An Open Letter From Howard Baldwin to Connecticut Hockey Fans

"Dear Whaler Fan:

As I am sure you are aware, our agreement with the New York Rangers has been rescinded.  For the next year we will not be involved in the marketing or the presentation of the AHL CT Whale. Much has been written by members of the media regarding this turn of events. We personally have chosen to step back and let the dust settle as we evaluate what role, if any, we might play in the future of  Hartford hockey. 

As I've previously mentioned, we were not perfect and in retrospect there are several things I would have done differently.   Still, we certainly had hoped that this chapter of our return to the market would have been better supported by the leadership within our community. There are those that did support it -- and they know who they are -- and to them we will always be grateful. Your support as a fan is also appreciated very much by us. To be clear as well, we still have a great passion for the Whaler name and for all those, led by you as a fan, who helped make the Whaler brand iconic in North America.

We, are very proud of what our organization achieved under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Our revenue base was increasing each year. Our mascot, Pucky, made over 600 community appearances in the last year and a half alone.  I would ask that the people that are so quick to judge do some homework first on the circumstances that we were confronted with as an organization. If the Baldwins were the problem, then the solution is easy.

As a final thought-- and yes, this is in reaction to some of  the  media comments-- nothing in life is ever achieved without leadership, perseverance, commitment, passion and hope.  I speak from experience when I say that The Hartford Whalers entry into the NHL came about because of all of the aforementioned.  Together, the community and I went through a roof collapse and four attempts at the merger before we got into the NHL.

Just think about that please.

Now what we are reading and hearing is that we should give up. I don't like to give up. Do you? You and this city and state deserve better than that."

Sincerely,

Howard Baldwin Sr.

Howard Baldwin, Jr.

Disclaimer: Hartford Whalers founder Howard Baldwin, most recently chairman of Whalers Sports and Entertainment, has submitted this letter to Connecticut hockey fans via Whaler Nation.  Whaler Nation is an independent source of Hartford Whalers news and history.  As with any third party contribution,  the thoughts expressed in the letter are solely those of Mr. Baldwin and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this web site or its owner.