaining, enlightening read.

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Feb 14, 2013 Raimo Wirkkala rated it really liked it

This book exceeded my expectations by a great deal! Sports books, all too often, disappoint but this book is welcome exception. Willes has a great sense of humour and his approach in telling the story through the people involved makes for a wonderful, nostalgic experience.

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May 02, 2013 Jonathan rated it really liked it

A great history of the World Hockey Association, warts and all. But the league forced the NHL into modern age, and should be fondly remembered for that. A non hockey fan would enjoy this book, as well as true hockey fans.

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Jan 16, 2011 Pihla rated it really liked it

Entertaining and well-written stories about the rebels who changed hockey. At times, I chuckled out loud.

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Jan 01, 2013 Brandon Gee rated it it was amazing

Really enjoyed the stories of hockey in the 70s, definitely a bygone era. For as many flaws as the WHA had, they changed the sport forever.

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May 16, 2013 Caroline rated it really liked it

Shelves: hockey-books

fascinating insight into the world of hockey in the 70's, and written in a way that's delightfully entertaining ...more

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Jul 11, 2014 Kathy Johnson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Loved this book grew up with the WHA Jets, a lot of the stuff I knew, some I didn't. A must read especially for WHA fans & all hockey fans who didn't get to see them play. ...more

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May 07, 2015 Jes rated it it was amazing

Shelves: nonfiction, history, read-in-2015, american-history, hockey, sports-nonfiction

A funny and engaging read about the World Hockey Association from it's formation to it's eventual merging with the NHL. ...more

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Jan 21, 2018 Katherine rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: history, sports

The 70s were an interesting decade for sports. You had a number of upstart leagues out there, challenging the existing status quo, fighting for more pieces of the pie that was and would continue to be an huge part of our culture. The AFL, the ABA, and the WHA were all upstart leagues, flying by the seat of their pants, and eventually merged with their bigger competitors, but all made their sports better.

Perhaps you've seen Slapshot, that hockey movie about that blue collar, lunchpail hockey team ...more

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Jun 11, 2020 Jeff rated it it was amazing

In the 1960s and 70s, a number of professional sports leagues sprang up to challenge the long-established leagues in a number of sports. The American Football League, and American Basketball Association and the World Hockey Association all ended up eventually merging with their rival leagues. This book covers the seven year history of the WHA. It is a riveting tale of behind the scenes machinations, dazzling on-ice skill, and violent on-ice goonery, all of which were hallmarks of the short life ...more

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Dec 27, 2016 Myrdschaem rated it liked it

Shelves: hockey

I liked the book and it is informative, but Marek had me hyped about it so much it couldn't reach my expectations.
Plently of weird stories to check out, so if you are a bonafide hockey nerd it's a must. However, as someone who didn't grow up around hockey culture and only came to it after the last lockout, it is not easy to forge an emotional connection to the story told. Especially not-so-big stars that are brought in the lime light are people I hear about for the first time where I take n the ...more

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Oct 16, 2017 Jim Donovan rated it it was amazing

Hard to believe some of the things in this book actually happened. Comical and sad at the same time what some of those guys went through. Amazing that it was considered a professional league at all when you learn about some of the behind the scenes shenannigans that actually took place. I enjoyed it tremendously. I still have a bunch of WHA trading cards and old wax wrappers that they came in back in the day.

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May 06, 2018 Chris rated it it was amazing

Shelves: hockey

Most people forget there was a rival professional hockey league for seven years in the 70s - the WHA.

Each chapter is essentially a mini-biography about the different players and teams, from Gordon Howe, Bobby Hull, and Wayne Gretzky, not to mention the other wacky and wild characters from the league. The WHA was essentially the Wild West, no limits version of the NHL. I loved every page of these unbelievable stories and plucky underdogs.

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May 23, 2020 Thomas W. Brown rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Fun read

Enjoyed this look at the end since I knew too little about it. The characters were an eccentric and colorful group. Kudos to Bobby Hill and Gordie Howe for moving the league forward with credibility. As with all sports mergers, old school guys like Harold Ballard were stubborn conservatives who never gave in to the theory that the old way is the only way. Recommended reading for hockey fans.

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Sep 05, 2019 Walt Murray rated it really liked it

This is a very readable book that gives us the I side scoop on the life of the World Hockey Association. It is filled with great stories and good insight on how the WHA changed Hockey forever. If you are a hockey fan it is a must read, and it will be an interesting read for any sports fan, or for anyone interested in the business of sports.

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Aug 08, 2019 Greg Johnson rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Must read for any hockey fan.

Without the WHA the Oilers may never have won a single cup. The history of NHL is not complete without the history of the rebel league weaved into it. Must read for die hard fans of the greatest game on earth.

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Jul 24, 2020 Mylie rated it really liked it

Really enjoyable book on the WHA. A loose history, gets into the major events in the timeline of the league, interspersed with anecdotes and stories from players. Lots of interesting facts and trivia for hockey fans.

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Nov 28, 2020 John R. Wells Jr. rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A great read!

As a fan of the WHA's Birmingham Bulls, this books subject is a trip back to my early 20s and to the many nights I spent watching WHA games in person or listening to on the radio. This book tells a great story and is a must read for all hockey fans. ...more

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Dec 29, 2020 rich rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Great Hockey Memories

This book was fun to read and I found it difficult to put down. It was a trip down memory lane for me as I grew up in that era and enjoyed Hockey immensely. I can remember every player mentioned in this book. Lots of interesting facts and hilarious stories!

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Jun 01, 2017 D.F. Pendrys rated it it was amazing

A lot of good information about a very rough league. A few troubling parts, but a good recounting of the WHA.

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Sep 18, 2017 Chris Friesen rated it liked it

Great insight into and stories about the WHA.

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About Ed Willes

Ed Willes

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Sports columnist Ed Willes was born in Ottawa in 1955. Growing up, he moved across the country living in Ottawa, Montreal, Regina, Chilliwack, Toronto, Kingston, and Victoria. He remained in Ottawa to complete his third year of journalism BA at Carleton, but, alas, never obtained his degree.

Willes' first newspaper posting was for the Medicine Hat News in 1982 when he covered the WHL Tigers, minor ...more