The Hurricanes, now in their 21st season in North Carolina, will wear Whalers sweaters in a game for the first time since the franchise relocated prior to the 1997-98 season. The team will also don the iconic Whalers logo for its road game in Boston on March 5. The Carolina Hurricanes Foundation will auction select game-worn sweaters and other Whalers items on Dec. 23, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Learn to Play Program at the Champions Skating Center in Hartford, CT, owned by former Whaler Bob Crawford. The remaining jerseys will be auctioned online, in-game and at Foundation events in the weeks to follow. The Foundation will also sell mystery ornaments, featuring both the Hurricanes and Whalers logos and autographed by current players, at its kiosk outside of section 129 on Whalers Night.
Prior to the game, Whalers great Mike Rogers will be honored in a ceremonial face-off. A member of the Whalers' inaugural NHL team, Rogers recorded 105 points in each the franchise's first two NHL seasons, serving as the team's captain in 1980-81. Rogers will sign autographs for fans from 4-4:45 on PNC Arena's main concourse outside of section 108.
The first 10,000 fans in attendance on Dec. 23 will receive commemorative Whalers Night posters. Pucky the Whale will be in attendance and sounding the Hurricane Warning siren prior to the game, and Whalers theme song Brass Bonanza will be utilized as the team's goal song. All in-game entertainment elements will have a 1980's and 1990's retro feel throughout the game.
New Whalers apparel, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and accessories, are available this week at The Eye, as well as online at CarolinaProShop.com. Authentic Adidas Whalers jerseys will go on sale to the general public when doors open for the game at 4 p.m. on Dec. 23, at multiple team store locations throughout PNC Arena. Season Ticket Members have access to an exclusive presale for the sweaters, beginning on Dec. 17. Remaining inventory after Whalers Night may be made available on Dec. 24 at The Eye, as well as on
CarolinaProShop.com
.
