1972-1973: EXPANSION GROWING PAINS
Due to failing health of GM Bud Poile, Coach Hal Laycoe was forced to relinquish his coaching duties for the coming season in order to take over the GM duties on an interim basis. On May 2, Vic Stasiuk was introduced as the team's new Head Coach. The summer of '72 was a time for change in the hockey world. Not only were new NHL franchises in Atlanta and Long Island awarded, but a 12-team rival league, the World Hockey Association, was set to begin its inaugural season. As well, in September Canadian NHL stars took on the Soviet National Team in an eight-game series. Dale Tallon and Jocelyn Guevremont, the Canucks first two first-round draft picks, were on Canada's roster but neither appeared in a game. After going 1-3-1 in the first five games, the Canadians battled back to win three games in a row (with Toronto's Paul Henderson scoring the game-winner in all three) and take the series. It was an off-season for gains and losses for the Canucks. Lost were Rosaire Paiement, who signed with Chicago of the WHA, and Pat Quinn, who was chosen by Atlanta in the Expansion Draft. Gained was a terrific first-round draft pick. C Don Lever from Niagra Falls of the OHA would quickly work his way into the hearts of the fans with his hard work and consistency. Once again Andre Boudrias was able to put up big numbers, having his best season to date with 30 goals and 40 assists for 70 points. He finished second in team scoring, however. Bobby Schmautz, who had registered 35 points over 86 games in the previous two seasons, had a breakthrough year. Two four-goal games and another hat trick paced "Schmautzie" to a club-record 38 goals and, with 33 helpers, managed 71 points to edge out Boudrias. Also coming into their own were C Richard Lemieux and C Bobby Lalonde, who had scored 16 and seven points respectively in their rookie seasons, managed 52 and 47 points in these, their sophomore seasons, to finish third and fourth in team scoring. But, as it was a season of both gains and losses, for every up there was a down. After only missing two games in the first two seasons, Wayne Maki was held to only 26 games this season with an unknown ailment. He was soon diagnosed with brain cancer, and it would claim his life in under a year. The team was 16-42-8 through 66 games until a 6-5-1 finish made final totals a little more respectable. 53 points earned the Canucks a seventh-place finish in the eight-team East Division, 35 points out of the playoffs.
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