The Houston Aeros won the Avco World Trophy for the second straight year in dominating fashion, losing only one time in the playoffs.
The WHA expanded by adding the Indianapolis Racers and Phoenix Roadrunners, and splitting into three divisions: Western, Eastern, and Canadian.
Prior to the season, Southern California welcomed the Jersey Knights, who moved to San Diego and became the Mariners, and said goodbye to the Los Angeles Sharks, who moved to Detroit and became the Michigan Stags.
The NHL also expanded this season, to 18 teams, making a total of 32 clubs playing major professional hockey in North America.
Bolded numbers indicate season leaders GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes Bolded numbers indicate season leaders GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties, GA = Goals against; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average At Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton, the West defeated the East 6–4.