Established
1972
City
Boston – Hartford – Raleigh
League History
1979 – Present / National Hockey League
1972 – 1979 / World Hockey Association
Team History
1997 – Present / Carolina Hurricanes
1979 – 1997 / Hartford Whalers
1972 – 1979 / New England Whalers
Nickname
Whalers – The Hartford Whalers are among the most iconic National Hockey League (NHL) teams. The team has a long and storied history, with its roots dating back to 1972 when it was founded as an expansion franchise. But what many people don’t know is that their nickname has some fascinating origins.
When the team first existed, they were known as New England Whalers due to their location in Connecticut, part of New England. However, after just two years, they decided to shorten this name and become “the Whalers” instead – a decision that would have far-reaching implications for fans and players alike over time!
The reason behind why this change was made lies within Connecticut itself, specifically its strong maritime heritage. This state was home to numerous whaling ships during colonial times – so much so that it even earned them another nickname: “the Land of Steady Habits” (or LOSH). As such, using whales as part of their branding seemed like an obvious choice for those involved with creating the new hockey team's identity at that period!
It also didn't hurt when you consider how popular whale watching had become by then - especially among tourists visiting from outside areas who wanted something unique or special about Connecticut while on vacation there too! This all helped contribute towards making sure everyone knew exactly who "the Hartford Whalers" was whenever they heard or saw anything related to them being mentioned anywhere around town - no matter if it is through articles written up about them online/in newspapers, etc., television commercials advertising games happening soon nearby area stadiums, etc.
So next time you hear someone talking about "Hartford Whaler," take a minute out of your day to remember where this beloved NHL franchise got its start back in 1972 - thanks largely due partly because residents' love affair with whales & other sea creatures living off coastlines nearby regionally speaking too!
Championship
Stanley Cups 0
2006
Avco Cup 0
1973
Arena
2013 – Present / PNC Arena
2002 – 2012 / RBC Center
1999 – 2002 / Raleigh Entertainment & Sports Arena
1997 – 1999 / Greensboro Coliseum
*Hartford*
1975 – 1978, 1980 – 1997 / Hartford Civic Center
1978 – 1980 / Springfield Civic Center
*Boston*
1974 – 1975 / The Big E Coliseum
1972 – 1974 / Boston Garden
1972 – 1973 / Boston Arena
Owner
2017 – Present / Thomas Dundon
1994 – 2017 / Peter Karmanos, Jr.
1972 – 1993 / Howard Baldwin, John Coburn, W. Godfrey Wood and William Edward Barnes
- 1974
- 1994
- 1997
-
Relocate to Hartford
While in Boston, the club played their home games at the Boston Arena and Boston Garden. However game scheduling at Boston Garden owned by the rival NHL Bruins became increasingly difficult, and the owners decided to relocate the team to Hartford, Connecticut beginning with the 1974 – 1975 season. The area, aside from various minor league teams in New Haven, ... -
Peter Karmanos New Owner
In the summer of 1994, the Whalers were purchased, in a deal brokered by the Connecticut Development Authority, by Compuware CEO Peter Karmanos, along with partners Thomas Thewes, and Jim Rutherford. Rutherford became the team’s new General Manager and Holmgren came back as the Head Coach. The new ownership wanted to turn the team into a winner for the 1994 ... -
Heading to North Carolina
Despite assurances made when he purchased the team in 1994 that the Whalers would remain in Hartford at least through 1998, in March 1997 owner Peter Karmanos announced that the team would move elsewhere after the 1996 – 1997 season because of the team’s inability to negotiate a satisfactory construction and lease package for a new arena in Hartford. On ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Hartford Whalers
The Whalers had some memorable moments during their tenure in Hartford; most notably winning back-to-back Adams Division championships during the 1986–87 and 1987–88 seasons under head coach Larry Pleau’s leadership.
This included a first-round upset over Montreal Canadiens that season which is still remembered fondly by fans today. In addition to this success, there were also several great players who donned the green jersey including Ron Francis – who currently holds many of its all-time records - Kevin Dineen -who captained them for five years-, Ulf Samuelsson & Pat Verbeek among others.
Unfortunately due to financial difficulties facing both owner Peter Karmanos Jr., and local government officials unable to reach an agreement on arena funding, the Whalers relocated from Connecticut after 15 years playing at what is now known as XL Center; moving southwards down I95 highway becoming Carolina Hurricanes starting with 1997/98 season.
Although no longer part of the NHL landscape, Hartford remains the proud host for AHL's Wolf Pack / Sound Tigers franchises since 1997; while former members reunite each year around various events such as “WhalerFest” or “Farewell Season Reunion” held annually since 2000. As long-time supporters continue reflecting fond memories about days gone by, hopefully, soon we can witness once again those familiar chants echoing through downtown streets: "Let's Go Whale!"
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
2 / Glen Wesley
10 / Ron Francis
17 / Rod Brind’Amour
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history