RALIEGH, NC – For the first time since moving to North Carolina in 1997, the Carolina Hurricanes will wear the old Hartford Whalers uniforms on Sunday in their home game with the Boston Bruins. Carolina owner Tom Dundon, who bought the team last January, has embraced the marketing opportunities with the popular green-and-blue Whalers logo.
According to the Hurricanes website, the team will “honor their heritage in hosting Whalers Night on Sunday, Dec. 23 when the Boston Bruins, an old Hartford rival, visit PNC Arena.”
“We’re proud of the history and traditions that we’ve built in 21 years in North Carolina. But we’ve never thrown away the records established during this franchise’s 18 NHL seasons in Connecticut,” said Hurricanes President and General Manager Don Waddell. “This is a chance to celebrate our team’s heritage and the players and coaches who laid the groundwork for this franchise.”
Whalers Night will include a number of throwback elements besides the vintage sweaters featuring the iconic Whalers logo. The Hurricanes will play the Whalers theme song “Brass Bonanza” when they score. The tribute night has provoked a variety of reactions from Whalers fans — including the governor — and not many of them positive.
The Hurricanes will also wear the Whalers kit when they visit Boston on Tuesday, March 5th. We’ll see if that one goes over any better.
