The Wolf Pack’s biggest rivals are in-state rivals Bridgeport. The Sound Tigers are also the AHL affiliate of the Wolf Pack’s parent club the New York Rangers intracity rivals the New York Islanders adding more fuel to the fire. There is always a lot of bragging rights on the line when the Wolf Pack take on the Sound Tigers, so make sure to be in attendance when the Wolf Pack take on the Sound Tigers.
You won’t want to miss it when the New York Rangers AHL affiliate takes on the Philadelphia Flyers AHL affiliate. The Rangers and Flyers flat out don’t like each other, and it’s no different at the AHL level making a Wolf Pack-Phantoms game must-see entertainment for hockey fans in the Hartford area.
Hartford Wolf Pack Stadium Guide
In Game
The XL Center oozes hockey history from the minute you step in the doors. The venue served as the home of the Hartford Whalers from 1975 to 1978 and 1980 to 1997, and all around the arena, you’ll find tributes to the Whalers as well as the arena’s current tenants the Wolf Pack. The Hartford Hockey wall and the banners celebrating the Whalers and Wolf Pack are must-sees for any hockey fan, so take some time to check them out before the game.
As a result of Hartford’s long hockey history, you’ll find lots of die-hard hockey fans inside the XL Center. Many Wolf Pack fans live and breathe hockey, which means you’ll have no problem starting up a conversation with the fans sitting around you. The fans’ passion for the game can also be felt in the incredible in-game atmosphere you’ll find at the XL Center as well.
Before or after the game take some time to enjoy the excellent bars and restaurants near the arena. The XL Center is located in downtown Hartford providing you with plenty of places to hang out before the game including the City Steam Brewery Cafe and the Black Bear Saloon.
If you love hockey and are in the Hartford area, make sure to attend a Wolf Pack game at the XL Center as it’s a fun experience for any hockey fan.
Make sure to check out the wall dedicated to Hartford hockey before taking your seat. The wall is full of pictures of former Whalers and Wolf Pack players making it a must-see for any hockey fan.
Hanging from the rafters of the XL Center are banners honoring the accomplishments of the UConn Huskies, Hartford Whalers, and Hartford Wolf Pack. The banners do a great job commemorating the greatest moments in each of these team’s history, so check them out when taking in a game at the XL Center.
If you want to grab a drink at a Wolf Pack game, then you’ll be in luck. The XL Center is off campus, so you’ll be able to buy a beer. The bar area inside the XL Center is a great place to grab a drink while taking in some Wolf Pack hockey action.
Keep an eye out for the Wolf Pack’s beloved mascot Sonar when taking in a game at the XL Center. Sonar is a fun part of any game and will keep you more than entertained with his in-game antics.
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