HARTFORD, CT - Fifty years ago, on January 11, 1975, Hartford welcomed professional hockey when the Whalers took the ice for the first time. To celebrate this milestone, Connecticut will host a series of events on January 11, 2025, to honor 50 years of Hartford hockey and the remarkable legacy of the Whalers.

“Connecticut is proud of its hockey history, and even prouder of the fans who’ve kept that legacy alive,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “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.”

“Hockey in Hartford was always about more than just the game,” Howard Baldwin, founder of the Hartford Whalers, 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.”

Key events include:

• World premiere of “The Whalers” documentary: This milestone kicks off the world premiere of the documentary film “The Whalers” at Cinestudio at Trinity College at 2:00 p.m. This highly anticipated film will explore the history, influence, and emotional connect ion the Whalers created in Hartford and beyond.
• Special in-game celebration at the Hartford Wolfpack game: The evening will continue with an in-game celebration during the Hartford Wolf Pack game at the XL Center at 7:00 p.m. A tribute to Hartford’s hockey legacy will be featured, along with special appearances from players of both the Whalers and Wolf Pack.
• Hockey night in Hartford film fest: Cinestudio will host a special weekend featuring hockey classics, including Howard Baldwin’s “Mystery Alaska.”
• Hartford history walk: Fans can explore Hartford’s iconic sports legacy through a self-guided tour around the Old State House, celebrating 50 years of Hartford Hockey and other defining moments in the city’s history.

“The Whalers created something special in Hartford – something that still connects fans, players, and the community 50 years later,” Bob Crawford, who played three seasons for the Whalers and continues to make Hartford his home, said. “Celebrating this milestone is a tribute to everyone who has been a part of Hartford hockey’s incredible story.”

“The Hartford Wolf Pack is proud to be part of Connecticut’s hockey legacy,” Ben Weiss, general manager of the XL Center, said. “As we celebrate 50 years of Hartford Hockey, we’re reminded of the passion and dedication of our fans and how this sport continues to bring people together.”

The Hartford Whalers logo, designed by the late Peter Good, is a symbol that remains deeply tied to Connecticut’s identity. This emblem has become one of the most recognizable in sports history, symbolizing the team’s enduring legacy and the city’s rich hockey heritage.

“Peter poured his heart into the design of the Whalers logo, and it’s incredible to see how much it still resonates with people today,” Janet Cummings Good, Peter’s wife, said.

Despite the Whalers’ relocation in 1997, the Whalers brand’s timeless appeal is a testament to of the team, players, front office, and of course the fans. Today, Whalers-branded gear and apparel is the best-selling of all non-current NHL teams.

“The Whalers left an indelible mark on Connecticut,” Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s chief marketing officer, said. “They were a cultural phenomenon that brought the people together and showcased Hartford as a city that could hold its own on the national stage. Fifty years later, their impact is still felt, whether through the nostalgia of the green and blue or the passionate hockey culture they sparked. The Hartford Wolf Pack has taken that torch and kept our love for the game alive, showing that Connecticut’s hockey story is far from over.”