The National Hockey Association was a direct predecessor of the NHL. It was started in 1909 and lasted until 1918, although it didn't have any teams and didn't play in the 1917/18 season.
ice hockey
National Hockey Association ended in 1918.
World Hockey Association ended in 1979.
World Hockey Association was created in 1972.
Swedish Hockey Association was created in 1973.
Norwegian Ice Hockey Association was created in 1934.
Midwest Collegiate Hockey Association was created in 1998.
Professional Hockey Players' Association was created in 1967.
Amateur Hockey Association of Canada was created in 1886.
World Hockey Association - proposed - ended in 2009.
World Hockey Association - proposed - was created in 2003.
Eastern Collegiate Hockey Association was created in 1991.