To Our Valued CT Whale Fans,
Thank you so much for your interest in our team and in our efforts to bring back the great Whaler brand to the city of Hartford and the state of Connecticut. It’s hard to believe we are about to conclude our second year of operation with the team. The next couple of months is going to be a very critical time period for our efforts in Hartford. We therefore wanted to reach out to you directly so you heard from us what will be transpiring.
The first issue that we must deal with for the future is that of establishing a long-term and permanent home for the Connecticut Whale at the XL Center — under lease terms that enable us to properly operate our business in a professional manner. In order for us to be able to operate beyond 2013, we must have a lease arrangement with the XL Center that is competitive with other AHL teams. Right now we are operating under lease terms that are by far and away the most onerous in the American Hockey League.
In no way is this meant to be a criticism of the current building management team or anyone else for that matter. We recognize full well the things were done in the 90s that have put an unfair burden on current operations at the XL Center which of course includes us. However, these obligations no longer exist after next season. Therefore it is imperative that as we go into the future these burdens are no longer passed on to the prime tenant (i.e. the Connecticut Whale). It is our responsibility to you and to all our loyal fans and sponsors to do what we have to do in the next 30-60 days to solidify hockey in Hartford for the next 10 years.
The month of March is an exciting month for the Connecticut Whale. During the month of March and the first half of April we have 12 home games, all on attractive weekend dates. On March 10th, Saturday night, we have the first Connecticut Hockey Hall of Fame night. This will be an annual event. Some of the players being inducted into the first group are former Whaler greats Mike Liut, Pat Verbeek and Blaine Stoughton as well as our great coach and former Wolf Pack player Ken Gernander, three-time US Olympian Julie Chu as well as former Ranger Hall of Famer Brian Leetch.
The month of March is hockey time. This is a time when playoffs are upcoming and the games are meaningful. We are counting on your attendance to as many of these games as possible.
Finally, rest assured on behalf of our partnership and each dedicated person that works for the Connecticut Whale, executives, coaches, and players alike, it is a privilege to play in this city and to have your support. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Howard Baldwin, Chairman/CEO
Howard Baldwin, Jr., President/COO
Whalers Sports & Entertainment/Connecticut Whale
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