Hopes for an NHL return to Hartford are dim, according to current AHL players Alex Belzile and Louis Domingue. They acknowledge the city’s rich hockey history but note that the former Whalers have faded from daily conversation. While the XL Center has been renovated for basketball, the market’s focus on UConn basketball and the absence of an NHL-standard arena contribute to skepticism about reviving the Whalers. Former goalie Jean-Sébastien Giguère reinforces that Hartford is better suited for AHL hockey.
Hopes for NHL Return to Hartford
HARTFORD, Connecticut | When it comes to the prospect of the National Hockey League making a comeback in Hartford, Quebecers Alex Belzile and Louis Domingue have a clear message: those still holding onto this dream are living in a fantasy.
As current players for the Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League, both Belzile and Domingue appreciate their playing environment, but they are skeptical about the potential for the Whalers to return to the city. “It’s a bit surprising to know that there was already a National League team here, when you think about it, because the former Whalers fans remain a bit hidden,” admitted Domingue, the team’s goaltender. “It was different during last Saturday’s game celebrating the 50th anniversary of professional hockey in Hartford, but on a day-to-day basis, the Whalers are not a hot topic here.”
The Changing Landscape of Hartford Sports
Belzile and Domingue are not swayed by nostalgia, as they are part of a generation that is unfamiliar with the iconic “Brass Bonanza.” Once known as the Civic Center during the Whalers’ era, the XL Center is now predominantly recognized for hosting NCAA basketball games for the University of Connecticut (UConn).
“They’ve invested in renovating the arena, particularly for basketball, which enjoys immense popularity here,” noted Belzile.
While the Wolf Pack does draw a crowd, the upper sections of the arena often remain empty, with black curtains draped across them. “It can be misleading; the arena is large, but we frequently have thousands attending our games,” explained the Quebec forward.
Just a stone’s throw from the XL Center, a hockey fan working at Aladin Pizzeria echoed the sentiment that reviving the Whalers would require more than just a wish and a genie. The dominance of UConn basketball in Hartford, which has a population of around 125,000, is undeniable.
“There’s significant wealth in Connecticut, especially in the suburbs, but the chances of the NHL returning to Hartford are slim,” remarked former goalie Jean-Sébastien Giguère, who was consulted for this article. “The market is ideally suited for the American League as it stands, while the NHL has firmly established itself in the nearby New York area, home to the Rangers, Islanders, and New Jersey Devils.”
In comparison to Quebec, Hartford currently lacks any arena that meets NHL standards. As a result, dreaming of the Whalers’ return feels akin to wishing for the Montreal Expos to re-emerge in Major League Baseball in the near future.
Belzile, who loves baseball, appreciates Hartford for another reason: the city is home to the AA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, known as the Yard Goats. Meanwhile, the buzz in Hartford continues to revolve around UConn and its basketball programs, which are major attractions for both men and women.