Gone But Not Forgotten Trivia Quiz

The New York Americans (1925-41)
The Brooklyn Americans (1941-42)

Before the franchise moved to New York in 1925, it started out as the Quebec Bulldogs (1919-20), then became the Hamilton Tigers (1920-25). For most of its tenure in New York, the team was called the New York Americans, only changing the name in its what would be its final season to reflect a planned move to Brooklyn. Despite early popularity, they never secured a championship. Financial troubles and player shortages during World War II led to their suspension and eventual dissolution.

During their 17 years in the Big Apple, the Americans had a record of 255 wins, 402 losses, and 127 ties. They made five playoff appearances, but never advanced beyond the semifinals.

The Cleveland Barons (1976-78)

This franchise was a continuation of the California Golden Seals (1967-76). After relocating to Cleveland, they faced low attendance and financial instability. Unable to sustain operations, they merged with the Minnesota North Stars, marking the first franchise merger in NHL history.

During their tenure in Cleveland, the Barons amassed a record of 47 wins, 87 losses, and 26 ties, finishing last in the Adams Division and missing the playoffs in both years.

The Quebec Bulldogs (1919-20)

The Bulldogs joined the NHL from the National Hockey Association (NHA) but only played one season before relocating to Hamilton due to financial difficulties. They did not win the Stanley Cup during their brief tenure in the Quebec.

In their one season, they had a record of 4 wins and 20 losses, finishing in last place (of four teams). This included a 16-3 pummeling by the Montreal Canadiens on March 3rd, 1920.

The Phoenix Coyotes (1996-2014)
The Arizona Coyotes (2014-2024)

The Arizona Coyotes originated as the Winnipeg Jets in 1979 before relocating to Phoenix in 1996 due to financial challenges and arena limitations in Winnipeg. Beginning as the Phoenix Coyotes, the name changed in 2014 to be more inclusive of the state's fandom, becoming the Arizona Coyotes. Despite efforts to stabilize the franchise, the Coyotes faced persistent issues including ownership turnover, low attendance, and disputes over arena funding. These problems culminated in the team being dissolved in 2024, with the NHL awarding a new franchise to Salt Lake City to replace it.

During their 28 years in Arizona, the Coyotes' record was 918 wins, 934 losses, 94 ties, and 191 overtime losses. In that time, the Coyotes made the playoffs nine times, and just once made it as far as the Conference Finals.

The St. Louis Eagles (1934-35)

The St. Louis Eagles were a short-lived franchise that emerged from the relocation of the original Ottawa Senators. The move to St. Louis was an attempt to escape financial troubles, but the team struggled with high travel costs and poor performance. After just one season, the franchise folded, a casualty of the economic pressures of the Great Depression.

In their one season in St. Louis, the Eagles had a record of 11 wins, 38 losses, and 6 ties. They finished in last place (of five teams), and did not make the playoffs.

The Atlanta Flames (1972-80)

The Atlanta Flames joined the NHL during its 1972 expansion but failed to establish a strong fan base. Despite some competitive seasons, the team suffered from financial losses and limited local support. In 1980, the franchise was sold and relocated to Calgary, where it became the Calgary Flames and found greater success both on and off the ice.

In their eight years in Atlanta, the team managed 268 wins, 260 losses, and 108 ties. They qualified for the playoffs six times, but were knocked out in the first round every time.

The California Seals (1967)
The Oakland Seals (1967-70)
The Bay Area Seals (1970)
The California Golden Seals (1970-76)

Originally known as the California Seals, this team underwent multiple rebrandings and ownership changes, eventually becoming the California Golden Seals. The franchise struggled with poor attendance, weak performance, and unstable management. In 1976, the team moved to Cleveland and became the Barons, but continued financial issues led to a merger with the Minnesota North Stars two years later.

In their nine years in the San Francisco Bay Area, the (Golden) Seals put together a record of 182 wins, 401 losses, and 115 ties. They made the playoffs on just two occasions, and were eliminated after the first round in both years.

The Minnesota North Stars (1967-93)

The North Stars were part of the NHL's 1967 expansion and initially enjoyed moderate success. However, financial instability and declining attendance plagued the team in later years. After merging with the Cleveland Barons in 1978, the franchise continued to struggle and ultimately relocated to Dallas in 1993, becoming the Dallas Stars.

Over 25 years, the North Stars' record was 758 wins, 970 losses, and 334 ties. They made it to the post-season in 17 of their 25 years in Minnesota, and made it to the Stanley Cup Finals on two occasions: 1981 (loss to the NY Islanders) and 1991 (loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins).

The Pittsburgh Pirates (1925-30)

The Pirates were an early NHL team that transitioned from the amateur Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets. Despite initial enthusiasm, the team faced mounting financial difficulties and poor performance. In 1930, the franchise relocated to Philadelphia as the Quakers, but the move failed to revive its fortunes, and the team folded after one season in the neighbouring city.

In their five years in Pittsburgh, the Pirates had a record of 67 wins, 122 losses, and 23 ties. They made the playoffs twice, losing both times in the first round.

The Philadelphia Quakers (1930-31)

The Quakers were the relocated version of the Pittsburgh Pirates, hoping to find better financial footing in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the team endured a disastrous season both on the ice and financially. The onset of the Great Depression further strained resources, leading to the team's dissolution after just one year.

In their sole Philadelphia year, the Quakers had 4 wins, 36 losses, and 4 ties, finishing last in the American Division and in the league and not making it into the post-season.

The Colorado Rockies (1976-82)

The Rockies were born from the relocation of the Kansas City Scouts. Despite the fresh start in Denver, the team continued to struggle with poor performance and low attendance. In 1982, the franchise moved again, this time to New Jersey, where it became the Devils and eventually found long-term stability and success.

During their stint in Colorado, the Rockies put together a record of 113 wins, 281 losses, and 86 ties. They qualified just once for the playoffs in six years, losing to the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round in 1978.

The Kansas City Scouts (1974-76)

As part of the NHL's mid-1970s expansion, the Scouts were introduced to Kansas City, but quickly ran into trouble. The team suffered from weak performance and financial losses, and after just two seasons, the franchise was moved to Denver to become the Colorado Rockies.

In their two seasons in Missouri, the Scouts put up an abysmal record of 27 wins, 110 losses, and 23 ties. They did not make the playoffs in either year before relocating.

The Atlanta Thrashers (1999-2011)

The Thrashers were Atlanta's second attempt at hosting an NHL team. Despite initial excitement, the franchise struggled with poor attendance, limited playoff success, and ownership issues. In 2011, the team was sold and relocated to Winnipeg, reviving the Jets name and marking the end of NHL hockey in Atlanta (again).

Over twelve years in Atlanta, the Thrashers' record was 342 wins, 437 losses, 45 ties, and 78 overtime losses. They made the playoffs on just one occasion, and were swept in the first round by the New York Rangers.

The Hamilton Tigers (1920-25)

The Tigers were originally the Quebec Bulldogs before relocating to Hamilton. The team showed promise but was marred by a player strike over unpaid wages in 1925. The NHL responded by suspending the franchise, and it was eventually sold and rebranded as the New York Americans, ending Hamilton's brief NHL tenure.

During their time in Hamilton, the Tigers had a record of 47 wins, 78 losses, and 1 tie. They did not qualify for the playoffs at all during those five years.

The Hartford Whalers (1979-97)

The Whalers joined the NHL from the World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1979 and became a beloved team in Hartford. However, they faced challenges with a small market, outdated arena, and limited financial growth. In 1997, the franchise relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, where it became the Carolina Hurricanes.

During their 18 years in Hartford, the Whalers amassed 534 wins, 709 losses, and 177 ties. They made the playoffs eight times, and only made it to the second round (Division Final) on one occasion.