Superb piece of hockey history in this plaque awarded to New England Whalers' owner Howard Baldwin in 1972 to commemorate the start of the World Hockey Association. Wood base measures 12x16" and has an 8.5x11" plate reading in part, "This plaque commemorates commencement of play by the World Hockey Association and was presented to Howard Baldwin, the President and trustee of the New England Whalers by Gary L Davidson, the President of the World Hockey Association, October 12, 1972, Boston Garden, New England vs Philadelphia." The final line reads, "The attached puck was one of the first pucks used by the World Hockey Association," with said puck mounted directly below. The plaque has some dings and there are scratches and small dents to the plate. The WHA existed from 1972 to 1979 and had a significant impact as four surviving teams - including the Whalers - were merged into the NHL.