The 1966–67 WHL season was the 15th season of the Western Hockey League. Seven teams played a 72-game schedule, and the Seattle Totems were the Lester Patrick Cup champions, defeating the as Vancouver Canucks four games to three in the final series.[1]

1966–67 WHL season
LeagueWestern Hockey League
SportIce hockey
Number of games72
Number of teams7
Regular season
Season championsPortland Buckaroos
Season MVPBilly McNeill (Vancouver)
Top scorerCliff Schmautz (Portland)
Lester Patrick Cup
ChampionsSeattle Totems
  Runners-upVancouver Canucks
Seasons

Prior to the start of the season the San Francisco Seals were purchased by a group that was awarded a National Hockey League expansion team for the 1967–68 season, with plans to move the team to the NHL. The team was renamed the "California Seals" for their last season in the WHL.[2] A new team was also added, the San Diego Gulls.[3]

Guyle Fielder of Seattle led the league in scoring and was named the most valuable player.[4]

Final Standings edit

WHL Standings[1]
R Team GP W L T GF GA Pts
1 Portland Buckaroos 72 41 24 7 255 209 89
2 Seattle Totems 72 39 26 7 228 195 85
3 Vancouver Canucks 72 38 32 2 228 215 78
4 California Seals 72 32 30 10 228 242 74
5 Victoria Maple Leafs 72 30 34 8 224 232 68
6 Los Angeles Blades 72 29 38 5 260 286 63
7 San Diego Gulls 72 22 47 3 222 266 47

bold - qualified for playoffs

Playoffs edit

Semifinals Finals
      
1 Portland Buckaroos 0
3 Vancouver Canucks 4
3 Vancouver Canucks 0
2 Seattle Totems 4
2 Seattle Totems 4
4 California Seals 2

The Seattle Totems defeated the Vancouver Canucks 4 games to 0 to win the Lester Patrick Cup.[1]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Stott 2008, p. 242
  2. ^ Stott 2008, p. 147
  3. ^ Stott 2008, p. 150
  4. ^ Stott 2008, p. 151

Bibliography edit

  • Stott, Jon C. (2008), Ice Warriors: The Pacific Coast/Western Hockey League 1948–1974, Surrey, British Columbia: Heritage House Publishing, ISBN 978-1-894974-54-7