Customer Reviews

The Hartford Whalers (CT) (Images of Sports)

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Brian's new book is chock full of hockey lore, with plenty of rare photographs and untold stories from the Whalers franchise. It's well researched and visually fascinating... the perfect coffee table book for any sports fan that grew up in the New England area. If you remember their early days in the WHA and their bitter rivalry with the Boston Bruins, this book will bring it all back. Brian follows the team through their move to Carolina and Stanley Cup Championship in 2006.

Kudos to author Brian Codagnone for writing a book dedicated to "all those who still hear 'The Brass Bonanza.'" The photographs are superb, the captions concisely written. The memories poured forth: Turgeon, Robertson, the Howes, Fusco, Babych, Tommy and Tiger Williams, Ron and Emile Francis, Dineen, Evans - and the list goes on. (I randonly opened the book and there's Chuck Kaiton, "The Voice of the Whalers.") Team ownertship, I thought, was always a problem, with the exception of Howard Baldwin, who always put the organization's interests first...Loyal fans for sure, but too many trades and front office interference eventually caught up with the team...And yes, i recasll that final game and the way the team saluted the fans.

The Whalers rich history is beautifully preserved by Codagnone in a book that is a must buy for any serious hockey fan. The Whalers started their existence in 1972 in the cozy confines of both the Boston Arena and Boston Garden. Competing with the Bruins of the vaunted Orr/Esposito era they more than held their own as they captured the WHA's Avco Trophy behind the leadership of former Bruin captain Teddy Green. Their Hartfod years were marked by the arrival of Gordie Howe with sons Mark and Marty and later highlighted by the play of stars such as Ron Francis, Mike Liut, Kevin Dineen, Blaine Stoughton and Chris Pronger among others. This richly illustrated tale pays respect to an underdog franchise that finally gained Stanley Cup glory in 2006 as the Carolina Hurricanes.

From having read the other reviews, I expected a pretty good book. What I found out was that author Brian Codagnone managed to leave out many Whaler notables. Where are greats like Pat Boutette, Mike Rogers, Norm Barnes, Chris Kotsopoulos, Mark Johnson, Jordy Douglas, and Ray Ferraro??? There isn't even a photo of Goalie John Garrett. I know page 71 states that the goalie pic is Garrett, when in fact it's Greg Millen. Garrett never even wore a helmet with cage with the Whalers. What I've written is based on only quickly flipping through the pages and scanning the photos. Who knows what else I'll find when I actually read through it. I'm really disappointed in this book. Wish I could get back my money.

Mr. Freeze