Following the 1960–61 season, Spokane Comets owner Mel Smith informed the WHL that he was considering moving his team to either Los Angeles or San Francisco.
At the same time, Los Angeles Sports Arena general manager Bill Nicholas revealed that he intended to affiliate with the WHL if he could not gain an NHL franchise.
After finishing 25-39-6 in their inaugural season, the Blades improved to 35-32-3 in 1962–63, led by coach Jack Bownass and fleet left wing Willie O'Ree, the NHL's first black player.
Pike's biggest impact on the Blades came when he shifted O'Ree - who'd lost the vision in his right eye to a puck during his junior hockey days – from left wing to right.
Jack Kent Cooke was awarded the Los Angeles franchise, which would be called the Kings; the Blades played their final game in April 1967.