Hard-hitting Jim "Flipper" Dorey spurned a big offer from the New York Rangers to sign with the fledgling WHA New Engl;and Whalers in 1972. He teamed with ex-Leafs teammates Brad Selwood and Rick Ley to form the WHA's premier defensive crew. Dorey was the Whalers' "quarterback" on the blueline with 63 points in 1972-73. He added 19 points in 16 playoff games as the Whalers won the Avco Cup.. After another all star season in 1973-74 he was traded to Toronto for Wayne Carleton during the 1974-75 season. He made a big impact in Toronto, scoring 16 goals for the Toros high-octane offensive team. Prior to the 1976-77 season he was traded to Quebec (for Dale Hoganson)and helped the high-flying Nordiques win the 1977 Avco Trophy. Injuries dogged him throughout his final two WHA seasons and he did not join the club when it moved to the NHL in 1979. Dorey finished 50th in All Time WHA scoring, played in three WHA All-Star games and won two Avco Cups.
Despite a respectable career in the WHA, many people remember an ugly incident involving WHA tough guy Gordie Gallant.
"Gallant suckered Paul Baxter of our team and Gallant went to the penalty box to serve a major, two minors and a misconduct. The coach made it clear he expected me to do something about Gallant. It was the last time we'd be facing Birmingham because the league was about to fold. But what could I do? The guy would be in the penalty box for all but the last few moments of the game."
"So I led a four-man rush out of the Quebec zone, then stopped at center ice, right in front of the penalty box. I wheeled and sent a slap shot right at Gallant's head. He ducked and the puck struck a photographer standing behind him, knocking him flat."
The incident ended up in the land of the law. Dorey was fined $9,999.99 in small claims court.
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