Today we opened the initial version of the Hartford Whalers Gift Shop. Currently listed are a number of select Hartford Whalers items ranging from t-shirts and sweatshirts to books and hats. A portion of every purchase helps directly defray the hosting costs for this site, so please take a moment to show your Whalers spirit!

You can visit the store directly by going to: http://astore.amazon.com/brassbonanza-20

It was April 1997, and the Hartford Whalers Team Store was in the process of shutting down. Most Whalers merchandise went quickly, as die hard fans knew it would be difficult to find authentic Whalers merchandise once the team packed up after the final game. Looking for a deal, my brother walked into the gift shop and looked around at what was left. He spotted something behind the counter and walked up to the clerk. Twenty bucks later, the item was his.

Now, after years in storage, we have uncovered what we consider a great find. The original answering machine (still working!) from the Hartford Whalers Team Store, complete with authentic outgoing message and numerous incoming messages left by customers in the final months. We’re in the process of getting these recorded and will have clips in the coming week!