The Whale Is Officially Back!

[Brass]

We can't all be Cardinals.

No, but apparently you've got the knack for the obvious and unfunny joke.

And... Emerson on a Whalers jersey? What next, STL, you're going to suggest a Twist Nordiques jersey?

Why not? Emerson was well liked around here and I wouldn't mind owning a Tony Twist Quebec jersey.

Did Hartford count as a Boston team?

That's a very important question for me when deciding whether or not to wear any of this gear...

They played in the Boston Garden their first year of existence in the WHA. Not sure if that qualifies them as a "Boston" team for you though.

More just a matter of they identified with the Boston area or not. I dunno.

I guess I could get over it.

Especially for a Chris Pronger or Nelson Emerson jersey.

If it makes you feel any better, I've been led to understand that the people of Hartford don't think much of the Patriots after being used as a pawn by Bob Kraft to get a new stadium in Foxboro.

Meh, some do feel that well, but others don't. The ones that believe realistically knew that the Patriots were never going to come to Hartford, even after Kraft gave up the non-refundable down payment.

More just a matter of they identified with the Boston area or not. I dunno.

The Whalers were never considered a Boston team, while they were in the NHL. In fact, I think most Boston fans hated the Whalers as much as they did the Canadiens. When the local news still showed sports highlights, the Whale was rarely ever part of the package. Celts, Bruins, Sox and Pats. No Whalers.

There was a lot of dislike around here about the Whalers, but for different reasons than the Habs. The B's only played the Whale twice in the postseason and won both times. I think it was more a natural proximity rivalry than a get beat down yearly by the Canadiens rivalry. Regardless, can't help but wish they never left.

I'm going to bet that most Bruins fans, especially ones in Connecticut, wish the Whalers never left. My dad's like that. We're about an hour and a half from either Boston or New York, but when the Whalers were around, he didn't have to travel to either of the big cities to catch his beloved Bruins. Could easily make the 30-minute trip and bam, NHL hockey. I've even talked to fans in Boston about it. I always get, probably 90% of the time, positive comments about my Whalers hat when I wear it in Boston. I'm not sure if the Whalers have become a fun novelty or if they are actually missed. I'm going with the latter of the two.

[STL FANATIC]

We can't all be Cardinals.

No, but apparently you've got the knack for the obvious and unfunny joke.

And... Emerson on a Whalers jersey? What next, STL, you're going to suggest a Twist Nordiques jersey?

More of a personal thing there. Nelson Emerson actually lived about a mile from me for most of his playing career (he later moved to SoCal, I suppose when he joined the Kings). But at my age, I don't REALLY remember Emerson on the Blues, so when I came to know who he was, he was a former Blue playing for the Whalers.

Kinda strangely I never got to meet the guy, but a good friend of mine was his neighbor, and Nelson supplied her with a lot of things to pass on to me. I've got an autographed Card of him on the Whalers, a bunch of random pictures/stickers/folders of Whalers and Hurricanes items, and then an autographed little zipper jersey pouch (I dunno if that makes sense, not sure how to describe) from when he was on the Thrashers.

He wore 16 with the Whalers, and Brett Hull was my favorite Blue at the time (and of all time), so the first sign I ever made for a sporting even that I went to was a lame 16 EMERSON vs 16 HULL with each teams logo. As if that was the marquee matchup, lol. But for me it was.

Anyways, lame and not all that interesting side story there, but that's why I like Nelson. And since I knew him as a Whaler more than a Blue, and I love the jerseys, that's why I'd love to have his name on it.

I've no such love for the Nordiques jerseys, and Twister will ALWAYS be a Blue to me, lol.

[Brian in Boston]

Those memories are tempered, of course, by the four Avco Cups...

Only three of which were actually won by the Jets. Hmmmmmm... who did Winnipeg lose that inaugural WHA championship to?

Though the Jets did exact their AVCO Cup revenge on the Whalers in '78.

... and the Cup on permanent display in the MTSC.

One of three such displays. Don't forget the AVCO World Trophies housed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and the Nova Scotia Hall of Fame in Halifax.

[TFoA]

Will the Canes wear these as a throwback, or is it still off-limits for them?

I hope they do, if only to see the Whale logo back on the ice again. Damn, that is a nice logo.

[Lee.]

Those memories are tempered, of course, by the four Avco Cups...

Only three of which were actually won by the Jets. Hmmmmmm... who did Winnipeg lose that inaugural WHA championship to?

Though the Jets did exact their AVCO Cup revenge on the Whalers in '78.

As a Canadian, you're forgetting about exchange.

... and the Cup on permanent display in the MTSC.

One of three such displays. Don't forget the AVCO World Trophies housed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and the Nova Scotia Hall of Fame in Halifax.

If I'm not mistaken, which I could very well be, I believe the AVCO Cup in Winnipeg is the original, the other two being replicas. I could very well stand to be corrected, however.

[Neon_Matrix]

Those memories are tempered, of course, by the four Avco Cups...

Only three of which were actually won by the Jets. Hmmmmmm... who did Winnipeg lose that inaugural WHA championship to?

Though the Jets did exact their AVCO Cup revenge on the Whalers in '78.

As a Canadian, you're forgetting about exchange.

... and the Cup on permanent display in the MTSC.

One of three such displays. Don't forget the AVCO World Trophies housed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and the Nova Scotia Hall of Fame in Halifax.

If I'm not mistaken, which I could very well be, I believe the AVCO Cup in Winnipeg is the original, the other two being replicas. I could very well stand to be corrected, however.

Everyone claims to have the real one. I think the original is either in Halifax or Winnipeg and not in Toronto.

[Timaa]

Brass, since you sound like a Whalers aficionado, you might remember if Keith Primeau ever wore the "C" while with the Whalers? Also, I know he's despised by Hurricanes fans, but how was he looked at when he was in Hartford, and what's your opinion of his legacy with the Whalers/Hurricanes franchise? I'm just curious, because I'm a Flyers fan and obviously have some fond memories of him. I also have a navy Whalers jersey, and would consider getting it personalized with Primeau, with or without the "C".

[Brass]

Brass, since you sound like a Whalers aficionado, you might remember if Keith Primeau ever wore the "C" while with the Whalers? Also, I know he's despised by Hurricanes fans, but how was he looked at when he was in Hartford, and what's your opinion of his legacy with the Whalers/Hurricanes franchise? I'm just curious, because I'm a Flyers fan and obviously have some fond memories of him. I also have a navy Whalers jersey, and would consider getting it personalized with Primeau, with or without the "C".

Indeed he did, as evidence by this photo:

He most likely took over when Kevin Dineen went down with an injury or something, as Dineen was the regular captain.

Primeau was practically loved in Hartford, as he was affectionately known as "K-Train" here. Although he wasn't here long, thus being hard to cement a real "legacy" in a city, he was definitely a fan favorite and from reports I've heard, loved playing in Hartford. For that, anybody is loved. I think picking Primeau on your Whalers jersey is a fantastic choice!

[Sodboy13]

Those memories are tempered, of course, by the four Avco Cups...

Only three of which were actually won by the Jets. Hmmmmmm... who did Winnipeg lose that inaugural WHA championship to?

Though the Jets did exact their AVCO Cup revenge on the Whalers in '78.

As a Canadian, you're forgetting about exchange.

... and the Cup on permanent display in the MTSC.

One of three such displays. Don't forget the AVCO World Trophies housed at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto and the Nova Scotia Hall of Fame in Halifax.

If I'm not mistaken, which I could very well be, I believe the AVCO Cup in Winnipeg is the original, the other two being replicas. I could very well stand to be corrected, however.

Everyone claims to have the real one. I think the original is either in Halifax or Winnipeg and not in Toronto.

Wait. So when I visited the HHOF in Toronto, not only did I have to settle for a replica Stanley Cup, but the Avco Cup was a replica, too? Jeebus, did I at least get to see the real Turner Cup while I was there?

[ElwoodCuse]

I'm almost positive that the copyright expired in, I want to say, September of 2008? Obviously the state didn't pick it up and perhaps the NHL jumped all over the opportunity. Can't blame them really - the Whale is a goldmine.

Copyrights basically never expire anymore (thanks Disney!) but the trademarks for "Hartford Whalers" have been dead for a while. The }3 is still owned by someone but if you want to start a new hockey team called the Hartford Whalers, go right ahead.

I want one of the jerseys so bad. I passed up a $40 Shanahan Starter one at Ollie's way back when and I hate myself for doing so. Ebay is full of fakes and homemade crap; the last real auction I lost was for a Sami Kapinen authentic that sold for a ton.

[FiddySicks]

Brass, since you sound like a Whalers aficionado, you might remember if Keith Primeau ever wore the "C" while with the Whalers? Also, I know he's despised by Hurricanes fans, but how was he looked at when he was in Hartford, and what's your opinion of his legacy with the Whalers/Hurricanes franchise? I'm just curious, because I'm a Flyers fan and obviously have some fond memories of him. I also have a navy Whalers jersey, and would consider getting it personalized with Primeau, with or without the "C".

Indeed he did, as evidence by this photo:

He most likely took over when Kevin Dineen went down with an injury or something, as Dineen was the regular captain.

Primeau was practically loved in Hartford, as he was affectionately known as "K-Train" here. Although he wasn't here long, thus being hard to cement a real "legacy" in a city, he was definitely a fan favorite and from reports I've heard, loved playing in Hartford. For that, anybody is loved. I think picking Primeau on your Whalers jersey is a fantastic choice!

Why was he hated in Carolina? He was part of the trade that sent Rod Brind'Amour to the Canes, who was the captain when they won the cup. If anything I'd think that Canes fans would be thanking him.

[SHaMROCK]

I'm almost positive that the copyright expired in, I want to say, September of 2008? Obviously the state didn't pick it up and perhaps the NHL jumped all over the opportunity. Can't blame them really - the Whale is a goldmine.

Copyrights basically never expire anymore (thanks Disney!) but the trademarks for "Hartford Whalers" have been dead for a while. The }3 is still owned by someone but if you want to start a new hockey team called the Hartford Whalers, go right ahead.

I want one of the jerseys so bad. I passed up a $40 Shanahan Starter one at Ollie's way back when and I hate myself for doing so. Ebay is full of fakes and homemade crap; the last real auction I lost was for a Sami Kapinen authentic that sold for a ton.

Are you saying this is a fake? I've been "watching" it for a while now...

http://cgi.ebay.com/HARTFORD-WHALERS-PRO-A...%3A1%7C294%3A50

Oh, and let me add my undying love for the Hartford Whalers NAVY era uniform/logo package. I'm a lifelong Bruins fan, but I can't deny or resist the fact that the Hartford Whalers were the best dressed team to EVER take the ice!!!

[RyanB06]

I'm almost positive that the copyright expired in, I want to say, September of 2008? Obviously the state didn't pick it up and perhaps the NHL jumped all over the opportunity. Can't blame them really - the Whale is a goldmine.

Copyrights basically never expire anymore (thanks Disney!) but the trademarks for "Hartford Whalers" have been dead for a while. The }3 is still owned by someone but if you want to start a new hockey team called the Hartford Whalers, go right ahead.

I want one of the jerseys so bad. I passed up a $40 Shanahan Starter one at Ollie's way back when and I hate myself for doing so. Ebay is full of fakes and homemade crap; the last real auction I lost was for a Sami Kapinen authentic that sold for a ton.

Are you saying this is a fake? I've been "watching" it for a while now...

http://cgi.ebay.com/HARTFORD-WHALERS-PRO-A...%3A1%7C294%3A50

Oh, and let me add my undying love for the Hartford Whalers NAVY era uniform/logo package. I'm a lifelong Bruins fan, but I can't deny or resist the fact that the Hartford Whalers were the best dressed team to EVER take the ice!!!

Looks legit to me, but I think someone with a more trained eye than mine could give you a more definitive answer.

[oldschoolvikings]

Ok, am i the only one who prefers the green jersey? Don't get me wrong, the navy is a great look, too, but the green is just a little better IMO. Of course, I have a bit of a thing for kelly green uniforms in all sports at all levels. Plus.. Green and navy blue = good, green and royal blue = spaztastic!

[Lee.]

Ok, am i the only one who prefers the green jersey? Don't get me wrong, the navy is a great look, too, but the green is just a little better IMO. Of course, I have a bit of a thing for kelly green uniforms in all sports at all levels. Plus.. Green and navy blue = good, green and royal blue = spaztastic!

The jersey itself might have been okay (by 80's standards), but when you factored in the pants and socks, it just wasn't a good look.

[Sport]

Ok, am i the only one who prefers the green jersey? Don't get me wrong, the navy is a great look, too, but the green is just a little better IMO. Of course, I have a bit of a thing for kelly green uniforms in all sports at all levels. Plus.. Green and navy blue = good, green and royal blue = spaztastic!

The jersey itself might have been okay (by 80's standards), but when you factored in the pants and socks, it just wasn't a good look.

Or these things

[Sodboy13]

I'm almost positive that the copyright expired in, I want to say, September of 2008? Obviously the state didn't pick it up and perhaps the NHL jumped all over the opportunity. Can't blame them really - the Whale is a goldmine.

Copyrights basically never expire anymore (thanks Disney!) but the trademarks for "Hartford Whalers" have been dead for a while. The }3 is still owned by someone but if you want to start a new hockey team called the Hartford Whalers, go right ahead.

I want one of the jerseys so bad. I passed up a $40 Shanahan Starter one at Ollie's way back when and I hate myself for doing so. Ebay is full of fakes and homemade crap; the last real auction I lost was for a Sami Kapinen authentic that sold for a ton.

Are you saying this is a fake? I've been "watching" it for a while now...

http://cgi.ebay.com/HARTFORD-WHALERS-PRO-A...%3A1%7C294%3A50

Oh, and let me add my undying love for the Hartford Whalers NAVY era uniform/logo package. I'm a lifelong Bruins fan, but I can't deny or resist the fact that the Hartford Whalers were the best dressed team to EVER take the ice!!!

It's not a fake. It is, however, overpriced. Give it a few months, and wait until Reebok/CCM starts rolling out the throwback jerseys.

[Brian in Boston]

Ok, am i the only one who prefers the green jersey?

Speaking for myself, I find the Navy Blue, Green, Silver and White color scheme and unis to be superior. Frankly, vastly so.

[Timaa]

Brass, since you sound like a Whalers aficionado, you might remember if Keith Primeau ever wore the "C" while with the Whalers? Also, I know he's despised by Hurricanes fans, but how was he looked at when he was in Hartford, and what's your opinion of his legacy with the Whalers/Hurricanes franchise? I'm just curious, because I'm a Flyers fan and obviously have some fond memories of him. I also have a navy Whalers jersey, and would consider getting it personalized with Primeau, with or without the "C".

Indeed he did, as evidence by this photo:

He most likely took over when Kevin Dineen went down with an injury or something, as Dineen was the regular captain.

Primeau was practically loved in Hartford, as he was affectionately known as "K-Train" here. Although he wasn't here long, thus being hard to cement a real "legacy" in a city, he was definitely a fan favorite and from reports I've heard, loved playing in Hartford. For that, anybody is loved. I think picking Primeau on your Whalers jersey is a fantastic choice!

Why was he hated in Carolina? He was part of the trade that sent Rod Brind'Amour to the Canes, who was the captain when they won the cup. If anything I'd think that Canes fans would be thanking him.

Thanks Brass! Since we had the "E-train" in Philly, I should probably add the "K-train" to my collection. I think I'm going to keep the navy Whalers jersey, with the mini-Whalers logo on the lower back hem next to the CCM logo, I already have blank, and then get one of these new ones, that will hopefully come out soon, personalized with Primeau.

As for why Primeau is hated in Carolina, somebody correct me if I'm wrong, or elaborate, but toward the end of his time with the Hurricanes, he was known as "Primeau-donna". He held out for a new contract, until he was traded for Brindy. While yes, I'm sure the Canes fans have been more than happy with what they got in return for Primeau, that doesn't change the fact that they felt he was a primadonna. The rumor at the time was that it was going to either be Lindros or Brind'amour for Primeau. Hindsight being 20/20, Brindy should be the Flyers captain to this day.

[spartacat_12]

Why was he hated in Carolina? He was part of the trade that sent Rod Brind'Amour to the Canes, who was the captain when they won the cup. If anything I'd think that Canes fans would be thanking him.

As for why Primeau is hated in Carolina, somebody correct me if I'm wrong, or elaborate, but toward the end of his time with the Hurricanes, he was known as "Primeau-donna". He held out for a new contract, until he was traded for Brindy. While yes, I'm sure the Canes fans have been more than happy with what they got in return for Primeau, that doesn't change the fact that they felt he was a primadonna. The rumor at the time was that it was going to either be Lindros or Brind'amour for Primeau. Hindsight being 20/20, Brindy should be the Flyers captain to this day.

Exactly. It's just like the Yashin situation in Ottawa. The fact that the team got Chara and a pick that turned out to be Spezza didn't stop fans from hating him and booing him any chance we got.