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New England Whalers

Frank Fleming
Author: 
Frank Fleming
5 mins
November 1st, 2023
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New England Whalers
  • First Game October 12, 1972

  • Final Game May 8, 1979

  • Joined NHL in 1979

Historical Moments

1972/73:Led by former Boston University Coach Jack Kelley, and playing in the historic Boston Garden, the New England Whalers hit the ice for the first time playing in the upstart World Hockey Association, on October 12th. They would rally from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Philadelphia Blazers 4-3. While other WHA teams spent their money on NHL stars the Whalers decided to go after solid steadier players, and it paid off as they would go on to finish with a league best 46-30-2 record. In the playoffs the Whalers would make quick work of the Ottawa Nationals advancing to the semifinals in five games. In the semifinals the Whalers would dominate again as they beat the Cleveland Crusaders in five games to advance to the very first AVCO Cup Finals. In the finals the Whalers would shut down the highflying Winnipeg Jets in five games to emerge as the first champions of the WHA.

1973/74:The Whalers repeat as Eastern Division Champions finishing with a solid 43-31-4 record. However, come playoff time the Whalers would need to find a new home after being pushed out of the crowded Boston Garden. The Whalers would play their playoff games in the Eastern States Coliseum in West Springfield, MA. While getting used to their new surroundings the Whalers would fall in a hard fought seven game series to the Chicago Cougars.

1974/75:After starting the season in West Springfield the Whalers move again in January picking the Hartford Civic Center as their permanent home. Despite relocating again the Whalers would win their third straight Division title with a 43-30-5 record. However, in the playoffs the Whalers would make a quick exit losing to the Minnesota Fighting Saints in six games.

1975/76:Despite struggling to a 33-40-7 record the Whalers make the playoffs by finishing in third place. In the playoffs the Whalers would stun the Cleveland Crusaders sweeping them in three straight games. In the second round the Whalers would outlast the Indianapolis Racers in a hard fought seven game series to reach the semifinals. However, in the semifinals the Whalers would fall in seven games themselves to the Houston Aeros.

1976/77:The Whalers struggle in the regular season again posting a 35-40-6 record, finishing in 4th place. In the playoffs the Whalers would be capsized quickly by the Quebec Nordiques in 5 games. Following the season the Whalers would sign the entire Howe family, Mark, Marty and their legendary father Gordie to long-term contracts.

1977/78:With the addition of the Howes the Whalers got off to a fast start, winning 15 of their first 17 games. However, the Whalers would be forced to find a new home in January when the roof of the Hartford Civic Center caved in after a heavy snowstorm. Finishing the season in the Springfield Civic Center the Whalers would finish in second place with a 44-31-5 record. In the playoffs the Whalers would knock off the Edmonton Oilers in five games, to reach the semifinals. In the semis the Whalers would quickly beat the Quebec Nordiques in five games. However, in the AVCO Cup finals the Whalers would be swept in four straight games by the Winnipeg Jets.

1978/79:With work continuing on the renovation of the Hartford Civic Center the Whalers continue to play in Springfield, as word beings to circulate that the WHA will fold following the season, as an increasing number of teams cease operations. The Whalers would go on to finish in fourth place with a record of 37-34-9. In the playoffs the Whalers would beat the Cincinnati Stingers in a three game series before falling to the Edmonton Oilers in seven games. Following the season the WHA would fold, but the Whalers, along with the Oilers, Quebec Nordiques, and Winnipeg Jets would be invited to join the NHL. Leading the way for the Whalers jump to the NHL was owner Howard Baldwin who was also the President of the WHA.

Championship Teams

Whalers Arenas

Wonderful Whalers

10/12/72

Opening Faceoff at the Boston Garden

The New England Whalers

celebrate the first WHA AVCO Cup Championship

Tom Williams

1972-1974

Hugh Harris

1973/74

Jim Dorey

1972-1975

John French

1972-1975

Ted Green

1972-1975

Tim Sheehy

1972-1975, 1977/78

Al Karlander

1973-1975

Mike Byers

1972-1976

Terry Caffery

1972/73, 1974-1976

1973 WHA Top Rookie

John Danby

1972-1974, 1975/76

Don Blackburn

1973-1976

Wayne Carleton

1974-1976

Fred O’Donnell

1974-1976

Bruce Landon

1972-1977

Christer Abrahamsson

1974-1977

Thommy Abrahamsson

1974-1977

Ron Climie

1974-1977

Ralph Backstrom

1975-1977

Rosaire Paiement

1975-1977

Gordie and Sons

1977: The New England Whalers sign the entire Howe family to long term contracts, in an attempt to draw more

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Author

Frank Fleming
Frank Fleming founded the Sports Ecyclopedia in 2001 & is a passionate Devils fan.