The World Hockey Association (WHA) was a professional ice hockey league that operated from 1972 to 1979. It was established as a rival to the National Hockey League (NHL) and aimed to attract top talent by offering higher salaries and innovative marketing strategies. The WHA featured teams in both the United States and Canada, and it played a significant role in the development of professional hockey. The WHA is best known for introducing the Avery Brundage Trophy and for its impact on the sport, including the signing of star players like Wayne Gretzky. In 1979, the WHA ceased operations, and four of its teams joined the NHL, helping to shape the future of professional ice hockey.