Hartford Wolf Pack to celebrate 50 years of professional hockey in Hartford this Saturday Night
Numerous Hartford hockey alumni to return to XL Center
On Jan. 11, 1975, the New England Whalers of the World Hockey Association (WHA) played the first professional hockey game at the Hartford Civic Center against the San Diego Mariners.
50 years later, on Jan. 11, 2025, the Hartford Wolf Pack will host the Lehigh Valley Phantoms at the XL Center. The game marks the official 50th Anniversary of professional hockey in the city of Hartford.
The Wolf Pack will be celebrating the milestone by welcoming back numerous Hartford Hockey Alumni. Alumni in attendance will include the former play-by-play voice of the Whalers, Chuck Kaiton, former Whalers players Andre Lacroix, Bob Crawford, Marty Howe, and Norm Barnes, former Whalers Head Coach Paul Holmgren, and former Wolf Pack captain and Head Coach Ken Gernander, and former Wolf Pack captains Vincent LoVerde and Ryan Bourque, among others.
Alumni are subject to change, with a full list to be announced later this week.
Numerous Hartford Hockey Alumni from both the Whalers and the Wolf Pack will also be chiming in throughout the night via video messages.
The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive a special 50th Anniversary pennant. The Wolf Pack will be wearing specialty jerseys on this night as well, with the jerseys tying together the different eras of professional hockey in the city.
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:45 p.m. for a special pregame ceremony to celebrate the first 50 years of Hartford Hockey.
Select alumni will be signing autographs on the concourse until 6:15 p.m. Season ticket holder doors will open at a special time of 5:30 p.m., with general doors opening at 5:45 p.m.
Share your Hartford Wolf Pack experience with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram
Click here for the 2024-2025 Hartford Wolf Pack Home Schedule
Click here for the latest Hartford Wolf Pack
Click here for the latest news in Hartford
Click here for the upcoming events in Hartford
Click here for the latest news in Hartford County
Click here for upcoming events in Hartford County
Click here for Hartford Merch
#theartfordlife • 860 Hartford • I Clover Hartford • I’d rather be in Hartford • I Really Really Miss Hartford • Just a kid from Hartford • Hartord Coordinates • Hartford Pride
Hartford t shirts • Hartford hoodies • Hartford sweatshirts • Mugs • Stickers • Blankets
Click here for Hartford County Merch
••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••
Connecticut Merch
If you’re from Connecticut or just love it, then you’ve come to the right place. Show your state pride with our assortment of unique Connecticut merchandise.
Our popular collections 203 • Two o’ Three • 860 • Eight Six O’ • I Really Really Miss Connecticut • Just a kid from Connecticut • Pride • Love & Live • Connecticut Fall
We also have merch by town, not all towns are available yet. You can always contact us and we can order the design you are looking for.
Save 10% on all products with promo code Post10. Always free shipping
Fairfield Theatre Company Events
1/15 – Screenagers – Click here for tickets
1/18 – Masters of the Telecaster – Click here for tickets
1/24 – 90’s Dance Party – Click here for tickets
1/25 – Deconstructing Dark Side of the Moon – Click here for tickets
1/26 – Parlor Greens – Click here for tickets
1/29 – Lee Dewyze – Click here for tickets
Gourmet Cookies
Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!
Hartford Wolf Pack January 2025 home games
1.11.25 –Hartford Wolf Pack vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms click here to purchase tickets
1.12.25 – Hartford Wolf Pack vs Springfield Thunderbirds click here to purchase tickets
1.24.25 – Hartford Wolf Pack vs Laval Rocket click here to purchase tickets
1.25.25 – Hartford Wolf Pack vs Rochester Americans click here to purchase tickets
Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater
Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes
Save on CBD!
My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.
Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.
Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats
Let’s create with Victory Designs
Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.
Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!
Connecticut with us!
Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.
Stay connected with us on social media
Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Google News • Newsbreak
Join our Reddit community
Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram
Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page
Don’t miss our reviews
Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews
Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events
Latest news by region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • Middlesex County • New Haven County • New London County• Tolland County • Windham County
Latest sports news by team
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns •
2025 schedules
Hartford Wolf Pack • Hartford Yard Goats • Connecticut Sun • Norwich Sea Unicorns
Events by region
Fairfield County • Hartford County • Litchfield County • New Haven County • New London County • Middlesex County • Tolland County • Windham County
Events by Interest
Art • Sports • Family Friendly • History • Concerts • Farmers’ Markets
Events by the month
January 2025 • February 2025 • March 2025 • April 2025 • May 2025 • June 2025 • July 2025 • August 2025 • September 2025 • October 2025 • November 2025 • December 2025
Events by venue
College Street Music Hall • Space Ballroom • Westville Music Bowl • District Music Hall • Fairfield Theatre Company • Hartford Stage • The Bushnell • Goodspeed Opera House • Mohegan Sun • Foxwoods • New York Comedy Club Stamford • Westport Country Playhouse • Goodspeed Opera House