Whalers Plate Designed to Remember Hartford Hockey, Help Children's Hospital

WETHERSFIELD, CT — A move by the state legislature will keep the spirit of the Hartford Whalers alive through the Department of Motor Vehicles while helping the Connecticut Children's Medical Center.

Both the state House of Representatives and Senate passed bills earlier this month that approved Whalers vanity plates. If endorsed by the governor's office, they will be available starting in January and cost $60 along with other appropriate registration fees.

A portion of the proceeds from the special plates will go to the CCMC, according to the bill, which was sponsored by House Majority Leader Matt Ritter of Hartford; state Rep. Antonio Guerrera, who represents Rocky Hill and parts of Wethersfield and Newington; and state Rep. Kurt Vail, who represents Somers and Stafford.

Dennis House of WFSB TV was sporting a sample of what the plate might look like this week on the set of his Sunday morning show, "Face the State" and hinted on Twitter it could be a lengthy discussion with "the Whaler Brigade."

On April 13, 1997, the Whalers played their last game in Hartford, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 2–1. They then packed up and moved to North Carolina.

Photo Courtesy of Dennis House/WFSB