After the WHA folded in 1979 , the New England Whalers joined the NHL as the Hartford Whalers .
Howe decided to return to the league for one final season with his two sons .
After the WHA folded in 1979 , the New England Whalers joined the NHL as the Hartford Whalers , and Howe decided to return to the league for one final season with his two sons .