CANTLON’S CORNER:
WHALER ALUMNI NIGHT AT YARD GOATS
BY: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings
HARTFORD, CT – Last Saturday night, the baseball’s local entrant in the Eastern League, the Hartford Yard Goats, paid tribute to the Hartford Whalers by giving them a tribute night on their home field, Dunkin’ Donuts Park.
The Yard Goats brought in not only former Whalers but professional hockey players from Connecticut. It was a major success all the way around. Players, fans, and media members all enjoyed a well-handled event that was promoted by the team the entire week.
The Yard Goats did everything first class. There was a charity luncheon at noon. A pre-game autograph signing session, and a first pitch toss, as well as numerous videos, played throughout the park on the concourse TV screens, by the clubhouse and on the giant left field scoreboard. Of course, “Brass Bonanza” was played every time the Yard Goats scored.
One of the engineers of the event who put it together just over the past few months was former Whaler, Bob Crawford. He stayed and raised his kids in Connecticut after his playing days ended and he’s kept his pulse on hockey here. He was proud to be involved in any Whaler alumni event. (Bob Crawford)
“The Yard Goats have been professional about this since Day One. Having been around sports, from the playing and business side of things, this was a first-class event. We started a bit late, and we had to scramble around to get phone numbers, but once we asked guys if their schedule allowed for it, they were ready and willing to come.”
For Crawford, this is just the beginning, not the end or a one-off event.
“We talked with guys just today at the luncheon, and we’re already ready for next year. Now we’ll have the time to incorporate more players, ideas, and events surrounding this. This was meant to start something and keep the Whaler name going in this community, which you can see from this turnout, but it’s to help charities we care about and promote hockey in Connecticut. This is a very good first step to use the good things to keep this in the community and expand it.”
When asked about his favorite memory of his time playing in Hartford, Crawford didn’t hesitate, “The games with the Bruins and Canadians were always big. Watching the team, the year I got here (1983) when they were coming off a season when they were the worst team in the NHL the year before. They would rebuild and progress to become one of the better teams in the conference, and I left just before they hit their peak. It was fun to see that transformation and the community support and pride then.”
His partner, the past twenty years in developing junior hockey in Connecticut, was also a big part of this day. Dan McCarthy, who, like Crawford, is a fellow Canadian, but who recently became a US citizen, was a former pro hockey player in New Haven and Springfield. He scored four goals in his five NHL games has been very active in hockey in the state was blown away by the event.
“I have been to a few events like this. The Yard Goats went above and beyond and ran this as it’s supposed to be first class. I am not a former Whaler player but did play some pro hockey and to be a part of this was a thrill to see some guys I grew up with and played against…It was an amazing day for me.”
McCarthy and his wife Lori, who worked in minor league baseball with the New Haven Ravens, are both enthusiastic supporters of minor league sports in Connecticut. McCarthy was particularly impressed with the work of the Yards Goats’ Dean Zappalorti, who serves as the Executive Director of Corporate Partnership.
“Dean and his entire staff are to be congratulated. They did well by us, the fans and the Hartford community. To keep the Whaler name and the community thriving, its great events like this, that will help things grow for everybody in this area.”
(Autograph line)
Another ex-pro player with strong roots in Connecticut was also the oldest of the attendees. He was the still spry and agile 70-year-old, Mike Corrigan. He played for the Los Angeles Kings but made his mark locally just over the border playing in Springfield winning the 1969-70 AHL Calder Cup title with the Springfield Kings. Also on that team was the recently retired Bruce Landon in net, who beat a Fred Shero coached Buffalo Bisons team.
“It was gracious and kind of Bob Crawford to invite me. I played in Hartford against the Whalers, and after my career, I settled here. They were a big part of hockey in Northern Connecticut, from hosting the state high school hockey tournament to their many charitable endeavors and this was such a blast to be here and celebrate with everybody.”
Corrigan made his mark as well in high school hockey coaching a co-op program from Suffield (with kids from Granby/Windsor Locks) winning a Division II title in 1994 over New Milford 4-3. The Wildcats made it by winning in the semifinals in triple OT game over William Hall of West Hartford, 5-4 with just 12 players on the team. He still calls that one of his proudest moments.
“That group of kids was so determined. I was so proud of how they handled themselves and to have the chance to coach in Connecticut high school hockey was so much fun. I remember their coach congratulating us saying the game would be remembered for years for their efforts. To be honest, without that game, we would not have had a chance to win that title,” Corrigan said.
Among the many star alumni was Marty Howe, from hockey’s First Family. Howe was very grateful indeed with a video board posting of his father, the legendary, Gordie Howe. A little over a year since the passing of his father it was evident the tribute genuinely touched him.
“That was a very special thing to see that picture of Gordie and the message on that big board,” Howe stated a bit wistfully.
He too very much appreciated seeing so many old friends as well as the outpouring of green all about Dunkin’ Donuts Park.
“This was such a well-run event and to see the outpouring tonight shows what is still here. To see all the fans, so many friends, teammates, and a few competitors; it’s very special to me. Being here in the area, it’s good to see this is still going and you want to see the turnout continue to grow. The work by the Yard Goats in putting this on was tremendous.”
Howe could laugh about his playing days in Hartford as being a bit uneven.
“Certainly, the WHA years were good, but the NHL years? I think they were better for Mark and Gordie than me,” Howe said with a laugh. During his first tour of duty with the Whalers, Howe was sent to Springfield and Binghamton in the AHL.
The journey for the Howes winding up in Hartford with the New England Whalers is a great story that can’t be repeated enough.
“It was late in the WHA lifespan,” Howe said. “There was still a bidding war with the NHL. Boston wanted us – to be more accurate, they really wanted Mark badly. The deal was Gordie wouldn’t play and with the New England Whalers, he would. That was the clincher for my Mom (the late Colleen Howe, who was the agent for all three) and we went from Houston to the New England Whalers.
“Harry Sinden sent me Christmas cards and everything for several years and ironically, I would eventually play in Boston for one year (1982).”
Howe offers some valuable advice in keeping hockey going in Connecticut – support what you have.
“We have a team now that’s been here 20 years, The Hartford Wolf Pack, just not enough people go regularly. If you want to impress (NHL) people, you have to have that support, and I don’t know if the Whalers will ever come back. I do know that without solid local support of the Wolf Pack, your chances are diminished. Look, Winnipeg is about the same size as Hartford and look what they did by supporting their AHL team?”
One player who stood out from all was Ed “The Boxcar” Hospodar. A colorful player in his time, he didn’t disappoint at the appearance wearing the Cooper pants that the Whalers (and Flyers) wore for one season in a failed early NHL marketing move.
As the players, each took their turn throwing out the first pitch, when Hospodar’s turn came, he shot it with a hockey stick to the catcher from just below the pitcher’s mound.
(Hospidar with Whalers’ Announcer Chuck Kaiton)
“I’m so happy to be here. Hartford was a great community and quality of life. It’s really a pleasure to be here,” Hospodar said.
(Hospodar’s first pitch/shot)
“The Boxcar” played two seasons with the Whalers and started his career professional career in New Haven. “To see the support and they way things were handled tonight just awesome to be a part of this.”
Hospodar reminisced about one of his biggest Hartford moments. It came when he was an opponent skating with the Rangers where he started his NHL career. It was December 7, 1979, and he got into three fights in his rookie NHL season with the Whalers’ Bill Bennett, who also in attendance at the reunion.
“Bill and I laughed about that today at lunch. We were gone by the middle of the second period (3:43 to be exact). We each got the first hot shower, though.”
Hospodar coached kid’s teams and even dabbled in refereeing for a bit a la Paul Stewart. His charismatic personality hasn’t dimmed over time as he kept the one liners going.
“I was better than Stewie – So what if he did a 1,000 games in the NHL?” He said with a laugh.
Hospodar now sells real estate with his wife just outside of Philadelphia.
Like the other Whalers greats in attendance, Hospodar enjoyed his time in Hartford.
“It was great living downtown, to walk to practice, and then walk back to your place. The pace here was fun, and something was always happening. To walk just a few blocks, no traffic, was perfect for me. Days off and scallop fishing with Marty Howe was always fun.”
One of the players who traveled the farthest to attend the reunion is now a grandfather and the first 100-point scorer in Hartford Whalers history, Mike Rogers.
“I was very fortunate to get an invitation, and when I heard about it, I really wanted to be a part of this, so I said yes. It’s been fantastic. To see all the faces of people and the Hartford Whalers jerseys and hats was impressive. If they keep having it year after year I’ll be coming back.”
Rogers felt the WHA was important to pro hockey today, his career and the Whalers existence.
“As a kid, I had a scrapbook, and my two favorite players were Gordie Howe and Dave Keon. Not only did I get to play with them, but they became my friends, and it’s all because of the WHA coming here with the New England Whalers. It allowed me to achieve that dream and was by far my greatest memory of being here.
“The WHA was the greatest time in hockey. The game wouldn’t be where it is today without the WHA. The salaries increased, more players got to play (at the pro level), new markets were exposed to pro hockey like Hartford, and it grew and thrived. The NHL was forced to recognize, to realize they weren’t the only people out there. The business was changing, and It gave players like me a chance and start.
“Look, Connor McDavid makes more in meal money than I made in my career,” Rogers said with a smile.
Rogers also commented on the passing of former Whaler, Dave Semenko.
“(He was) one of the toughest guys on the ice and one of the best people off the ice. I really wish he were here today. He loved events like this. I have a great fondness for Dave. He setup my last goal in the NHL (1985). Godspeed to him and his family.”
Rogers enjoyed his stay in Hartford and had made plans to stay permanently. But sometimes, things don’t work out the way they’re planned.
“I had back to back 100-point seasons and was captain of the team, and I thought I would be here awhile. My wife and I bought a house (in Farmington), and two months later I get traded to the Rangers, and I never stepped foot in the house. My wife stayed in it a month, and we really had planned to settle here. We really liked it here. So, we sold it and moved back to Calgary where we’ve been ever since.”
Rogers retired last year after 12 years of being the color commentator for the radio broadcasts of the Calgary Flames.
(The Babych Brothers)
The evening ended beautifully. The Yard Goats’ Brendan Rogers, a top shortstop prospect for the parent Colorado Rockies, smacked his second HR of the night in the bottom of the 13th to give the Yards Goats a 7-6 win over the Eastern League’s top team the Yankee affiliate, the Trenton Thunder.
One last “Brass Bonanza” wailed into the night skies capping a great night in Hartford.
(All photos courtesy of Gerry Cantlon)
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