Paul Smith, Ulf Nilsson, Bobby Hull

A photograph from our archives may help to explain the persistent rumors regarding Bobby Hull playing for the Red Army. In fact, Mr. Hull never played for the Red Army, or for the Battlesheep, for that matter. However, there was a brief period during the WHA playoffs in 1976 when injuries to players in the line-up of the Winnipeg Jets caused them to call up several members of the Battlesheep to play in the Avco Cup finals. As you know, the Jets won the cup that year. The photo in question demonstrates the participation of the Battlesheep by showing Paul Smith (Goalie, Right Wing, Captain) in the Cup presentation ceremony with line-mates Ulf Nilsson and Bobby Hull. This potent combination was known as the PUB line (Paul,Ulf and Bobby). Unfortunately, it is well known that Winnipeggers hate pub lines and would rather drink immediately, so sadly, the Battlesheep did not remain in the Jets uniform in 1977 or in subsequent years.