TheFourthPeriod.com

Yesterday, the World Hockey Association held its inaugural draft at the Niagara Fallsview Casino and Resort. Eight teams drafted a total of 240 NHL and AHL free-agent players, with one team set to be announced as early as Monday. TFP has learned that the team introduced as the "Founders' Franchise" could see it's 2004-05 season (assuming there is a season) in Vancouver. According to a source close to the WHA, the Founders are pursuing the potential of having a team in the British Columbia city.

From 1973-75, the Vancouver Blazers of the original WHA played action in West Coast metropolis.

Should the team land in B.C., they may GM Place –home of the NHL's Canucks– their home, according to the source.

Conveniently, the Founders' Franchise drafted the rights to Todd Bertuzzi, of the Canucks, yesterday. They also chose goalie Corey Schwab, defenseman Jiri Slegr and center Sean Pronger, who have all played for the Canucks at one point in their careers.

Gilmour thinking about WHA

The Founders' Franchise also selected recently retired NHLer Doug Gilmour, yesterday.

Gilmour, who turned 41 on June 25, has been contacted by the WHA about signing with one of its teams.

The Kingston, ON., native was drafted by the potential Vancouver franchise in the eight-round and, according to a source, has interest in playing.