The New England Whalers were a pioneering team in professional hockey, launching in the World Hockey Association in 1972. Known for their bold style and passionate fan base, the club made a major impact on New England Whalers hockey before transitioning into the Hartford Whalers when joining the NHL, leaving a lasting mark on the sport’s history.
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 New England Whalers have been a beloved hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL) since its inception in 1972. The nickname “Whalers” was chosen to represent the region’s long history of whaling, which has become an iconic part of New England culture and heritage.
New England Whalers Origin
The origin story behind this unique name dates back to when Connecticut was known as the "Land of Steady Habits" due to its solid Puritan roots. During this time, many people from Connecticut turned to whaling for sustenance and income, leading it to become one of America's first industries. This connection between Connecticut and whales inspired the founders of The Hartford Whalers organization when they chose a nickname for their new NHL team over 40 years ago!
It wasn't until 1997 that professional sports teams began using nicknames with Native American imagery or references as mascots; however, despite being named after whales – an animal native only to water-based environments – The Hartford Whaler still managed to stand out amongst other teams in terms league branding thanks its creative moniker choice! Today fans across New England proudly wear apparel featuring their favorite whale logo while cheering on their beloved hometown hockey heroes at games around North America - cementing "Whaler" as one of the most recognizable names of sport today!
Championship
Stanley Cups 0
2006
Avco Cup 1
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
- 1971
- 1974
New England Whalers Team Formation
The Whalers franchise was born in November 1971 when the World Hockey Association awarded a franchise to New England businessmen Howard Baldwin, John Coburn, W. Godfrey Wood, and William Edward Barnes, to begin to play in Boston.
Move South 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, ...
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.
New England Whalers History
The New England Whalers were a professional ice hockey team that became a major force in North American hockey. Founded in 1972, the club originally played in the World Hockey Association (WHA) before joining the National Hockey League (NHL) as the Hartford Whalers in 1979. The franchise helped popularize New England Whalers hockey with its bold style, strong fan support, and competitive spirit.
During the 1975–76 season, the New England Whalers captured their first division championship by finishing first overall in the North Division with 42 wins, 21 losses, and 7 ties. This success strengthened the reputation of New England Whalers hockey and established them as a consistent contender in their league. The team reached the finals again in the 1976–77 season but fell to the Nova Scotia Voyageurs, losing four games to one.
In 1979–80, the New England Whalers added another milestone to their history. They finished as league champions after defeating the Maine Mariners in a thrilling best-of-seven series, four games to two. Following this championship, they represented Canada at an international tournament where they earned bronze medals after a close 3–2 loss to Czechoslovakia, who claimed gold. These moments remain iconic in the story of New England Whalers hockey.
Over the years, the New England Whalers produced many notable players who left a lasting impact on the NHL. Ron Francis played 11 seasons with the franchise before winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kevin Dineen, a longtime captain, later served as head coach. Ray Ferraro became one of the team’s top scorers, while his son Landon went on to play for the Los Angeles Kings organization. Ulf Samuelsson, another standout, now works as an NHL assistant coach. These players represent the deep legacy of New England Whalers hockey talent development.
Whalers Achievements
The New England Whalers achieved significant milestones beyond championships and player development. They were the first WHA team to sign a television deal that expanded hockey’s reach in New England. Their strong fan base also helped secure Hartford as a lasting hockey market. This dedication contributed to the growth of professional hockey in the region and solidified the status of New England Whalers hockey as a key part of the sport’s history.
Even though the original franchise transitioned to the Hartford Whalers and later became the Carolina Hurricanes, the legacy of the New England Whalers remains alive. Their championship banners, historic wins, and alumni continue to be celebrated at reunions and hockey events. The impact of New England Whalers hockey still resonates today with fans who remember the chants, rivalries, and unforgettable moments from this storied team’s past.
Retired Number
2 / Glen Wesley
10 / Ron Francis
17 / Rod Brind’Amour
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history