As we start our new website, I can't help but reflect back on some of the great nights I've spend in this state watching hockey.  Yes, we don't have an NHL team but those memories still remain as well as some amazing college and AHL games.  Truth is, I've been a part of some special nights.  I remember that one night ... (cue cliche' flashback music).

January 16, 1991:  Wayne Gretzky and the Los Angeles Kings were in Hartford.  The Whalers won 4-3 but America lost that night.  It was during this game that we declared war during the Persian Gulf crisis.  The Great One was on the ice but hockey was secondary that evening.  I remember when everyone in the crowd was talking about it and word spread quickly.  It was the first time in my life that I really had to think about war.  It's a night I'll never forget.

February 5, 2005:  The UCONN Huskies dedicate their arena to Mark E. Freitas and defeat Sacred Heart 5-1 in front of the biggest crowd in the arena's histrory.

February 12, 1984:  The mighty Edmonton Oilers were stunned by the Whalers losing 11-0.  In all the games I've ever seen live or on TV, I never witnessed such a lopsided affair.  I don't even think I was involved in a pond hockey game like that.  The most amazing part is if the Oilers netted 11, no one would've thought twice about it.  But the Whalers?  I'm still in disbelief.

October 18, 2005:  The Hartford Wolf Pack retired Ken Gernander's #12.  No one in their history was more deserving and anyone who was at that game was priviliged to be there, including me.  Ken Gernander was the face of that team and was the only captain in team history.  Not only was he a great player on the ice, he devoted so much of his time to the community.  He's everything that a pro athlete is supposed to be.

November 3, 2005:  The Quinnipiac Bobcats played their first ever ECAC game against Harvard at the Civic Center.  Mr. Hockey himself, Gordie Howe, dropped the puck for the ceremonial face off.

March 6, 1996:  Chris Osgood as a Red Wings goalie scores an empty netter vs. the Whalers.  First time I've ever seen that in person.

May 21, 2000:  Terry Virtue scores in OT during Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals getting the Wolf Pack into the Calder Cup Finals.  They would go on to defeat Rochester to capture the Cup.  I was a season ticket holder that season and it was one of the most exciting times I had in being a part of that run.

Anytime the Whalers played the Bruins:  As a B's fan, I can't tell you how much I miss having the Whalers here.  It was so nice to drive 10 minutes to see the Bruins play.  I'm not going to gloat but the B's usually had the Whale's number.  Whether Cam Neely was scoring two or Ray Bourque was knocking down Pat Verbeek, those were the days.  The best part of it was that it was like a home game for the B's as tons of fans came down from Boston.  It was the most exciting games from a fan and rivalry perspective.  I had the honor to meet Cam Neely and Ray Bourque in the street heading into the mall.  Beers at Chuck's, $1.50 pizza slices, and a Bruin win were the perfect night.  I miss that.

I have so many great memories of hockey in Connecticut.  We can't wait to bring some more of them to you.