Hartford Whalers Returning to the NHL … for a Night

The Carolina Hurricanes will don the iconic green Whalers sweaters on Sunday in Raleigh.

26 Oct 1996:  Goalie Sean Burke and Glen Wesley of the Hartford Whalers during the Whalers 6-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres at the Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo, New York. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart/ALLSPORT
26 Oct 1996: Goalie Sean Burke and Glen Wesley of the Hartford Whalers during the Whalers 6-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres at the Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo, New York. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart/ALLSPORT
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For the first time since 1997, the Hartford Whalers will be returning to the ice in the NHL … kinda.

On Sunday at PNC Arena in Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes will don the iconic green Whalers sweaters when they host the Boston Bruins in honor of the team’s first “Whalers Night.”

The Hurricanes, who were previously the Whalers before the team move from Hartford to North Carolina in ’97, have long turned their back on the team they previously were.

That changed when new owner Tom Dundon took over. Almost immediately after he purchased controlling interest from Peter Karmanos, the Hurricanes began selling Whalers gear at PNC Arena.

“Brass Bonanza,” which used to play after every Whalers goal, will undoubtedly be blaring on Sunday in Raleigh. Pucky the Whale mascot, another Whalers staple, will sound the warning siren before the game.

After Whalers Night, the Hurricanes will wear Hartford sweaters again on March 5 in Boston, 100 miles from the team’s old home.

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