Michel Plante, Canadian ice hockey left winger

Michel Plante, born on January 19, 1952, is a distinguished Canadian former professional ice hockey player whose career notably unfolded within the competitive landscape of the World Hockey Association (WHA). Plante's professional journey offers a fascinating glimpse into the dual-draft era of the early 1970s, where players had the unique choice between established NHL franchises and the ambitious, upstart WHA league.

Early Foundations: Youth Hockey and the Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament

Before embarking on his professional career, Michel Plante honed his skills in the vibrant minor ice hockey scene of Drummondville, Quebec. As a promising young talent, he had the notable distinction of participating in the prestigious 1964 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. This world-renowned event, held annually in Quebec City, serves as a crucial proving ground for aspiring hockey stars, attracting thousands of young players from across the globe. Plante's involvement in this celebrated tournament underscores his early potential and dedication to the sport, laying a significant foundation for his future professional aspirations.

The Professional Crossroads: NHL Draft and WHA Opportunity

The year 1972 marked a pivotal moment for Michel Plante as he became eligible for professional drafts in both North America's premier ice hockey leagues. He was selected in the fifth round, 73rd overall, of the 1972 NHL Amateur Draft by the historic Toronto Maple Leafs. At that time, the NHL Amateur Draft was the primary mechanism for NHL teams to acquire the rights to promising young players.

However, the burgeoning World Hockey Association (WHA), a rival league established in 1972, presented an alternative and often lucrative pathway for players. Plante was also selected in the WHA's inaugural General Player Draft by the newly formed Miami Screaming Eagles. Opting for the WHA was a strategic decision for many players during this period, as the league frequently offered more substantial contracts and immediate playing opportunities, directly challenging the NHL's long-standing monopoly on professional hockey talent. This dynamic period allowed players like Plante to leverage competitive offers between the two leagues.

A WHA Tenure: The Blazers Franchise Odyssey

Michel Plante, primarily a defenseman, chose to embark on his professional career in the WHA, aligning with the franchise that would become known as the Blazers. His tenure with this team, while spanning parts of two seasons (1973-74 and 1974-75), was marked by significant geographical shifts, reflecting the early instability and rapid expansion of the WHA.

• The Unplayed Miami Screaming Eagles Season: Although drafted by the Miami Screaming Eagles, the franchise never played a game in Miami. Financial difficulties and logistical challenges led to an immediate relocation before the WHA's inaugural 1972-73 season could even commence.
• The Philadelphia Blazers (1972-1974): The franchise moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, becoming the Philadelphia Blazers. Plante played for this iteration of the team during the 1973-74 WHA season, contributing to their defensive corps.
• The Vancouver Blazers (1974-1975): Following financial struggles in Philadelphia, the team relocated again, this time to Vancouver, British Columbia, and rebranded as the Vancouver Blazers. Plante continued his career with this franchise during the 1974-75 season. In total, Michel Plante played in 58 WHA regular season games across both the Philadelphia and Vancouver iterations of the Blazers franchise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michel Plante's Career

What was the World Hockey Association (WHA)?

The World Hockey Association (WHA) was a major professional ice hockey league that operated from 1972 to 1979. It was established as a direct competitor to the National Hockey League (NHL), offering players significant contracts and challenging the traditional hockey establishment. While it ultimately merged with the NHL in 1979, bringing four of its teams into the NHL, it profoundly impacted professional hockey by driving up player salaries and expanding the sport into new markets.

Why did Michel Plante choose the WHA over the NHL after being drafted by both leagues?

Players like Michel Plante often chose the WHA due to the more lucrative financial offers and greater immediate opportunities for playing time. The WHA actively recruited established NHL stars and promising young talent, offering substantial salaries that the NHL was initially unwilling to match. For a 5th-round draft pick in the NHL, the WHA likely presented a more direct path to a professional playing career with a better financial package and more certainty for playing time.

Which WHA teams did Michel Plante play for?

Michel Plante played for the Blazers franchise, which underwent two relocations during his tenure. He played for the Philadelphia Blazers (following their relocation from Miami, where they never played) and subsequently for the Vancouver Blazers, after the team moved again from Philadelphia. He played parts of two seasons across these two cities, totaling 58 WHA games.

What is the significance of the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament?

The Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament is considered the most prestigious youth ice hockey tournament in the world. It provides an unparalleled platform for young players aged 10 to 12 to showcase their skills on an international stage. Many future NHL stars, including Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Connor McDavid, participated in this tournament, highlighting its importance in identifying and developing hockey talent from a young age.