Vancouver Nats

The Vancouver Nats were a short-lived junior hockey team that competed in the Western Hockey League (WHL) for just two seasons, from 1971 to 1973. Based out of Vancouver, British Columbia, the team played its home games at the Pacific Coliseum, a large venue more commonly associated with the city’s professional teams. Despite playing in a big arena in a big city, the Nats struggled both on and off the ice.

The team was formed as part of the WHL's expansion efforts, and named after owner Nat Bailey who provided financial support to many baseball teams around the city as well as helped the Canucks out of bankruptcy. Unfortunately, the Nats failed to capture a local fanbase, as they were competing for eyeballs alongside more established teams like the NHL's Vancouver Canucks, who also played in the Coliseum and joined the NHL only one year prior.

The Nats won only 27 games over two western league seasons and folder after the 1972-73 campaign.