HARTFORD -- The Wolfpack game brought in double the usual crowd Friday night.
Ulf Samuelsson, Kevin Dineen and Ron Francis, three former Hartford Whalers, had their jersey's retired and received keys to the city at the Hartford Civic Center to honor the impact they've had on the city's hockey tradition.
Governor Rell and Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez were also in attendance, which begged the question: Can professional hockey ever come back to Hartford?
"That's why the CDA is doing a study, the Governor said.
Of the three players honored, only Francis was comfortable talking about whether an NHL team could survive in Hartford.
"If that were to happen, i'd certainly be excited," said Francis. "I think this is a great market. When we played here, it was a great market."
But the most die hard Whaler's fans were out showing their support Friday night, hoping that a big showing will help get the Whaler's back home.
"I believe right now it's a 60-40 chance," said Marty evtushek, Whalers Fan Club President. "We're working on it, between us and the mayor's office and the governor's office, legislature, corporate, and fans, I think it'll happen."
The hope that someday, Hockey fans in hartford will once again hear the tune "Brass Bonanza" and get a chance to see greatness.
Friday's attendance at the Civic Center was not a sellout, but was still strong at 12,206.
