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Houston Astros: Six reasons not to worry about this team’s adversity

By Kenneth Cline

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - AUGUST 29: Manager A.J. Hinch of the Houston Astros, left, looks on during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field on August 29, 2017 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Jason Behnken / Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - AUGUST 29: Manager A.J. Hinch of the Houston Astros, left, looks on during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field on August 29, 2017 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Jason Behnken / Getty Images) /
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Houston Aeros
(Photo by Darren Abate/Getty Images) /

Reason #2: An Aero Jet

Aero-Not-Tics

In case you’re wondering, the Aeros were named as a tribute to the Wright brothers and because of the space industry like many of Houston’s soon to be sports teams. Unfortunately, the Aeros moved away but, there’s hope of an NHL team coming to Houston soon.

But the biggest story of the 1973-74 season happened in the off season when the Houston Aeros of the World Hockey Association (WHA) acquired Gordie Howe. Howe was one of the greatest NHL players having spent his entire career with the Detroit Red Wings. But by age 44, his sons Mark and Marty had been drafted by the Aeros. Howe then decides to join his sons to try and win a title.

Now can you imagine a hockey family coming to a city that doesn’t know the difference between a hockey stick and a hockey puck? But that’s exactly what happened as the Howe men were part of the Aeros team.

The first season would see the Aeros finish first in the Western Division with Howe leading the team in assists and points. The team then swept the Winnipeg Jets before overcoming a 2-1 series deficit to the Minnesota Fighting Saints to win in six. Then the Chicago Cougars felt the wrath of another Aeros sweep in the Avco Cup Finals.

A year later, the Aeros returned to the finals losing only one game during their playoff run. They were back in the finals for a three-peat opportunity in 1976. Yet, the Jets swept them in four straight.

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