New England Whalers T-Shirt

Product Details:

• 100% Cotton (52% Cotton 48% Polyester for heather colors)
• 4.2 oz combed and ring-spun cotton
• Extra soft, lightweight
• Unisex classic fit
• Pre-shrunk, side-seamed
• Printed graphics
• Ships in 3–5 business days

Team: New England Whalers
Years Active: 1972–1979 (WHA)
Home: Boston Garden (1972–73) · Springfield Civic Center (1974–75) · Hartford Civic Center (1975–79) — New England
Titles: Avco World Trophy champions 1972–73 (inaugural WHA season)

The New England Whalers were one of the twelve founding franchises of the World Hockey Association (WHA) and the first team to win the Avco World Trophy, capturing the league's inaugural 1972–73 championship behind the playmaking of player-coach Jack Kelley and the goaltending of Al Smith. Originally based at Boston Garden, the Whalers relocated to Hartford in 1975 after a brief stop in Springfield, anchoring at the Hartford Civic Center and giving Connecticut its first major-league professional sports team.

Across seven WHA seasons the Whalers built one of the league's most stable rosters, with stars like Gordie Howe (joining the franchise in 1977 and reuniting with his sons Mark and Marty), Dave Keon, Rick Ley, and Ron Plumb. When the WHA dissolved in 1979, the Whalers were one of four franchises absorbed into the major professional hockey league, where they continued play as the Hartford Whalers.

Vintage-inspired reproduction — not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any team, league, or organization. Used for historical and artistic purposes only.