HARTFORD, CT — On Jan. 9, 1975, Gerald Ford was president of the United States, gasoline prices had increased 3 pennies to a whopping 53 cents a gallon, and the Hartford Civic Center opened downtown with a concert by Glen Campbell, followed the next night by Johnny Mathis. The third night was a dream come true for local sports fans, as major league hockey made its Connecticut debut.
The New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association defeated the San Diego Mariners 4-3 in the first game played at the shiny new building. Don Blackburn, later to become Whalers’ coach, scored the first goal in Hartford, and former Granby resident Garry Swain netted the game-winning tally in overtime.
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In 1972, the World Hockey Association was formed as an alternative to the long-established National Hockey League. The lure of big money contracts attracted some longtime stars to the new league, including Bobby Hull (who inked the first $1 million deal in professional team sports history), Gerry Cheevers, Derek Sanderson, Ted Green, J.C. Tremblay, Andre Lacroix and Bernie Parent. In the second WHA season, the legendary Gordie Howe, known as “Mr. Hockey,” came out of retirement at age 45 to join his sons Mark and Marty on the Houston Aeros.
The New England Whalers were a charter WHA member, playing its first two seasons in Boston and capturing the league’s initial championship, the Avco World Trophy. After a temporary move to the Big E Coliseum in West Springfield, Mass. in 1974, the team shifted its home base to Hartford as the calendar turned to 1975.
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Franchise co-founder Howard Baldwin, who at 28 became one of the youngest executives in pro sports when the Whalers began, eventually became WHA president, then oversaw the merger of the Whalers and three other teams into the NHL in 1979. He remained as managing general partner until the franchise was sold to local ownership in 1988; the club moved to North Carolina and became the Hurricanes in 1997.
Baldwin founded the San Jose Sharks, then became co-owner of the Minnesota North Stars, then the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning the Stanley Cup in 1992. He and his wife Karen created the Baldwin Entertainment group, which has produced films such as the hockey-related “Mystery, Alaska” and the Academy Award-nominated “Ray.”
Now 82, Baldwin returned to the Civic Center (actually, now the XL Center) Friday, joining Governor Ned Lamont and Hartford mayor Arunan Arulampalam in announcing a series of special events scheduled to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hartford hockey.
Among the key events on Jan. 11 will be:
Other planned parts of the celebration are:
“Hockey in Hartford was always about more than just the game,” Baldwin said. “It was about the fans, the city, and the pride of being part of something unique. I’m thrilled to see this celebration of 50 years, and I’m honored to share in the memories and excitement.”
Lamont said, “Connecticut is proud of its hockey history, and even prouder of the fans who’ve kept that legacy alive. Fifty years later, this celebration isn’t just looking back, but also about honoring how hockey continues to connect and energize our communities. The Whalers weren’t just a hockey team – they were, and remain, a symbol of pride, unity and identity for Connecticut.”
Despite their relocation more than a quarter-century ago, the Whalers brand’s timeless appeal is a testament to the team, players, front office and fans. Today, Whalers-branded gear and apparel is the best-selling of all non-current NHL teams.
Right wing Bob Crawford, who scored 64 goals for Hartford between 1983 and 1986 and still lives in Connecticut, said, “The Whalers created something special in Hartford – something that still connects fans, players and the community 50 years later. Celebrating this milestone is a tribute to everyone who has been a part of Hartford hockey’s incredible story.”
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