Originally known as the New England Whalers , they changed their name in 1979 after leaving the WHA for the NHL , hoping to carve a niche market in Hartford .
Until April 13 , 1997 , Hartford also had its own major hockey team , the Hartford Whalers .
Originally known as the Hartford Whalers     , they changed their name in 1979 after leaving the WHA for the NHL , hoping to carve a niche market in Hartford .
Until April 13 , 1997 , Hartford also had its own major hockey team , the Hartford Whalers .