Hartford Wolf Pack Overview

Fast facts

League: American Hockey League

Head Coach: Kris Knoblauch

Team Mascot: Sonar the Wolf

Year Opened: 1975

Capacity: 14750

City / State: Hartford / Connecticut

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Battle of Connecticut

Rival Team: Bridgeport Sound Tigers

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.

Hartford Wolf Pack vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms

Rival Team: Lehigh Valley Phantoms

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.

Things to check out

Hartford Hockey Wall

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.

UConn and Hockey Banners

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.

Bar Area

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.

Sonar the Wolf

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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Fight Songs

  1. Power Ride

    Fred Coury

    Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey
    Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey
    Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey
    Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey

    Hey
    Hey
    Hey

    Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey
    Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey
    Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey
    Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey
    Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey
    Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey
    Hey Hey Hey Hey Hey
    Hey Hey

Hartford Wolf Pack Bars & Restaurants

  1. Arch Street Tavern

    Arch Street Tavern

    Arch Street Tavern serves the best drinks to have for whatever occasion or day it is. Make sure to stop by when you're in town!

    85 Arch St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Federal Cafe

    beer

    Great drinks, friendly staff, and value for your money.

    84 Union Pl, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  3. Pigs Eye Pub

    Criterion beer Mazzys Brewballs Cogans Deli Sports Pub Kamikazes Libbys Bar Grill Knot Pub Cara Irish Mess Hall

    We are a local bar with 30 beers on tap, 3 Pool tables, 3 dart boards, and a second floor patio overlooking Hartford's Capitol.

    356 Asylum St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  4. Vaughan’s Public House

    Vaughans Public House

    Vaughan's promises true Irish warmth and hospitality all day, every day.

    59 Pratt St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  5. The Capital Grille

    The Capital Grille

    Food is exquisitely delicious and service is perfect.

    44 Front St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  6. Max Downtown

    Max Downtown

    Upscale spot with prime cuts & seafood, extensive wine list, cocktails for expense account crowd.

    City Place I, 185 Asylum St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  7. Agave Grill

    Agave Grill

    Tableside guacamole & a long list of tequila star at this lively Mexican restaurant.

    100 Allyn St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  8. The Russian Lady

    The Russian Lady

    The Russian Lady is a multifaceted café and nightlife venue that has established itself as a domineering force in its industry.

    191 Ann Uccello St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    860-247-LADY

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  9. City Steam Brewery Cafe

    City Steam Brewery Cafe beer

    With its upscale casual menu, award-winning brewery and historic setting in our 1870’s H.H. Richardson brownstone, City Steam has something for everyone.

    942 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    860-525-1600

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Trumbull Kitchen

    Trumbull Kitchen

    It’s meant to surprise and tantalize a discriminating palate, as well as simply deliver some great comfort food.

    150 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT 06103, USA

    860-493-7412

    Bar website

    american - $$