HARTFORD, CT- The heart and soul of the Hartford Whalers franchise - Kevin Dineen and Ron Francis will return to Hartford for the Whalers Reunion and Fan Fest on August 13 and 14.

 

Both Whalers legends will participate in the Whalers/Arthritis Foundation Hat Trick Dinner on August 13^thand the official golf outing that day.  In addition, both will appear at the Whalers Fan Fest at Rentschler Field on August 14^th.

 

According to Whalers Sports and Entertainment Chairman Howard Baldwin:  "Ron and Kevin grew up with us in the Whalers organization and matured into great hockey players and quality people.  In addition to their hockey talents they were the cornerstones of our successful community relations program.  It is a real privilege to have them at the Reunion to assist the Arthritis Foundation and the Whalers Wives Foundation."

 

Ron Francis was "Mr. Hartford Whaler" -- The greatest player in franchise history.

 

Francis was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in round one (fourth overall) of the 1981 NHL Entry

Draft and later played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs.  He was a model of consistency, averaging more than a point a game in over 1700 games in 23 seasons. His three Lady Byng Trophies attest to his gentlemanly conduct on and off the ice. Francis stands second all-time in career assists behind Wayne Gretzky with 1,249, fourth in career points (1,798), third in games played (1,731), and twenty-first in career goals (549).  He earned a pair of Stanley Cups with the Penguins.

 

Francis played almost ten seasons with the Whalers, serving as captain for almost six and setting nearly ever

y offensive record in franchise history. He still ranks first all-time in Whalers/Hurricanes history in points, goals, assists and games played.

 

On June 28, 2007, he was selected to enter the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first year on the ballot. He was formally inducted on November 12, 2007.

 

He now serves as the associate head coach and director of player personnel for the Hurricanes.

 

 See Full Bio and Video Here

 

 

Dineen was "Mr. Clutch" for the Whalers, scoring important goals throughout the Whalers peak seasons of 1985-86 and 1986-87.  His grit and tenacity endeared him to teammates and fans alike.

 

Dineen was selected the third round of the 1982 NHL entry draft by the Whalers. He debuted with 25 goals in his rookie season, 1984-85. Throughout the 1980s, Dineen was a key offensive contributor for the Whalers, particularly in the 1986-1987 season, leading the team with 40 goals. In that same season, Dineen represented the NHL in the Rendez-Vous '87 series against the Soviet Union's best players.

 

In the 1987-1988 season, Dineen led the team with 25 goals and played in his first all-star game. On November 13, 1991, Dineen was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, playing for his father, Bill Dineen through 1992-1993.

 

Midway through the 1995-1996 season, Dineen was traded back to the Whalers. On April 13, 1997, the Whalers played their last game and Dineen scored the team's final goal ever in a 2-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

 

After the Whalers relocated to North Carolina in 1997-1998, Dineen continued to play for the Carolina Hurricanes. He later played for the Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets.

 

He completed his career with 355 goals, 405 assists, 760 points and 2229 penalty minutes in 1188 regular season games. He is notably one of only five players to score more than 350 goals while spending 2000 minutes in the penalty box.

 

Dineen is currently head coach of the Portland Pirates (AHL).

 

 

See Full Bio and Video Here



For more information on the Whalers Summer Fan Fest please click here

For more information on Whalers Golf Classic or to purchase a threesome please click here

For more information on the Arthritis Foundation Hat Trick Dinner or to purchase tickets please click here
 

 

Founded by Howard Baldwin, Whalers Sports and Entertainment is a full-service sports marketing and event marketing company located in Hartford.

 

The company's first efforts are designed to re-establish the Hartford Whalers brand in Connecticut.

 

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