The Saints never missed the playoffs nor had a losing record. Perhaps even more impressively given that they were in direct competition with the Minnesota North Stars of the established National Hockey League, the Fighting Saints always drew more fans than the WHA average. On a few occasions, the Fighting Saints drew more attendance than their local NHL rivals. They also boasted a handful of expensive marquee players such as Mike Walton, Dave Keon and John McKenzie. Eventually, it was the team's high payroll that largely contributed to its demise, as it was an expense that even above-average WHA gate receipts could not meet. More critically, due to the lack of a marketable star in Gordie Howe or Bobby Hull's mold, the Saints were unable to secure a lucrative television deal that could have relieved their growing financial woes.