Hartford Whalers
Founded	1972
History	New England Whalers 1972 – 1979 Hartford Whalers 1979 – 1997 Carolina Hurricanes 1997 - Present
Home Arena	Hartford Civic Center
City	Hartford, Connecticut
Colors	Navy, Green and Silver
Avco World Trophy	1972–73
Division Championships	1972–73, 1973–74, 1974–75, 1986–87

The Hartford Whalers were an American professional ice hockey team based in Hartford, Connecticut. The 1972-73 WHA season was the first Regular season of the now defunct World Hockey Association (WHA The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional Ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The XL Center, formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center, is a sports and convention complex located in Hartford Connecticut, USA owned by the City of The 1972-73 WHA season was the first Regular season of the now defunct World Hockey Association (WHA The 1972-73 WHA season was the first Regular season of the now defunct World Hockey Association (WHA The 1973-74 WHA season was the second season of the now defunct World Hockey Association. The 1974-75 WHA season was the third season of the now defunct World Hockey Association. The 1986–87 NHL season was the 70th season of the National Hockey League. Ice hockey, often referred to simply as hockey, is a team Sport played on Ice. Known as the New England Whalers when they were members of the World Hockey Association (WHA) from 1972–79, the club played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1979–97. The World Hockey Association (French Association Mondiale de Hockey) was a professional Ice hockey league that operated in North America from 1972 The National Hockey League ( NHL) is a professional Ice hockey league composed of 30 teams in North America In 1997, the Whalers franchise was moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, where it became the Carolina Hurricanes. Raleigh (pronounced rah-lee) is the Capital of the State of North Carolina and the county seat of Wake County, USA The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional Ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Arenas: Boston Arena, Boston Garden, The Big E Coliseum, Springfield Civic Center and Hartford Civic Center

Uniform colors: Green, Black, White (1972–1975); Green, Gold, White (1975–1979); Green, Blue & White (1979–1992); Navy, Green and Silver (1992–1997)

The WHA days

New England Whalers logo 1972-1979

The Whalers franchise was born in November 1971 when the World Hockey Association awarded a franchise to New England businessmen Howard Baldwin, John Coburn, Godfrey Wood, and William E. Matthews Arena, located in Boston Massachusetts, is the oldest surviving indoor ice hockey arena in the world The Boston Garden was a famous Arena built in 1928 in Boston Massachusetts. The Eastern States Coliseum, better known as the Big E Coliseum, is a 5900-seat multi-purpose Arena in West Springfield Massachusetts, built in 1926 The MassMutual Center is a 6679-seat multi-purpose Arena in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States. The XL Center, formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center, is a sports and convention complex located in Hartford Connecticut, USA owned by the City of Athletics For an extensive coverage see 1971 in athletics (track and field Marathon August The World Hockey Association (French Association Mondiale de Hockey) was a professional Ice hockey league that operated in North America from 1972 History See also History of New England New England's earliest inhabitants were Algonquian -speaking Native Americans including the Howard Baldwin is an American entrepreneur and film producer He is the CEO of Baldwin Entertainment which has produced films such as the Academy Award -nominated John Coburn (1925 - 7 November 2006) was an Australian painter. Barnes, to begin play in Boston. The team began auspiciously, signing former Detroit Red Wing star Tom Webster, hard rock Boston Bruins' defenseman Ted Green (the team's inaugural captain), Toronto Maple Leafs' defensemen Rick Ley, Jim Dorey, and Brad Selwood, and former Pittsburgh Penguins' goaltender Al Smith. The Detroit Red Wings are a professional Ice hockey team based in Detroit Michigan, and current Stanley Cup champions Tom Ronald Webster is a retired former professional Ice hockey player and coach The Boston Bruins are a professional Ice hockey team based in Boston Massachusetts. Defence ( defense in the USA in Ice hockey is a player position whose primary responsibility is to prevent the opposing team from scoring. Edward Joseph "Terrible Ted" Green (born March 23, 1940 in Eriksdale, Manitoba) was a professional Ice hockey defenceman for the In Ice hockey, each team has a designated captain, who normally wears a "C" on his or her jersey. "Leafs" and "Maple Leafs" redirect here For the former American Hockey League team see St Rick Ley (born November 2, 1948 in Orillia Ontario) was a professional Ice hockey player in the National Hockey League (NHL and World Jim Dorey (born August 17, 1947 in Kingston Ontario) is a retired former professional Ice hockey player who played over 650 professional games Brad Wayne Selwood (born March 18, 1948 in Leamington Ontario) is the former General Manager and head coach of the Oshawa The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional Ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This article is about the goaltender in Ice hockey. For the similar position in other sports see Goalkeeper. Al Smith ( November 10, 1945 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada - August 7 2002) is a deceased Canadian Ice hockey New England also signed an unusually large number of American players including Massachusetts natives and former US Olympic hockey team members Larry Pleau (who had been a regular with the Montreal Canadiens the previous season), Kevin Ahearn, John Cunniff and Paul Hurley. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts ( is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States. Lawrence Winslow (Larry Pleau (Born January 29, 1947 in Lynn Massachusetts) is senior vice president and General manager of the St The Montreal Canadiens (Les Canadiens de Montréal are a professional Ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Kevin Ahearn (born June 20, 1948 in Milton Massachusetts) is a retired professional Ice hockey player who played 78 games in the World John Cunniff (b South Boston Massachusetts 9 July[[ 944]] d 10 May[[ 002]] was an American NHL hockey coach and former Paul Michael Hurley (born July 12, 1946 in Melrose, Massachusetts) is a retired professional Ice hockey player who played 311 games Two other ex-US Olympians on the Whalers roster (Minnesotans Timothy Sheehy and Tommy Williams) had spent a significant part of their respective careers in Boston with Boston College and the Bruins, respectively. Timothy Sheehy (born September 3, 1948 in Fort Frances, Ontario and raised in nearby International Falls, Minnesota) is a retired Thomas Mark "The Bomber" Williams ( April 17, 1940 – February 8, 1992) was the first American Ice hockey For similarly-named academic institutions see Education in Boston MA. The Whalers would have the WHA's best regular-season record in the 1972–73 WHA season, with Webster leading the team in scoring and rampaging through the playoffs, and behind legendary ex-Boston University coach Jack Kelley, would win the inaugural Avco World Trophy, the WHA championship. The 1972-73 WHA season was the first Regular season of the now defunct World Hockey Association (WHA For similarly-named academic institutions see Education in Boston MA. John H "Jack" Kelley (b 10 July 1927 in Medford Massachusetts) is a former American Ice hockey coach The Avco World Trophy also known as the Avco Cup was the championship trophy of the original World Hockey Association ( 1972 - 1979)

For the first 2½ years of their existence, the Whalers played home games at the Boston Arena, Boston Garden, and The Big E Coliseum in West Springfield. Matthews Arena, located in Boston Massachusetts, is the oldest surviving indoor ice hockey arena in the world The Boston Garden was a famous Arena built in 1928 in Boston Massachusetts. The Eastern States Coliseum, better known as the Big E Coliseum, is a 5900-seat multi-purpose Arena in West Springfield Massachusetts, built in 1926 West Springfield may refer to West Springfield Massachusetts West Springfield Virginia West Springfield a fictional With sagging attendance related to the ebbing of the early 1970s hockey boom in the Boston area, however, the franchise's owners decided to move it to Connecticut, an area that, except for various minor league teams in New Haven, had been largely bereft of pro hockey. This article is about the Decade 1970-1979 For the Year 1970 see 1970. Connecticut ( is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The Whalers' ownership group was attracted to the city of Hartford. With many large corporations and an area rich in hockey tradition, Hartford was seen as a natural choice.

On January 11, 1975, the team played its first game in front of a sellout crowd at the Hartford Civic Center Coliseum. Events 1055 - Theodora is crowned Empress of the Byzantine Empire. The 1974-75 WHA season was the third season of the now defunct World Hockey Association. The XL Center, formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center, is a sports and convention complex located in Hartford Connecticut, USA owned by the City of With the exception of a period in the late 1970s when the Whalers played at the Springfield Civic Center while the Hartford Civic Center was being renovated (due to the collapse of a portion of its roof after a blizzard), the franchise was located in Hartford until it relocated to North Carolina in 1997. The MassMutual Center is a 6679-seat multi-purpose Arena in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States. A blizzard is a severe Winter storm condition characterized by low Temperatures strong Winds and heavy blowing Snow Blizzards are formed when The 1996–97 NHL season was the 80th Regular season of the National Hockey League.

Though they never again won the league championship, the New England Whalers were a successful team, never missing the playoffs in the WHA's history, and finishing first in its division three times. They had a more stable roster than most WHA teams—Ley, Webster, Selwood, Pleau, and Tommy Earl would all play over 350 games with the club—and scored a major coup when they signed legend Gordie Howe and his sons Mark and Marty from the Houston Aeros (WHA) in 1977. Tommy Earl (born June 10, 1947 in Niagara Falls, Ontario) is a retired professional Ice hockey player who played 347 games in the World Gordon "Gordie" Howe, OC (born March 31 1928 in Floral, Saskatchewan) is a former professional Ice hockey player from Canada Mark Steven Howe (born May 28 1955, in Detroit, Michigan) is a retired American professional Ice hockey defenseman Marty Gordon Howe (Born February 18, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan, U The Houston Aeros were a professional Ice hockey team in the World Hockey Association from 1972 to 1978

While the first two full seasons in Hartford were not glittering (the Whalers recorded losing records both years), the final two WHA seasons saw more success. They went to the finals again in 1978, with a veteran team spearheaded by the Howes—50-year-old Gordie led the team in scoring—future NHL stars Gordie Roberts and Mike Rogers, All-Star defenseman Ron Plumb, and forwards John McKenzie, Dave Keon, and Mike Antonovich, and possessed of the league's best defense. The 1977-78 WHA season was the sixth season of the now defunct World Hockey Association (WHA Gordon "Gordie" Douglas Roberts (Born October 2, 1957 in Detroit, Michigan) is a retired professional Ice hockey defenseman Michael R Rogers (born October 24, 1954 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada) is a former Professional Ice hockey centre Ron Plumb (born July 17, 1950 is a retired Canadian Ice hockey defenceman. John Albert ("Johnny" "Pie" McKenzie (born December 12, 1937 in High River, Alberta, Canada) is a retired David Michael Keon (born March 22, 1940 in Noranda, Quebec) is a retired Canadian professional Ice hockey centre. Mike Antonovich may refer to Mike Antonovich (ice hockey, a former hockey player and coach Michael D The next season was not so fine, but while age finally caught up with Gordie Howe, the slack was picked up by Andre Lacroix, the WHA's all time leading scorer, acquired from the folded Aeros. Gordon "Gordie" Howe, OC (born March 31 1928 in Floral, Saskatchewan) is a former professional Ice hockey player from Canada

As it was one of the most stable of the WHA teams, it was one of the four franchises admitted to the National Hockey League when the rival leagues merged in 1979. The National Hockey League ( NHL) is a professional Ice hockey league composed of 30 teams in North America Artistic Gymnastics World Artistic Gymnastics Championships: Men's all-around champion Alexander Dityatin, USSR Following lobbying from the Boston Bruins, one of the conditions of the merger stipulated that the Whalers were to drop "New England" from their name. The Boston Bruins are a professional Ice hockey team based in Boston Massachusetts. The Howes, Rogers, Ley, Keon, Smith, Roberts and Lacroix would go on to wear the uniform of the Hartford Whalers. Most of the members of the 1978–79 Whalers were available as only Selwood, George Lyle and Warren Miller were reclaimed by their former NHL teams. George Wallace Lyle (born on November 24, 1953 in North Vancouver British Columbia) is a former professional Ice hockey player Warren Frederick Miller (born June 15, 1953 in St Paul Minnesota) is an American former professional Ice hockey player Legendary goal scorer Bobby Hull would be acquired late that season in a trade with another former WHA team, the Winnipeg Jets, and play the last games of his career not only as a Whaler, but also as a member of the same team as his childhood idol, Gordie Howe (who also retired following the Whalers' first NHL season). Robert Marvin "Bobby" Hull OC (born January 3, 1939 is a retired Canadian Ice hockey player The Winnipeg Jets were a professional Hockey team based in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Career leaders (WHA, 1972–1979)

• Games: Rick Ley, 478
• Goals: Tom Webster, 220
• Assists: Larry Pleau, 215
• Points: Webster, 425
• Penalty Minutes: Ley, 716
• Goaltending Wins: Al Smith, 141

The NHL days

The original Hartford Whalers logo 1979-1992, designed by Peter Good, a Connecticut-based graphic designer. Rick Ley (born November 2, 1948 in Orillia Ontario) was a professional Ice hockey player in the National Hockey League (NHL and World Tom Ronald Webster is a retired former professional Ice hockey player and coach Lawrence Winslow (Larry Pleau (Born January 29, 1947 in Lynn Massachusetts) is senior vice president and General manager of the St Al Smith ( November 10, 1945 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada - August 7 2002) is a deceased Canadian Ice hockey This logo replaced the harpoon in the WHA logo by combining a green W for Whalers with a blue whale's tail. Some people never notice that the negative space--the white area between the W and the whale's tail--acts as an H for Hartford. This logo was updated in 1992, the most noticeable change being the darkening of the colors and the addition of a silver background. Subtle changes to the shape of the whale's tail were also made.

The Whalers were never as successful in the NHL as they had been in the WHA, yet they attracted a passionate fan base over the years. They only recorded three winning seasons in their eighteen years in the NHL, missed the playoffs ten times, and only once won a playoff series, earning along the way the derisive nickname "Forever . 500s. " The team developed heated rivalries with the nearby Boston Bruins and New York Rangers—for home games against the Bruins especially, the Civic Center would have as many as a quarter of the fans in the seats from Boston, two hours drive away—achieving all-time records of 37–69–12 and 23–26–6 respectively against those clubs. The Boston Bruins are a professional Ice hockey team based in Boston Massachusetts. The New York Rangers are a professional Ice hockey team based in New York, New York, United States.

The Whalers' NHL history was plagued by disastrous trades, especially in dealing stars for several mediocre players in an attempt to gain "depth. " For instance, they dealt star defenseman Mark Howe and their first NHL scoring leader Mike Rogers in separate deals for players and draft picks which never panned out, and also swapped hardrock defenseman Gordie Roberts for the remaining half-season of Mike Fidler's NHL career. Mark Steven Howe (born May 28 1955, in Detroit, Michigan) is a retired American professional Ice hockey defenseman Michael R Rogers (born October 24, 1954 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada) is a former Professional Ice hockey centre Gordon "Gordie" Douglas Roberts (Born October 2, 1957 in Detroit, Michigan) is a retired professional Ice hockey defenseman Michael Edward Fidler (born August 19, 1956 in Everett, Massachusetts) is a retired professional Ice hockey player who played 271 While a few trades did work out, such as trading Chris Pronger for Brendan Shanahan, all too often the players acquired left as soon as possible. Christopher Robert Pronger (born October 10 1974 is a Canadian professional Ice hockey defenceman with the Anaheim Ducks of the National Brendan Frederick Shanahan (born 23 January 1969 in Mimico, Ontario) is a Canadian professional Ice hockey right wing

The team had a brief moment in the sun in the 1985–86 and 1986–87 seasons. The 1985–86 NHL season was the 69th season of the National Hockey League. The 1986–87 NHL season was the 70th season of the National Hockey League. The Whalers finished fourth in the Adams Division in the 1985–86 regular season. The NHL 's Adams Division was formed in 1974 as part of the Prince of Wales Conference. In the playoffs they eliminated the first place Quebec Nordiques in three straight games, winning their sole playoff series. The Quebec Nordiques (Nordiques de Québec pronounced in Quebec French, in Canadian English; translated into English as "Northerners" were The Whalers pushed the division finals to seven games, losing the final game 2–1 in overtime to the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the Montreal Canadiens. The Stanley Cup (La Coupe Stanley is an Ice hockey club championship Trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL playoffs champion The Montreal Canadiens (Les Canadiens de Montréal are a professional Ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The following season, the Whalers won their lone division championship in 1987. The Whalers were led by centers Ron Francis and Ray Ferraro, emerging hardcore winger Kevin Dineen, superstar goalie Mike Liut, and troubled scorer Sylvain Turgeon. Ronald "Ron" Michael Francis Jr (born March 1 1963 in Sault Ste Ray Ferraro aka "Chicken Parm"(born August 23, 1964 in Trail, British Columbia, Canada) is a retired professional hockey player Kevin William Dineen (born October 28, 1963 in Quebec City, Quebec) is a retired professional Ice hockey player and is currently the head coach Michael Dennis Liut (born January 7, 1956 in Weston Ontario) is a Canadian former professional Ice hockey Goaltender. Sylvain Turgeon (born January 17, 1965 in Rouyn-Noranda Quebec, Canada) is a former NHL player and the older brother of retired NHLer However, they were quickly eliminated in the first round. While they would make the playoffs for the next five seasons in a row, they would never come close to duplicating their previous success.

The most psychologically damaging moment for the club was the 1991 trade of Francis to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional Ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The reaction of the fan base was savage in condemnation, especially after Francis promptly helped the Penguins to two consecutive Stanley Cup titles. The Stanley Cup (La Coupe Stanley is an Ice hockey club championship Trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL playoffs champion Francis was one of the most popular players on the team, and held nearly every significant offensive record in the franchise's NHL history. Coincidentally, Eddie Johnston, the Hartford general manager who had orchestrated the Francis trade, would follow him to Pittsburgh as the Penguins' head coach two years later. Edward Joseph "Eddie" Johnston (born November 23, 1935 in Montreal, Quebec) is a former player and coach in the National Hockey League

The Whalers went to the playoffs in 1992 behind Jimmy Roberts' coaching, but lost a dramatic double overtime Game 7 in the Adams Division Semifinal against the Montreal Canadiens, as Russ Courtnall scored on a turn-around shot. The 1991–92 NHL season was the 75th regular season of the National Hockey League. Jimmy Wilfred Roberts (born April 9, 1940 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada) is a retired Canadian Ice hockey defenceman and Overtime, in Ice hockey, is a method of determining the winner and loser of ice hockey matches should a game be tied after regulation The Montreal Canadiens (Les Canadiens de Montréal are a professional Ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Russ Courtnall (born January 2, 1965 is a former National Hockey League player Roberts was fired thereafter, and while the Whalers had some stars in their remaining five seasons in Hartford— including forwards Geoff Sanderson, Pat Verbeek, and Andrew Cassels and goalie Sean Burke—they would never again make the playoffs. Geoff M Sanderson (born February 1, 1972, in Hay River, Northwest Territories) is a Canadian professional Ice hockey winger Patrick Verbeek (born on May 24, 1964 in Sarnia Ontario) is a Canadian -born former Ice hockey player who played for the New Andrew Cassels (born July 23 1969 in Bramalea, Ontario, Canada) is a retired Professional Ice hockey centre who played sixteen seasons Sean Burke (born January 29, 1967 in Windsor Ontario) is a former Canadian professional Ice hockey goaltender

Departure from Hartford

The primary factors in the Whalers' departure from Hartford were market size and the lack of a modern playing facility. The Hartford Civic Center had a capacity of 15,635, and was attached to a downtown shopping mall. The XL Center, formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center, is a sports and convention complex located in Hartford Connecticut, USA owned by the City of As teams in the NHL began moving into larger, corporate-sponsored stadiums with luxury suites and other amenities, it became apparent that a team playing in an aging municipal facility with limited revenue streams could not compete.

In 1994, Compuware founder Peter Karmanos purchased the Whalers. Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) Compuware Corporation is a Software company with products aimed at the information technology (IT departments of large businesses Peter Karmanos Jr (b Detroit Michigan) is the CEO of Compuware Corporation and owner of the Carolina Hurricanes, Plymouth Whalers, and Karmanos pledged to keep the Whalers in Hartford for four years. Frustrated with lackluster attendance and corporate support, he announced in 1996 that if the Whalers were unable to sell at least 11,000 season tickets for the 1996–97 season, he would likely move the team. Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) The 1996–97 NHL season was the 80th Regular season of the National Hockey League. Furthermore, ownership only made season tickets available in full-season (41-game) packages, eliminating the popular five- and ten-game "mini plans," in a strategy largely designed to spur purchases from wealthier corporations and individuals. Sales were underwhelming at the beginning of the campaign, and at the end of the 1995–96 season it was still unknown whether the Whalers would stay in Connecticut or move. The 1995–96 NHL season was the 79th Regular season of the National Hockey League. However, thanks to an aggressive marketing campaign, and the creative efforts of many fans (who pooled together resources to purchase some of the full-season packages collectively) the Whalers announced that they would stay in Connecticut for the 1996–97 season. The 1996–97 NHL season was the 80th Regular season of the National Hockey League.

In early 1996, negotiations between the Whalers and Connecticut Governor John Rowland to build a new $147. Colonial governors See also List of colonial governors of Connecticut Governors of the State of Connecticut 1776&ndashpresent John Rowland may be John G Rowland (born 1957 former Governor of Connecticut USA John Rowland (Desperate Housewives 5 million arena seemed to be going well. However, negotiations fell apart when Rowland and the state refused Karmanos' demand to reimburse the Whalers for up to $45 million in losses during the three years the new arena was to be built. As a result, the team announced on March 26, 1997, that they would leave Hartford, one of the few times that a team announced it would leave its current city without having already selected a new city. Events 1026 - Pope John XIX crowns Conrad II as Holy Roman Emperor. Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar Many suspected that Rowland had no intentions of building an NHL arena for the Whalers, as he harbored hopes of instead luring the New England Patriots to Connecticut. The New England Patriots, commonly called the " Pats " by sports writers and fans are a professional American football team based in the Greater Boston ^{[1] [2] [3]}

On April 13, 1997 the Whalers played their last game in Hartford, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 2–1. Events 1111 - Henry V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor. 1204 - The Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople The 1996–97 NHL season was the 80th Regular season of the National Hockey League. The Tampa Bay Lightning is a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa Florida. Team captain Kevin Dineen scored the final goal in Whaler history. In Ice hockey, each team has a designated captain, who normally wears a "C" on his or her jersey. Kevin William Dineen (born October 28, 1963 in Quebec City, Quebec) is a retired professional Ice hockey player and is currently the head coach

As of June 6, 2008 several ex-Whalers are still active in the NHL, including Chris Pronger, Geoff Sanderson, Bobby Holik, Jean-Sebastian Giguere, and Brendan Shanahan. Christopher Robert Pronger (born October 10 1974 is a Canadian professional Ice hockey defenceman with the Anaheim Ducks of the National Geoff M Sanderson (born February 1, 1972, in Hay River, Northwest Territories) is a Canadian professional Ice hockey winger Robert Holik (born January 1, 1971 in Jihlava, Czech Republic) is a professional Ice hockey player for the New Jersey Devils Jean-Sébastien "Jiggy" Giguère (born May 16 1977 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada) is a French Canadian Professional Brendan Frederick Shanahan (born 23 January 1969 in Mimico, Ontario) is a Canadian professional Ice hockey right wing Glen Wesley was the last Whaler still active with the Carolina/Hartford franchise until he retired on June 5, 2008; although his stint was not continuous, playing seven games for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2003 after a deadline deal before re-signing in Carolina in the 2003 offseason ^[4]. Glen Edwin Wesley (born 2 October, 1968 is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman who played 10 seasons for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National "Leafs" and "Maple Leafs" redirect here For the former American Hockey League team see St The 2002–03 NHL season was the 86th Regular season of the National Hockey League. A trade deadline (or trading deadline) in professional sports is a rule regulating the trading of professional players' contracts between clubs

Possible NHL Return?

During the last few years, there has been a certain groundswell of support to return the NHL to Hartford following the Whalers' departure to the Raleigh metropolitan area. Former Whalers owner Howard Baldwin along with Larry Gottesdiener, Chairman of Northland Investment Corporation, both have expressed to help return NHL hockey to Hartford. Howard Baldwin is an American entrepreneur and film producer He is the CEO of Baldwin Entertainment which has produced films such as the Academy Award -nominated In early 2007 Hartford mayor Eddie A. Perez sent a letter to Pittsburgh Penguins owner Mario Lemieux to try and see if he would add Hartford to his list of possible relocation sites when the Penguins were contemplating moving,^[5] but the Penguins were subsequently able to work with the NHL and the city of Pittsburgh to build a new arena. Eduardo Alberto Perez (born 1957 is an American politician and the present Mayor of Hartford, Connecticut. Mario Lemieux (born October 5, 1965 is a retired Canadian professional Ice hockey centre who played 17 seasons for the Pittsburgh Penguins ^[6]

Theme song

The Hartford Whalers' official theme song was "Brass Bonanza," a tune composed by an aspiring musician Jack Say. Brass Bonanza, also known as the "Hartford Whalers Victory March" was adopted by the Hartford Whalers as their theme song during their tenure The song is still very popular with Hartford crowds, and continues to occasionally be played at Civic Center events (including University of Connecticut basketball games) and, in recent years, at Fenway Park during Boston Red Sox games and at the TD Banknorth Garden during Boston Bruins games. The University of Connecticut ( Connecticut or UConn) is the State of Connecticut 's Land-grant university. The Boston Red Sox are a Professional baseball team based in Boston Massachusetts, and are the reigning (2007 World Series Champions. TD Banknorth Garden is a sports Arena in Boston Massachusetts. The Boston Bruins are a professional Ice hockey team based in Boston Massachusetts. Continuing the hockey tradition, the song is also played at UConn and Quinnipiac men's hockey home games.

Career leaders (NHL, 1979–1997)

• Games: Ron Francis, 714
• Goals: Francis, 264
• Assists: Francis, 557
• Points: Francis, 821
• Penalty Minutes: Torrie Robertson, 1368
• Goaltender Games: Sean Burke, 256
• Goaltender Wins: Mike Liut, 115
• Shutouts: Liut, 13

Season-by-season record

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, Pts = Points, GF = Goals scored for, GA = Goals scored against, PIM = Penalty minutes

WHA Era

NHL Era

¹Season was shortened due to the 1994–95 NHL lockout. Ronald "Ron" Michael Francis Jr (born March 1 1963 in Sault Ste Torrie Andrew Robertson (born August 2, 1961 in Victoria, British Columbia) is a retired Canadian Ice hockey player who played for Sean Burke (born January 29, 1967 in Windsor Ontario) is a former Canadian professional Ice hockey goaltender Michael Dennis Liut (born January 7, 1956 in Weston Ontario) is a Canadian former professional Ice hockey Goaltender. The 1972-73 WHA season was the first Regular season of the now defunct World Hockey Association (WHA The Ottawa Nationals were a professional men's Ice hockey team based out of Ottawa Ontario Canada that played in the World Hockey Association (WHA during The Cleveland Crusaders were a professional Ice hockey team from Cleveland Ohio. The Winnipeg Jets were a professional Hockey team based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The 1973-74 WHA season was the second season of the now defunct World Hockey Association. The Chicago Cougars were an original franchise in the World Hockey Association from 1972 to 1975. The 1974-75 WHA season was the third season of the now defunct World Hockey Association. The Minnesota Fighting Saints was the name of two professional Ice hockey teams based in Saint Paul Minnesota that played in the World Hockey Association The 1975–76 WHA season was the fourth season of the now defunct World Hockey Association. The Cleveland Crusaders were a professional Ice hockey team from Cleveland Ohio. The Indianapolis Racers were a franchise in the former World Hockey Association from 1974-78 The Houston Aeros were a professional Ice hockey team in the World Hockey Association from 1972 to 1978 The 1976-77 WHA season was the fifth season of the now defunct World Hockey Association (WHA The Quebec Nordiques (Nordiques de Québec pronounced in Quebec French, in Canadian English; translated into English as "Northerners" were The 1977-78 WHA season was the sixth season of the now defunct World Hockey Association (WHA The Edmonton Oilers are a professional Ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The Quebec Nordiques (Nordiques de Québec pronounced in Quebec French, in Canadian English; translated into English as "Northerners" were The Winnipeg Jets were a professional Hockey team based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The 1978-79 WHA season was the seventh and final Regular season of the World Hockey Association (WHA The Cincinnati Stingers were an Ice hockey team based out of Cincinnati Ohio that played in the World Hockey Association from 1975 to 1979 The Edmonton Oilers are a professional Ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The 1979–80 NHL season was the 63rd season of the National Hockey League. The Montreal Canadiens (Les Canadiens de Montréal are a professional Ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The 1980–81 NHL season was the 64th season of the National Hockey League. The 1981–82 NHL season was the 65th season of the National Hockey League. The 1982–83 NHL season was the 66th season of the National Hockey League. The 1983–84 NHL season was the 67th season of the National Hockey League. The 1984–85 NHL season was the 68th season of the National Hockey League. The 1985–86 NHL season was the 69th season of the National Hockey League. The Quebec Nordiques (Nordiques de Québec pronounced in Quebec French, in Canadian English; translated into English as "Northerners" were The Montreal Canadiens (Les Canadiens de Montréal are a professional Ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The 1986–87 NHL season was the 70th season of the National Hockey League. The Quebec Nordiques (Nordiques de Québec pronounced in Quebec French, in Canadian English; translated into English as "Northerners" were The 1987–88 NHL season was the 71st season of the National Hockey League. The Montreal Canadiens (Les Canadiens de Montréal are a professional Ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The 1988–89 NHL season was the 72nd season of the National Hockey League. The Montreal Canadiens (Les Canadiens de Montréal are a professional Ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The 1989–90 NHL season was the 73rd season of the National Hockey League. The Boston Bruins are a professional Ice hockey team based in Boston Massachusetts. The 1990–91 NHL season was the 74th regular season of the National Hockey League. The Boston Bruins are a professional Ice hockey team based in Boston Massachusetts. The 1991–92 NHL season was the 75th regular season of the National Hockey League. The Montreal Canadiens (Les Canadiens de Montréal are a professional Ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The 1992–93 NHL season was the 76th regular season of the National Hockey League. The 1993–94 NHL season was the 77th regular season of the National Hockey League. The 1994–95 NHL season was the 78th Regular season of the National Hockey League. The 1995–96 NHL season was the 79th Regular season of the National Hockey League. The 1996–97 NHL season was the 80th Regular season of the National Hockey League. The 1994–95 NHL lockout came after a year of NHL hockey that was played without a Collective bargaining agreement.

Notable players

Hall of Famers

• Paul Coffey, D, 1996–1997, inducted 2004
• Dave Keon, C, 1976–1982, inducted 1986
• Gordie Howe, RW, 1977–1980, inducted 1972
• Bobby Hull, LW, 1980, inducted 1983
• Ron Francis, C, 1981–1991, inducted 2007
• Emile Francis, General Manager, 1983–1989, inducted 1982 (Builder)

Team captains

Note: includes both WHA Whalers and NHL Whalers

Retired numbers

• 2 Rick Ley, D, 1972–81
• 9 Gordie Howe, RW, 1977–80
• 19 John McKenzie, RW, 1977–79

First round draft picks

Note: This list does not include selections from the WHA. Paul Douglas Coffey (born June 1 1961 in York, Ontario) is a retired professional Ice hockey defenceman in the National Hockey League David Michael Keon (born March 22, 1940 in Noranda, Quebec) is a retired Canadian professional Ice hockey centre. Gordon "Gordie" Howe, OC (born March 31 1928 in Floral, Saskatchewan) is a former professional Ice hockey player from Canada Robert Marvin "Bobby" Hull OC (born January 3, 1939 is a retired Canadian Ice hockey player Ronald "Ron" Michael Francis Jr (born March 1 1963 in Sault Ste Emile "The Cat" Francis (born September 13, 1926 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Canada) is a former player coach and Edward Joseph "Terrible Ted" Green (born March 23, 1940 in Eriksdale, Manitoba) was a professional Ice hockey defenceman for the Rick Ley (born November 2, 1948 in Orillia Ontario) was a professional Ice hockey player in the National Hockey League (NHL and World Michael R Rogers (born October 24, 1954 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada) is a former Professional Ice hockey centre David Michael Keon (born March 22, 1940 in Noranda, Quebec) is a retired Canadian professional Ice hockey centre. Russ Anderson (born February 12, 1955 in Des Moines, Iowa) is a retired professional Ice hockey defenseman who played 519 Mark Johnson (b September 22, 1957 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and raised in Madison Wisconsin) is a former United States Ice Ronald "Ron" Michael Francis Jr (born March 1 1963 in Sault Ste Randy Ladouceur (born June 30, 1960 in Brockville, Ontario) Ladouceur is the former assistant coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Patrick Verbeek (born on May 24, 1964 in Sarnia Ontario) is a Canadian -born former Ice hockey player who played for the New Brendan Frederick Shanahan (born 23 January 1969 in Mimico, Ontario) is a Canadian professional Ice hockey right wing Kevin William Dineen (born October 28, 1963 in Quebec City, Quebec) is a retired professional Ice hockey player and is currently the head coach Rick Ley (born November 2, 1948 in Orillia Ontario) was a professional Ice hockey player in the National Hockey League (NHL and World Gordon "Gordie" Howe, OC (born March 31 1928 in Floral, Saskatchewan) is a former professional Ice hockey player from Canada John Albert ("Johnny" "Pie" McKenzie (born December 12, 1937 in High River, Alberta, Canada) is a retired The World Hockey Association (French Association Mondiale de Hockey) was a professional Ice hockey league that operated in North America from 1972

• 1979: Ray Allison (18th overall)
• 1980: Fred Arthur (8th overall)
• 1981: Ron Francis (4th overall)
• 1982: Paul Lawless (14th overall)
• 1983: Sylvain Turgeon (2nd overall)
• 1984: Sylvain Cote (11th overall)
• 1985: Dana Murzyn (5th overall)
• 1986: Scott Young (11th overall)
• 1987: Jody Hull (18th overall)
• 1988: Chris Govedaris (11th overall)
• 1989: Bobby Holik (10th overall)
• 1990: Mark Greig (15th overall)
• 1991: Patrick Poulin (9th overall)
• 1992: Robert Petrovicky (9th overall)
• 1993: Chris Pronger (2nd overall)
• 1994: Jeff O'Neill (5th overall)
• 1995: Jean-Sebastien Giguere (13th overall)
• 1996: none

Hartford Whalers Individual Records (NHL)

• Most Goals in a season: Blaine Stoughton, 56 (1979–80)
• Most Assists in a season: Ron Francis, 69 (1989–90)
• Most Points in a season: Mike Rogers, 105 (1979–80/1980–81)
• Most Penalty Minutes in a season: Torrie Robertson, 358 (1985–86)
• Most Points in a season, defenceman: Mark Howe, 80 (1979–80)
• Most Points in a season, rookie: Sylvain Turgeon, 72 (1983–84)
• Most Wins in a season: Mike Liut, 31 (1986–87)

References

See also

• Carolina Hurricanes
• Head Coaches of the Hartford Whalers
• List of defunct NHL teams
• List of Hartford Whalers players
• List of NHL seasons
• List of NHL players
• List of WHA seasons
• World Hockey Association

External links

• The Official Hartford Whalers Booster Club - Still Active!
• The Blowhole, Uniform history
• WHAhockey.com - New England Whalers
• WhalersHockey.com