USSR - vs - New England Whalers Dec 27th/1977

[FivePetPlace]

Was at the game. Don't remember too much of the game -- but do remember driving through blinding fog on Avon Mountain on the way home afterwards.  By the way, this game was played on December 14th -- not the 27th.

[TheCoolProfessor]

OMG!!! I THINK I WAS AT THIS GAME!!!!

[altfactor]

I believe the game was televised in Hartford but, on all places, the local PBS station!!

In fact, I believe that from 1975 through the NHL/WHA merger, Connecticut Public Television was the TV home of the Whalers.

CPTV reportedly raised funds from area businesses to cover the cost of the telecasts, and anything left went to the team. They were probably lucky to get more than a few thousand dollars a year. They probably also ran pledge breaks between periods.

[bluehen111]

Bring back the whale!! I can feel the momentum building.

[NessMencesal]

Brass Bonanza will be back at the XL Centre on Nov 27 when the WolfPack become the Whale~

GO WBS PENS + MOOSE!~

[summer20105707]

Terrific hockey people. This Canuck loves it. Marvelous hockey.

[hadd13]

I can't believe this I was at this game it was my first hockey game with my dad

[bonn1771]

let go WHALERS

[MassLiberal1]

Commies stand no chance against the Whale!

[thefrom]

Man what memories! I was at this game! Shame that the Whalers left Hartford.

[Mainsail76]

"Soviets at Whalers" I bet the sovs had never heard a song like Brass Bonanza in their whole lives! Especially not at a hockey game. Was that the Soviet A squad? Probably. I know their B squad beat just about everyone they played as well. Glad the Whalers defeated them. I wonder if the Whaler players gave the Soviets those pennants they carried onto the ice.

[WalterSobchak1998]

Wow, I never knew the WHA Whalers played the Russians, and in Hartford too! I love the stereotypical Russian music for the Soviet intro.

This is also a rare view of the pre-roof collapse/pre-renovation Hartford Civic Center. Actually, this game was played only about 3 weeks before the roof collapsed.

[JHendrix70]

I know...talk about Depressed "Russian" music. Love it....

Also, Love the name... "AM I WRONG?"

[WalterSobchak1998]

@JHendrix70 The Beauty is in it's simplicity.

[sradss1]

For anyone wondering - The Whalers won this game, by the way, 5-2... Only they and the Nordiques beat the Russians, this year, from the WHA...

[NessMencesal]

@sradss1 Ya, and the Aeros got murdered 10-1. The Nords won 6-1

[SteveAndIdiAmin]

Best skatearound music EVER!

[jjace19]

Wow, thats when hockey was hockey. Cold war in full swing and no stupid ads on the boards.

Bring back the Whale!! Mostly so I can afford to get a jersey!!!

[josephkennith]

well the goile was taking his time we need both the big red machine and the whale back lol those russian guys must ove thought this was are anthem.

[giantsfan247890]

this is a really nice clip

Bring em back to Hartford

Go Whale!!

[smash29]

Hearing Brass Bonanza gives me goosebumps AND makes me sick to my stomach. God I wish we could get the Whale back...

[JHendrix70]

I get the same feeling as do alot of Winnipeggers when "Jump" by Van Halen comes on the radio......

We're in the same boat bud and hopefully someday we'll both have our dreams fulfilled! ;) Don't lose the faith!

Bring'Em BOTH Back!

[rodneymack1999]

don't forget the Quebec Nordiques in your list. ;)

[Aggromerchant]

Can you imagine how hungover the Soviets must have been to have lost that game?

[whalers59]

Wow...hearing Greg Gilmartin introducing the NEW ENGLAND Whalers with "Brass Bonanza"...now that is cool!

[JHendrix70]

Especially after hearing the depressing music they played for the Russians! ;)

Bring'Em Back!

[uconnfanNumber1]

what was the score

[JHendrix70]

I believe the final was:

Whalers: 3

USSR:  2

Bring'Em Back!

[kcthatsawinner]

God bless the Whale! I heard the WHA Jets also defeated the USSR team as well.

[flyerspa67]

I mis the good old WHA..

Hartford should still have NHL Hockey..

[dalepremier]

Got goosebumps hearing BB again and seeing the NE Whalers skate on the ice!

[NHLTrav]

On the WHA chronicles DVD they should of showed the Winnipeg series. I'm happy that Hartford won this game though.

[JHendrix70]

I agree! According to the Interview with Bobby Hull ( and others that I've read: The Jets VS USSR was one of the best Hockey Games Every Played )

[NHLTrav]

why was the soviets in hartford?

[JHendrix70]

Not too sure! Some sort of Exibition game back in the day! They played the Winnipeg Jets shortly after entering the NHL and were the only NHL at the time to Beat them!

Bring'Em Back

[JHendrix70]

Song is called "Brass Bonanza" and is such an Hockey Classic! Gotta love the Good Old Days of Hockey!

Bring'em Back

[swany65]

Brass Bonanza is my ringtone.