- 1974
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Kansas City Scouts Team Formation
In 1974, the NHL ended its first expansion period by adding teams in Kansas City, Missouri, and Washington, D.C. Kansas City was awarded a franchise on June 8, 1972, and Kemper Arena was constructed to host the team’s games. Kansas City had been the home of several minor league ice hockey teams through the years. The Scouts shared Kemper Arena ...
History of the Scouts
The Kansas City Scouts were an NHL team that existed from 1974 to 1976. The team was founded by the Philadelphia Flyers and moved to Kansas City in 1974 after a failed attempt at establishing an expansion franchise in California. The Scouts played their home games at Kemper Arena, which had been built for them prior to their move from Philadelphia.
In its two-year existence, the Kansas City Scouts posted a record of 57 wins, 107 losses, and 15 ties for 129 points overall; they finished last or second-to-last in all three seasons they played there. They also struggled financially due to poor attendance numbers as well as competition with other professional sports teams such as baseball’s Royals and football’s Chiefs who shared the same market area with them during this time period. Despite these issues, some notable players did play for the scouts including Hall of Famers Bernie Federko (who scored 37 goals)and Simon Nolet (who recorded 32 assists).
While it is unfortunate that this franchise only lasted two short years before moving again—this time becoming New Jersey Devils—the history of hockey still remains alive through memories made by those who experienced it firsthand while playing or watching these games live at Kemper Arena over forty years ago!
Established
1974
City
Kansas City – Denver – New Jersey
League History
1974 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
1982 – Present / New Jersey Devils
1976 – 1982 / Colorado Rockies
1974 – 1976 / Kansas City Scouts
Nickname
Scouts – The Kansas City Scouts have been a beloved National Hockey League (NHL) team since 1974. Despite their short run, they have made an indelible mark on the world of hockey and remain one of the most popular teams in NHL history. But what is the origin story behind this iconic team's nickname?
The Scouts were founded by former NHL player Art Howe, who wanted to bring professional hockey to his hometown of Kansas City. The name "Scouts" was chosen as a tribute to Howe's days scouting for college players during his time with the Minnesota North Stars organization before joining Kansas City. In addition, it also served as a nod towards local Boy Scout troops and military personnel stationed at nearby Fort Leavenworth Army Base - both groups being essential parts of life in KC at that period.
Although they only lasted four seasons before moving out west and becoming today’s New Jersey Devils franchise, fans still fondly remember their beloved “Scouts” moniker all these years later - making them one of just two original expansion franchises from 1974 whose names remain unchanged! So next time you watch your favorite NHL game or cheer on your favorite team from home, give props where due: Go Scouts!
Championship
Stanley Cups 0
2003, 2000, 1995
Arena
2007 – Present / Prudential Center
1982 – 2007 / Continental Airlines Arena
*Denver*
1976 – 1982 / McNichols Sports Arena
*Kansas City*
1974 – 1976 / Kemper Arena
Owner
2013 – Present / New Jersey Devils, LLC
2004 – 2013 / Jeffrey Vanderbeek
2000 – 2004 / YankeeNets
1982 – 2000 / John McMullen
1976 – 1982 / Jack Vickers
1974 – 1976 / Edwin G. Thompson
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Retired Number
3 / Ken Daneyko
4 / Scott Stevens
26 / Patrik Elias
27 / Scott Niedermayer
30 / Martin Brodeur
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history