The Cincinnati Stingers were one of the final expansion teams of the World Hockey Association (WHA), representing Cincinnati from 1975 to 1979 during one of the most dynamic and transitional periods in professional hockey. Despite their relatively short existence, the Stingers developed a passionate fan base, ice a competitive roster, and left behind one of the most distinctive visual identities of the 1970s hockey landscape.

The Stingers quickly became known for their bright yellow-and-black color scheme, clean striping, and bold hornet-inspired logo—one of the most memorable marks in WHA history. Their uniforms captured the graphic style of the late 1970s, blending classic hockey design with modern elements that continue to resonate with retro-sports collectors and fans of defunct franchises.

On the ice, the Stingers fielded an impressive roster that included future NHL talent and standout WHA performers. One of the most notable players to wear a Stingers uniform was Mike Gartner, who joined the team as a teenager and later became a Hall of Famer after a long and prolific NHL career. The Stingers also featured rugged winger Robbie Ftorek, one of the WHA’s top American-born stars; defenseman Barry Melrose, who later became one of hockey’s most well-known broadcasters; and players such as Rich Leduc, Michel Dion, and Rick Dudley, each of whom contributed significantly to the team’s competitive play.

The Stingers played their home games at the Riverfront Coliseum, where they entertained fans with fast-paced WHA action, high-scoring games, and the free-flowing style that defined the league. While the WHA merged with the NHL in 1979, the Stingers were not selected to join the new combined league. Even so, their brand, their players, and their distinctive yellow-and-black identity left a lasting mark on Cincinnati’s sports culture.

Today, the Cincinnati Stingers are celebrated as one of the most stylish and collectible teams from the WHA era—a beloved reminder of 1970s hockey and a key chapter in Cincinnati’s professional sports history.

The Royal Retros Cincinnati Stingers Collection honors this classic franchise with a wide range of heritage-inspired apparel. Fans can explore performance hockey jerseys, premium tackle-twill throwbacks, vintage-style T-shirts, midweight fleece hoodies and crewnecks, embroidered snapbacks, trucker hats, dad hats, flex-fit caps, and retro jackets that capture the spirit of the original Stingers designs. Each item blends modern comfort with authentic WHA-era visual details, including bold striping, clean numbering, and the team’s unmistakable hornet imagery.

Whether you remember the excitement of WHA hockey, the early rise of Mike Gartner, or the impact the Stingers had on Cincinnati sports identity, this collection brings the franchise’s history to life. The Cincinnati Stingers remain one of the WHA’s most memorable teams, and this collection preserves their legacy through high-quality apparel built for dedicated fans, collectors, and anyone who appreciates retro hockey culture.