Fansided

NHL should keep Hartford Whalers jerseys away from Hurricanes

By Dave Stevenson

LANDOVER, MD - MARCH 24: Hartford Whalers celebrate a goal during a hockey game against the Washington Capitals on March 24, 1992 at Capitol Centre in Landover, Maryland. The Capitals won 8-2. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - MARCH 24: Hartford Whalers celebrate a goal during a hockey game against the Washington Capitals on March 24, 1992 at Capitol Centre in Landover, Maryland. The Capitals won 8-2. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Carolina Hurricanes have been rumored to be releasing an alternate jersey honoring the Hartford Whalers. This would be the worst possible situation for everyone involved. 

Now that Adidas has been in charge of the NHL jerseys for a full season, they’re bringing in a third jersey for each team. As all alternate jerseys are (looking at you, University of Oregon football), they are merely attempts to get more money. Even though the Carolina Hurricanes have already announced their third jerseys, they are still being rumored to be getting another alternate jersey to honor the Hartford Whalers.

For those who don’t know, the Hurricanes used to be the Whalers. They played in Hartford from 1974 to 1997. The Whalers were in the now-defunct WHA from 1972 (the first two years as the New England Whalers) until they joined the NHL in 1979.

Due to a variety of reasons, the team moved to Carolina and became the Carolina Hurricanes. It was a painful process for Whalers fans, who lost a team their fans loved and adored. Likewise, it’s a bit awkward for Canes fans to talk about the team in Hartford. Which, to be fair, is understandable.

Which is why the NHL should, for the sake of fans of the Hurricanes and Whalers, stay away from the rumored alternate Hurricanes sweater that would have the Whalers logo. Hartford fans don’t want to see another team wearing their former team’s iconic logo.

Likewise, Hurricanes fans would rather the focus be on their current team in Carolina than a past team in Hartford. Sure, Whalers jerseys would sell like hotcakes to fans not connected to either team. But for the parties most important to the situation, it would be re-opening wounds that ought to remain closed.

Next: Each NHL team’s most famous superfan

Yes, Carolina’s alternate jerseys are terrible. They found a way to make a black jersey, which is an awesome color scheme, ugly. Congratulations. But their prize shouldn’t be getting a Whalers jersey. There are far better options.

Home/Carolina Hurricanes