Known to friends and family as Jacques Ysaye, he used Jack Say as a pseudonym. He arranged and composed a song titled “Evening Beat“, which he sold to a record library. This song was renamed by editors to “Brass Bonanza”, went on to become the much-loved Whalers theme song, and the rest is history.

Rest in peace, Jacques. Your music continues to bring smiles to Whalers fans and beyond…

Gordie Howe, affectionately known as Mr. Hockey, passed away early in the morning on June 10, 2016. After 25 seasons with Detroit and 3 with Houston, he came to Hartford and played for the WHA New England Whalers from 1977-1979, making the transition back to the NHL with the Hartford Whalers before retiring in 1980 at age 51. He played 214 games in Hartford, where his #9 banner hangs from the rafters of the arena.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Howe family.

Read more at courant.com »

The CT Lottery has just released a new Hartford Whalers scratch game! There are over $2.3 million in cash prizes, including 24 prizes of $1,979 (the year the Whalers entered the NHL – clever!). Remember, you can’t win if you don’t play! 🙂

While the chances of an NHL team returning to Hartford are diminishing, it’s great to see the Hartford Whalers brand continue to live on. Whalers merchandise continues to be a hot seller and Brass Bonanza still plays loud and proud across various sports (and weddings). Speaking of which, don’t forget to start your holiday shopping early by visiting our Whalers Gift Shop for all your branded merchandise needs! All sales made through our site generate referral fees which help defray our hosting costs.

Carl Beane, the public address announcer at Fenway Park, has died after a car crash in Sturbridge, MA May 9. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carl’s family during this difficult time. Fenway Park will no doubt never be the same and it will take time to adjust to a new voice announcing Red Sox games at the park. Carl, you will be greatly missed!

And yes, that is a vintage Hartford Whalers “Home at Last” sticker (from the days of the ’91 Club) on the back of Carl’s clipboard in the picture.

Congratulations to all the fans in Winnipeg on the return of an NHL team! While the time may not yet be right for Hartford, the dedication and enthusiasm shown by the fans in Winnipeg are an inspiration for those in Hartford. It can happen. The NHL can return. If the television ratings from Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs are any indication, Hartford’s interest in hockey is growing, which is great to see. Please continue to support the Connecticut Whale and some day what we’re seeing in Winnipeg may just happen in Hartford!

Longtime Hartford Courant sports writer Jeff Jacobs has succeeded where many have failed. He tracked down and corresponded with Jack Say, composer of Brass Bonanza. Can you believe Jack Say is a pseudonym and the song was not originally titled ‘Brass Bonanza’? Get all the details from Jeff’s column, “The Beat Turned Into A Bonanza”.