[3] For some time, the EHL's southern teams had felt chagrin at the costs of traveling to northern arenas, and other regulations such as dressing only 14 players for games.

The affiliation with the WHA brought the promise of better players, but drawbacks included not finalizing rosters until just before the season started, and mid-season callups straining the talent pool.

On July 31, 1975, Jack Riley was announced as the new commissioner of the SHL, taking over for interim leader Gene Hawthorne, of the Roanoke Valley Rebels.

In October 1974, owner Bill Raue moved the team, to Hampton, Virginia, before playing any games, when availability of home ice dates became a problem.

The five teams played a complete schedule of 72 games, with the Charlotte Checkers winning both the regular season and playoff titles.

The Tidewater Sharks joined the league owned by Virginia politician Dick Davis, playing at the Norfolk Scope.

[7] The six teams played a complete schedule of 72 games, with the Charlotte Checkers repeating as regular season and playoff champions.

[9] The Roanoke Valley Rebels ceased operations, and two new teams were added for the 1976–77 Southern Hockey League season.

[3][7] On January 7, the Tidewater Sharks folded after missing payroll, and Winston-Salem owner Jim Crockett Jr. pulled the Polar Twins out of the league.

[7] The league sought out a sixth team in southern states to fill in the gap between North Carolina and Florida.