Shave The Whale...

Dougie Hamilton
2020-21 Upper Deck #32

While I haven't been motivated to pick up any 2020-21 NHL product, I couldn't resist adding this lone card to my collection.

For the second year in a row, Dougie Hamilton of the Carolina Hurricanes is depicted in a Whalers uniform in the main Upper Deck flagship set.

So far, the Hurricanes have kept Whale sightings to a minimum. The Hurricanes dressed as Whalers for a single game against the Kings in 2019-20.

Was there some sort of backstory to a Kings VS Whalers rivalry that I'm not aware of? Surprised that the Kings appeared on the ice wearing "modern" jerseys, as opposed to some purple & yellow retro throwback uniforms...  Why not go all out and call it "Eighties Night"?

Obviously the jerseys are clever marketing ploy, but I'd rather see the Hurricanes wear true Whalers' colors then the "reverse retro" (predominantly grey) uniforms they'll be wearing in 2021.

Dougie Hamilton
2020-21 Upper Deck #32
(card back)

(Bonus point for goaltender on the bench wearing a Whalers cap)

Fans also got to experience a couple of Bruins VS Whalers games in 2018-19. Regardless of how sacrilegious it may be for the Hurricanes to wear Whalers' jerseys, it's not the players' fault.

The only thing that makes it acceptable is (outside of playing EA Sports' NHL 94) it's the only way to see the Boston Bruins faceoff against the "Whalers", their former division rivals.

Hard to believe it's been more than 20 years since the Hartford Whalers moved to Carolina and became the Hurricanes.

Slowly, over the past couple of decades, the team has built a new legacy in Carolina. This includes Stanley Cup run in 2002, and eventually the excitement of winning it all in Game 7 of the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.

Mike Tomlak
1991-92 Upper Deck #310

As far as defunct hockey teams are concerned, Hartford Whalers merchandise is possibly the most sought-after. It's something that Hartford supporters can take pride in... Although many fans are still understandably bitter over losing their team to another city in the first place.

David Booth
2010-11 Pinnacle #116

Whale sighting in Florida! This is already a terrific snapshot on it's own. Just noticed a background detail that makes it a bit more special... There's a guy in the crowd wearing a green Hartford Whalers shirt.

Florida being a tourist destination, I suppose the fan could be on vacation, taking in a game between the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers.