One of two expansion team for the World Hockey Association's third season, the Phoenix Roadrunners took their name from the former Western Hockey League team that had just folded. The Roadrunners were coached by Sandy Hucul, who was a popular player with the WHL Roadrunners.

In their first game at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the Roadrunners showed they could be explosive as they slammed the San Diego Mariners 8-2. After hover near .

500 the first two months, the Roadrunners posted a 10-4-1 record in December, highlighted by a six game winning streak. Phoenix would also have a strong March, as they finished in fourth place with a record of 39-31-8, which was good enough to qualify for the playoffs.

The Roadrunners banked their success on strong goaltending and a solid defense. Garyy Kurt and Jack Norris split the duties in goal and were ranked among the best in the WHA, while Dennis Sobchuk, Michel Cormier and Jim Boyd each had 70 points.

In the playoffs the Roadrunners would hit a road block as they were overmatched by the Quebec Nordiques, losing in five games.