Hartford Whalers
Since the Hartford Whalers departed for North Carolina in 1997, fans have greatly missed the team’s sweaters and overall swagger in the NHL.
Another aspect that the hockey community arguably wishes it still had and appreciated was the Whalers’ goal horn. Similar to the Ducks, the NHL’s franchise that’s missed the most were clever when selecting its horn’s theme.
For starters, the Whalers’ goal horn was beyond loud and obnoxious but in a way that opposing fans likely appreciated its charisma and intimidation. The sound portrays a large boat’s horn, and the Whalers weren’t shy about letting the overpowering horn drag on for a few more seconds than most expected.
Speaking of intimidation, the Whalers’ goal song following the horn progressed in a complete opposite direction to engage with the home fans. A track labeled “Brass Bonanza” is most remembered for Hartford’s goal song which was very festive and almost reminded you of a parade song from a 1970s Steven Spielberg film.
Given the era that the Whalers were present in the NHL from 1979-80 through 1996-97, the joyous and prideful song was a nice change of pace and also offered a sense of character and class. What’s interesting is that the franchise used a similar horn once it became the Carolina Hurricanes in 1997-98.
There’s no doubt that the past, and present, horn was an alarming feeling and also provided a sense of home-ice advantage. Fans have to wonder if a team, or the Hurricanes, will ever utilize a goal song similar to the Whalers’. It seems circa 2020, that most teams tend to use modern-day songs and remixes.
Perhaps the NHL’s 32nd city in Seattle could somehow pay homage to the Whalers by not only entailing a similar-themed nickname, but goal horn and song. Either way, it’s safe to say the entire hockey community is hoping a “Whalers” franchise returns.