The loss of the Hartford Whalers in 1997 was not only a blow to fans, but to businesses, charities and the image of the city and state. 30 years ago Hartford hockey was at its peak. The capital city hosted the NHL All Star game, and a few months later the Whalers made the Stanley Cup playoffs and were thrown a big parade.

In February 1986, WFSB put together a half hour special on the All Star Game, hosted by Dave Smith and consisting of several reports.  One in particular was filed by Jim Vicevich, now host of Sound Off Connecticut on WTIC AM 1080.

Jim looked at the economic impact the Whalers and the All Star game would have on Connecticut, by visiting some now defunct restaurants and the old Hartford Civic Center mall. He also interviewed the manager of the Whalers store. Wouldn’t you love to be able…