Just The "2" of Us - Ley and Wesley Retire Same Number
by Bob Wage on Jun 15, 2008 11:38 PM EDT
4 comments
Last week when the Carolina Hurricanes announced that they were going to retire Glen Wesley's number 2, they put the franchise in the unusual position of retiring the same number twice. The Hartford Whalers retired Rick Ley's number 2 after he had played for the Whalers for a total of 9 seasons, from 1972 to 1981.
Granted, the majority of those years were while the team was known as the New England Whalers and while they played in the now defunct WHA, but the popular defenseman served as team Captain and was one of the best players on the team.
Not to take anything away from Wesley who truly deserves the honor and distinction, but this can't help but bring up some old memories of Ley for the fans of the Whale.
Which leads to a question.
How much history, if any, should the Hurricanes recognize from their roots in New England? Even though I was not necessarily a die-hard fan of the Whalers back when they were in Hartford, I am a lover of history and there is a rich, if not necessarily a winning history to look back upon and embrace.
It's a shame that the move from Hartford was such an acrimonious one.
I did a little research and it seems that other teams who have moved have made their own choices about how to handle their history.
For instance, the Phoenix Coyotes recognize the retired numbers of the Winnipeg Jets, Hull 9 and Steen 25. But the Colorado Avs do not recognize the Quebec Nordiques retired numbers of Tremblay 3, Tardif 8, Goulet 16, and Stastney 26.
Wesley recognized Ley's retired number while he played in Hartford, because he wore number 20.
Congratulations to both number "2's", the most recent one as well as the one from the often forgotten days.
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Thanks for recognizing both #2s – Rick Ley night, like I said, was the first ever NHL game I attended, and part of the reason I moved to the triangle was because of the Whale moving here. Wesley deserves to have his number retired, especially as a Hurricane, and he has shown proper respect to the Whaler’s #2. There is no reason both of the players to wear this number can’t be celebrated, as both were important to the franchise, but at very different times in it’s existence. I’d like to see the Whalers retired numbers right up there with any Hurricanes retired numbers. This is a great way to celebrate the franchises’ rich history, as well as a way to celebrate its continued success and ability to evolve.
by marc on Jun 16, 2008 10:58 AM EDT reply actions
regardless of what the franchise chooses to do, they Whalers will always live on in my heart.
by Benjamin repenttokyo on Jun 16, 2008 2:08 PM EDT reply actions
I have been a ’Canes fan since they moved down here, but just recently started looking into the history of the Whalers. I love history and heritage in sports, and would love to see the ’Canes embrace the Whalers more.
Anyone against the idea of the ’Canes wearing Whalers throwbacks for a game or two in an upcoming season?! I would LOVE to see it.
by packpigskinfan25 on Jun 16, 2008 6:39 PM EDT reply actions
PPF25-
As cool as that would be to see, I doubt that it will ever happen. Neither the Canes or the NHL own the rights to the Whalers insignia, and they probably couldn’t wear it without moving earth and moon.
Nice idea though.
by Bubba on Jun 16, 2008 8:29 PM EDT reply actions
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