Bleeding GreenThe Hartford Whalers were a beloved hockey team from their founding in 1972 as the New England Whalers. Playing in the National Hockey Leagues smallest market and arena after the World Hockey Association merger in 1979, they struggled in a division that included both the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiensbut their fans were among the NHLs most loyal. In 1995 new owners demanded a new arena and, when it fell through, moved the team to North Carolina,