What can a guy say but, “Thank you Rhode River Boat Sales.”

Rhode River cares about Hartford hockey and they care about their customers. Don’t let their Maryland address fool you. They can get a quality boat to you wherever you may be and they can do it at great savings to you too.

This says a lot about you the loyal Howlings readers. This says that this company believes that you are the kind of people who would be interested in purchasing a boat so they are investing in Howlings as a sign of it.

If you have any interest in boating, check them out on the web at RhodeRiverMarina.com. If you want to see us succeed here people need to go and take a look.

The more advertisers that we have the better we can do and the more that we will be able to bring to you. Ultimately, that’s the plan…

Once again, thank you Rhode River Boat Sales. You’ve made our day.

The post WELCOME TO RHODE RIVER BOAT SALES first appeared on Howlings.

Cigna, the Whale and YMCA Team Up for

“Hockey in the Streets” for Greater Hartford’s Inner City Kids

· Cigna sponsors inner city kids’ Connecticut  Whale player clinics and street hockey leagues at Hartford and East Hartford YMCAs

· All Hartford and East Hartford boys and girls ages 6 to 12 years invited to play and learn

Cigna, the Connecticut Whale and the YMCA of Greater Hartford are teaming up to bring hockey to the streets of Hartford and East Hartford for boys and girls ages 6 to 12 years.

The Cigna Hockey in the Streets leagues kick off with a series of one-hour Connecticut Whale player clinics, beginning at five p.m., Monday, December 19, at The Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth and Family Center on 444 Albany Ave., Hartford.  While the YMCA of Greater Hartford is the first to host the program, Cigna Hockey in the Streets is open to groups and venues throughout the region.

“By teaming up with The Whale and the YMCA, we’re introducing hockey to Greater Hartford children who might not otherwise be able to benefit from learning the fundamentals and fun of the game,” said Mark Boxer, Cigna executive vice president and chief information officer.  “The fact that they will be picking up valuable tips for working as a team, developing leadership skills and an overall health and fitness foundation from future National Hockey League players makes this an especially exciting program.”

Cigna, a global health service company headquartered in Bloomfield, Conn., is a proud sponsor of the Connecticut Whale and major supporter of the team’s goal of restoring to the Hartford hockey market the vibrancy it once enjoyed.  Cigna is also a primary supporter of the Greater Hartford YMCA, and its programs to develop the health and fitness of local youths.

“Goal one of The Connecticut Whale is to make a positive difference in our community. We are excited to team up with Cigna to launch this new comprehensive community outreach program that helps all kids have a shot at hockey,” said Howard Baldwin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Whalers Sports & Entertainment, which operates the Connecticut Whale. “

“The YMCA of Greater Hartford is delighted to be collaborating with Cigna and the Connecticut Whale.  When community organizations work together, the possibilities of helping to develop our youth are endless,” said James Morton, President and Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Greater Hartford.  “The Hockey in the Streets program will not only teach our kids the fundamentals of hockey, but, through a mini-lecture series built into the program for participants and their families, will teach them life skills such as team-building, leadership, personal responsibility, healthy eating habits and the importance of giving back.”

In addition to fun and healthy competition, the Cigna Hockey in the Streets will offer greater Hartford kids a Healthy Hat Trick of goals:

1. Live Healthy. Eat right, stay active, and avoid dangerous activity.

2. Be Me. Study hard, respect yourself, and do everything you can to achieve your personal best.

3. Help Others. Spread your healthy outlook to your family, friends, and your community.

About Cigna

Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has approximately 70 million customer relationships throughout the world.  To learn more about Cigna^®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.

About The Whale

The AHL’s Connecticut Whale is operated by Whalers Sports and Entertainment, a Hartford-based sports marketing and event firm founded by Howard Baldwin and Howard Baldwin, Jr.  The team is the top player-development affiliate of the NHL’s New York Rangers

About the YMCA

The YMCA of Greater Hartford is a non profit 501 (c) 3 charitable organization established in 1852 and is one of the nation’s oldest YMCA’s. The YMCA for Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen, for Healthy Living: Improving the nation’s health and well-being, for Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors.  In 2010 the YMCA of Greater Hartford served more than 111,000 people, including 66,000 children, in 52 towns and cities throughout the Capital Region. YMCA programs put the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility into practice to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all participants

The post HOCKEY IN THE STREETS first appeared on Howlings.

CIGNA AND CT WHALE TEAM UP FOR NEW “HOCKEY IN THE STREETS” PROGRAM

Kick off at YMCA with special Media Hockey Charity Challenge

WHAT:      To many kids the thrill of playing professional hockey or representing their country in the Winter Games is a far off miracle. Perhaps not. Cigna and Connecticut Whale are teaming up in a new program to bring hockey to the streets of Hartford and area towns for boys and girls ages 6 to 12 years. Sponsored by The Cigna Foundation, the “Cigna Hockey in the Streets” leagues will begin with a series of Connecticut Whale clinics hosted by professional hockey players, beginning Monday, December 19 at the Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth and Family Center. While the YMCA of Greater Hartford is the first to host the program, Cigna Hockey in the Streets is open to groups and venues throughout the region.

As part of the announcement, there will be a unique Media Hockey Charity Challenge — score the most goals and 100 pounds of holiday turkey will be donated in the winner’s name to Food Share of Greater Hartford.

WHEN:     Monday, Dec. 19, 5 pm – 6 pm

WHERE:   Wilson-Gray YMCA Youth and Family Center on 444 Albany Ave., Hartford

WHO:       Pedro Segarra, Mayor of Hartford; Howard Baldwin, Chairman and CEO, Whaler Sports & Entertainment; Howard Baldwin, Jr, President and COO, Connecticut Whale; Mark Boxer, Chief Information Officer, Cigna; Jim Scherer, Senior VP and COO, YMCA of Greater Hartford; participating YMCA youth; selected Connecticut Whale players and PUCKY

The post COUNT US IN…ARE YOU? first appeared on Howlings.

CT WHALE AND HARTFORD PARKING AUTHORITY ANNOUNCE NEW FAN-FRIENDLY PARKING PARTNERSHIP

LOYALTY CARD PROGRAM OFFERS FREE PARKING AT MORGAN STREET GARAGE

Fans have been parking their “tails” at CT Whale games all season long. Now, they can “park their “tails” at the Morgan Street garage and get free parking.  Whalers Sports & Entertainment COO and President Howard Baldwin, Jr, and the Hartford Parking Authority announced today a unique CT Whale Loyalty Card parking program at the Morgan Street Garage.

The loyalty parking program begins this Friday with the Whale’s December 9th game against the Hershey Bears. With the CT Whale Loyalty Card, when Whale fans pay $4 for parking on any three weeknight evenings (Monday – Friday) after 5 pm at the Morgan Street Garage, they will get the 4th weeknight parking on a Whale game night for free, according to Mark K. McGovern, CEO, Hartford Parking Authority. New cards can be redeemed throughout the season. The CT Whale Loyalty Card can be picked up at any Whale game starting December 9th.

“This represents a whale of an opportunity for hockey fans to enjoy our city even more and to build on our commitment to provide an affordable indoor parking option at our Morgan Street Garage,” said McGovern.  “The Connecticut Whale is a tremendous community asset and we’re proud to be involved with the team.”

“The Whale is excited to offer our fans this unique parking program,” Baldwin said. “We encourage everyone to park early on game nights and enjoy the other great attractions in downtown Hartford.”

As part of the program the Hartford Parking Authority is creating a designated “Whale Tail” walking trail to and from the Morgan Street Garage to the XL Center.

“Visit www.hartfordparking.com and follow the Whale Tail Trail for great parking savings,” McGovern added.

Tickets for the 2011-12 Whale season are available now. Call (860) 728-3366 for information on that, as well as all Whale ticket packages, group sales and VIP packages.

The AHL’s Connecticut Whale is operated by Whalers Sports and Entertainment, a Hartford-based sports marketing and event firm founded by Howard Baldwin and Howard Baldwin, Jr.  The team is the top player-development affiliate of the NHL’s New York Rangers.

Since 1972, the CT Lottery has generated nearly $21.4 billion in sales and has transferred more than $7.2 billion to the state’s General Fund. Prizes have exceeded $12.3 billion. Purchasers must be 18 years or older. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-346-6238. For more information about the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, visit ctlottery.org.

The Hartford Parking Authority (HPA) is responsible for creating, establishing, maintaining, and operating the City’s dedicated parking facilities. For more information about the CT Whale Loyalty Card and other parking incentive programs, contact the HPA at 860.527.7275 or visit www.hartfordparking.com.

The post WHALE OF A PARKING DEAL FOR FANS first appeared on Howlings.

CT WHALE PARTNERS WITH CPTV SPORTS

*           *           *           *

18 Games to Air in Tape-delayed, Edited Format

Whalers Sports & Entertainment (WSE) announced today the launch of a partnership with CPTV Sports that will see 18 Connecticut Whale games this season carried on the 24/7 public TV sports network.

The games will air on a tape-delayed basis, with a “CT Whale Game of the Week” showing every Tuesday night, selected from the previous weekend’s action and edited down to 90 minutes.  Airing times of the games may vary;  viewers should check with CTWhale.com for exact airing times.

CPTV Sports, formerly the Connecticut Sports Network (CTSN), is Connecticut’s only 24-hour local sports network, covering statewide high school sports, college match-ups, professional sports competitions and more.

Launched on November 1, CPTV Sports is available on Comcast cable channels 185, 187 and 744 and on the Cox Communications cable system channel 144.

Combined with the “Whale TV” package of five live telecasts on WCCT-TV, this CPTV Sports schedule brings the total number of Whale telecast exposures for the 2011-12 season to 23.

“We believe that CPTV Sports is an exciting venture with great potential,” said Mark Willand, WSE senior vice-president of business operations.  “Although we are beginning this partnership with the re-broadcast games, we are confident that our collaboration will expand to include live games in the years ahead.”

According to WSE President and COO Howard Baldwin, Jr.: “Via ‘Whale TV’ and our other media properties, we will continue to expand the distribution of exciting CT Whale hockey action to our fans throughout greater Hartford and beyond.  Since last season, we have added a 50,000-watt radio partner (“The Rock”, 106.9 WCCC-FM), five live TV games (WCCT-TV), hundreds of videos to our extensive video library (accessible through the Whale’s official website, www.ctwhale.com) and now 18 re-broadcast games on CPTV Sports.  Taken as a whole, our lineup of media properties is one of the most extensive in the American Hockey League.”

The first CT Whale Game of the Week telecast on CPTV Sports is slated for this Tuesday, December 6.  That will be a replay of the Whale’s home game against the Binghamton Senators on December 4.

The entirety of the Whale CPTV Sports schedule is as follows (selection of which game to replay is subject to change):

Tickets to all 2011-12 Whale home games are on sale now at the Public Power Ticket Office at the XL Center, as well as on-line at www.ctwhale.com and through TicketMaster Charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Save on your tickets, and get the best seats, with a ticket plan for the Whale’s 2011-12 AHL campaign, which are on sale now. For information on season seats and mini plans, visit www.ctwhale.com, or call the CT Whale ticket office at (860) 728-3366 to talk with an account executive today.

The AHL’s Connecticut Whale is operated by Whalers Sports and Entertainment, a Hartford-based sports marketing and event firm founded by Howard Baldwin and Howard Baldwin, Jr..  The team is the top player-development affiliate of the NHL’s New York Rangers.

Since 1972, the CT Lottery has generated nearly $21.4 billion in sales and has transferred more than $7.2 billion to the state’s General Fund. Prizes have exceeded $12.3 billion. Purchasers must be 18 years or older. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-346-6238. For more information about the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, visit ctlottery.org.

The post WHALE ON TV first appeared on Howlings.

STATEMENT FROM HOWARD BALDWIN, JR. REGARDING HARTFORD HOCKEY

HARTFORD, December 2, 2011:  Since returning to Connecticut in 2010, we here at Whalers Sports & Entertainment have worked tirelessly, and accomplished much, in our goal of returning Hartford to preeminence as a hockey market.

We put on a Whaler Fan Fest two summers ago that delighted 5,000 Whaler enthusiasts, with a celebration of the great Whaler tradition.  We took over the operations of the market’s AHL franchise and re-branded it with a new identity, leading to a significant increase in the franchise’s revenues.  We expended tremendous amounts of capital and resources in a landmark outdoor hockey festival, which culminated in the first professional outdoor hockey game in Connecticut, the Harvest-Properties.com Whale Bowl this past February.  And just last month, we outlined and articulated a vision for renovating the XL Center and re-energizing it as a catalyst for downtown activity and atmosphere.

We will continue to leave no stone unturned in our quest to prove to the hockey world that the Hartford market is a tremendous hockey hotbed and deserves to be mentioned alongside some of the most passionate and committed in the sport.  As we do that, we challenge the fan base of the area to step up with a similar level of intensity and sense of urgency.

The holiday season not only signals the arrival of festive celebrations, but also the real meat of the hockey season.  We are over a quarter of the way through the season, and the rivalries are picking up, the points are getting more important and each game means more and more.  So there is no better time than now to jump in with both feet and help make a statement that this market cares deeply about the sport and is willing to support it in a significant way on a nightly basis.

We have great faith that there is more than enough interest and passion in the sport of hockey in Connecticut to make it the top market in the American Hockey League, with the potential for much more.  We need every hockey enthusiast in the area, though, to share our vision and the excited anticipation of five-figure crowds on a regular basis at the XL Center, and what a dynamic atmosphere, and eye-opening buzz, that would create.

Together we need to eliminate the lulls like the crowd of less than 2,000 that attended Tuesday  night’s Whale game, which turned out to be a great, gut-check win, a 4-2 victory over the Hershey Bears in the first-ever pro meeting between Hall of Famer Ray Bourque’s two sons, Ryan Bourque of the Whale and Chris Bourque of the Bears.  And we need to make the highs higher, get 10-12,000 rocking the XL Center on the good Friday and Saturday-night dates, which there is plenty of potential to do, with many excellent weekend dates coming up after the First of the Year.

With more than three-quarters of the home schedule still left to be played, a multi-game plan, or even a season ticket, is still a great investment.  And Whale single-game tickets are as affordably priced as any entertainment option you could possibly find.

Now is the time to push the Whale to new heights, and we have to do it together.

The AHL’s Connecticut Whale is operated by Whalers Sports and Entertainment, a Hartford-based sports marketing and event firm founded by Howard Baldwin and Howard Baldwin, Jr..  The team is the top player-development affiliate of the NHL’s New York Rangers.

Since 1972, the CT Lottery has generated nearly $21.4 billion in sales and has transferred more than $7.2 billion to the state’s General Fund. Prizes have exceeded $12.3 billion. Purchasers must be 18 years or older. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-346-6238. For more information about the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, visit ctlottery.org.

The post HOWARD BALDWIN, JR. – “NOW IS THE TIME” first appeared on Howlings.

BY: BOB CRAWFORD, Voice of the Connecticut Whale

BALDWIN UNVEILS PLANS FOR DOWNTOWN HARTFORD

*           *           *           *

Includes Renovation of XL Center and Revitalization of Trumbull Streetscape as Dining and Entertainment Destination

Whalers Sports & Entertainment (WSE) chairman and CEO Howard Baldwin today unveiled his ambitious “New England Sports & Entertainment (NESE)” plans to use hockey to revitalize downtown Hartford.  Baldwin detailed the plans at the Metro Hartford Alliance’s “Rising Star Breakfast” at the Bushnell.

The centerpiece of Baldwin’s proposals is an outline for transforming the XL Center into an NHL-ready facility and the pledge to pursue the purchase of an NHL franchise.

“An independent economic study has indicated that a refurbished XL Center would create as many as 1,500 new jobs per year, and economic activity would be boosted by an average of between $48.3 million and $61 per year” Baldwin said.  “And new state net revenues would total between $7.3 million and $8.6 million per year.

“With that in mind, our goal is to work with the City of Hartford, the State of Connecticut and the corporate community to restore the XL Center to its rightful place as a sports and entertainment destination.”

Also speaking at the event was Robert Mead, Senior Vice-President of Marketing, Product and Communication of Aetna, which sponsored the gathering and commissioned the economic study.

Having already taken steps to revitalize hockey in Hartford through the Whaler Reunion event in the summer of 2010, and the re-branding of the city’s AHL franchise to the Connecticut Whale, NESE now proposes to use a strategic public-private partnership to take the next step.

The NESE plan is for a major overhaul of the XL Center’s mechanical systems and concessions, arena seating and luxury-level seating.  In concert with the coliseum renovation, the Trumbull streetscape adjacent to the arena will be transformed into a walkable dining and entertainment mecca.  That would involve the pursuit of a Hard Rock Café or Planet Hollywood, and the opening of an IMAX theater and food court.  Also sought for the dining options would be a new Geno Auriemma’s “Fast Break” pub and restaurant.

The newly-redesigned XL Center would also feature a visible TV media center at the corner of Church and Trumbull Streets, and state-of-the-art broadcast facilities throughout the building.

Pre-design estimates for the cost of the arena and streetscape upgrades total $105 million, for which state and city funding, as well as access to economic development grants and/or loans, will be sought.

“Change is underway in Hartford, with many important players and participants,” said Baldwin.  “Together we can bring 35 more years of hockey and entertainment to downtown Hartford and to the State of Connecticut.”

A video presentation that accompanied Baldwin’s speech can be viewed via the following link:

http://youtu.be/IFkjlYgU4OQ.

Images/renderings of the arena and streetscape plans can be found at:

http://www.ctwhale.com/default.asp?ctwhale=59&objId=1704

The AHL’s Connecticut Whale is operated by Whalers Sports and Entertainment, a Hartford-based sports marketing and event firm founded by Howard Baldwin and Howard Baldwin, Jr..  The team is the top player-development affiliate of the NHL’s New York Rangers.

Since 1972, the CT Lottery has generated nearly $21.4 billion in sales and has transferred more than $7.2 billion to the state’s General Fund. Prizes have exceeded $12.3 billion. Purchasers must be 18 years or older. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-346-6238. For more information about the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, visit ctlottery.org.

The post BALDWIN UNVEILS PLANS FOR DOWNTOWN HARTFORD TO BRING BACK THE NHL first appeared on Howlings.

One ex-Pack Captain gone (Dane Byers) from Springfield another comes in (Greg Moore). Moore was traded to Columbus for along with Michael Chaput for Tom Sestito.

Other Whale news has Kris Newbury, Ryan McDonagh and Mats Zuccarello paperwork filed for their return to Connecticut. That’s just a formality so they can be on the clear day roster and play in the AHL playoffs.

More later…

The post LATEST WHALE NEWS first appeared on Howlings.

You’ll be able to purchase one for yourself at The Hartford Store, 45 Pratt Street, Hartford. At the game you’ll be able to purchase them at the merchandise stands.

Prices including sales tax are as follows: Authentic $289, Senior Replica $125, Junior Replica $99.

Here are Jared Nightingale and now Greenville Road Warrior Lee Baldwin modeling them.

[polldaddy poll=4312317]

The post CONNECTICUT WHALE AND NEW JERSEY first appeared on Howlings.

There is a lot of speculation out there that this move is a pre-cursor to Todd White, who cleared waivers , to be sent to the Whale.

Remember this…Lee Baldwin is a defenseman and Todd White is a forward.

Remember this too, Lee Baldwin has played in one game since November 26th. That’s one game in the last thirteen.

Remember this three, The Whale already have Stu Bickel sitting in the stands as a spare defenseman.

So the bottom line is that there’s no point in Baldwin being here regardless of whether or not White is headed north…or south as the case may be.

The one who you have to watch is Oren Eizenman. If he’s sent “packing” then they’re making room for White. After playing in seven straight games with the Whale, Eizenman has been scratched in three of the last five games. If he is sent to Greenville or given a release then I would agree with those out there that are saying it’s a move to accommodate Todd White.

Sources in the New York Rangers front office tell Howlings that the team is still high on White. We’re told that the team feels strongly about keeping him there despite Mats Zuccarello’s recall and performance. Word is that the team can afford to carry White on their payroll without hurting cap space and that first and foremost, that winning is the concern, not the cap.

Andrew Gross if reporting on his Twitter account that “No dressing room stall for Todd White at The Rock. Was not on ice at optional #NYRangers morning skate.”

So could White be headed to Hartford? Likely. But to be clear, the movement of Baldwin likely has nothing to do with it.

Here’s the official release:

LEE BALDWIN REASSIGNED TO ECHL GREENVILLE

HARTFORD, December 29, 2010: Connecticut Whale general manager Jim Schoenfeld announced today that the parent New York Rangers have reassigned defenseman Lee Baldwin from the Whale to its ECHL affiliate, the Greenville Road Warriors.

Baldwin, a rookie out of the University of Alaska-Anchorage, has skated in 11 games with the Whale this season and is scoreless, with 13 penalty minutes and a -1 rating.  Baldwin signed as a free agent with the Rangers March 22, 2010.

The Whale return to action tonight at the XL Center, hosting Head Coach Kevin Dineen and the Portland Pirates at the XL Center in a 7:00 game.  The first 3,000 fans into the game will receive a poster commemorating the 1986-87 Adams Division-champion Hartford Whalers squad, and former Whaler and New York Ranger fan favorite, and ex-Hartford Wolf Pack assistant coach, Nick Fotiu will be making a special appearance to sign autographs and meet and greet fans.  The Whale are also on home ice this Saturday, January 1, with the Providence Bruins coming to town.  That game faces off at a special time of 5:00 PM.  Then this Sunday, January 2 the division-leading Manchester Monarchs invade the XL Center for a 3:00 game.

Tickets for all 2010-11 Whale home games are available now at the XL Center box office, through Ticketmaster Charge-by-Phone at 1-800-745-3000 and on-line at www.ctwhale.com.  Tickets start at $7 each at the XL Center ticket office on game day.

For information on Whale ticket packages, group sales and VIP packages, call (860) 728-3366.

The AHL’s CT Whale is operated by Whalers Sports and Entertainment, a Hartford-based sports marketing and event firm founded by Howard Baldwin.  The team is the top player-development affiliate of the NHL’s New York Rangers.

Since 1972, the CT Lottery has generated more than $19.3 billion in sales and has transferred nearly $6.7 billion to the state’s General Fund.  Prizes have exceeded more than $11.1 billion.  Purchasers must be 18 years or older.  If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-346-6238.  For more information about the Connecticut Lottery Corporation, call (860) 713-2000, or visit the CT Lottery web site at ctlottery.org.

The post BALDWIN ECHL BOUND first appeared on Howlings.