Imagine the uproar that would occur if the Colorado Avalanche were to wear throwback Quebec Nordiques jerseys.
It is part of their franchise history, but I doubt it would be well received by Quebec fans.
Same goes for the Dallas Stars wearing North Stars sweaters, the New Jersey Devils wearing Kansas City Scouts or any team throwing back to a team it doesn’t have direct geographical ties to anymore.
So, what makes the Carolina–Hartford throwbacks different?
The Carolina Hurricanes are set to wear Hartford Whalers style throwbacks during two games in the 2018–2019 season, both against the Boston Bruins.
The Bruins’ fans had a history with the Whalers, often chanting “Hartford Failers” during games at the Boston Garden.
When Tom Dundon became the Hurricanes’ majority owner in January of last year, he embraced the Whalers identity and began selling Hartford merchandise at PNC Arena.
The new jerseys are modelled after the green and white jerseys the squad wore from 1979–80 through the 1991–92 season. They look amazing and are reminiscent of a time when several greats played for the franchise.
Whalers Night is coming to @PNCArena 🔥https://t.co/xTkyL1q22r
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) September 27, 2018
They do call back to a more trying time for the franchise, but also one with a deep historical relevance.
This is the resurgence of one of the most iconic sports logos of all time that saw time with many Hall of Fame calibre players.
The father and sons iteration of the Whalers in 1979–80 saw Gordie “Mr. Hockey” Howe play his final NHL season alongside his two sons, Mark and Marty.
Ron Francis and Kevin Dineen also suited up for the Whalers during their primes.
The team did, however, go through some rough patches.
By far the lowest point came in the 1982–83 season in which they won 19 games and amassed a total of 45 points over an 80-game season.
The team only made the playoffs eight times in its 18 years in Hartford.
They only made it to the second round once. They lost.
Are the Hurricanes inviting that losing culture by reviving the Whalers?
I can see why Whalers fans — yes, they still exist — would be upset at the idea of a team in another place wearing their city’s logo, but I’m sure they’re also hopping at the prospect of buying a new jersey from their favourite childhood team.
Now, we can only hope that they revive Brass Bonanza as their goal song.
