The Coyotes were the first of two half-hearted efforts to establish the Arena Football League at the Hartford Civic Center during the 1990’s. The Coyotes were really dreadful, posting a 3-23 record across two seasons in 1995 and 1996. The New England Sea Wolves (1999-2000) were more competitive but also lasted just two seasons in Hartford before leaving town.
The New England Sea Wolves were the second attempt to establish the Arena Football League at the Hartford Civic Center. Like their predecessor, the Connecticut Coyotes (1994-1995), the Sea Wolves lasted only two seasons at the Civic Center before getting sold off and relocated.
World Hockey Association (1972-1979) National Hockey League (1979-1997) Born: November 21, 1971 – WHA founding franchise Moved: May 6, 1997 (Carolina Hurricanes) First Game: October
The New England Blizzard were a popular women’s basketball entry in the short-lived American Basketball League, an early rival to the WNBA. Despite finishing in last place in two of their three seasons, New England led the ABL in attendance every year, while splitting home games between Hartford and Springfield.
The Boston Lobsters brought World Team Tennis action to the Walter Brown Arena at Boston University for five summers between 1974 and 1978. (The Lobs also played occasional matches at the Hartford Civic Center). The co-ed league brought major international stars to Boston for competitions that fell somewhere in between the intensity of Grand Slam competition and the half-speed camaraderie of exhibition play. The Lobsters own big name was Martina Navratilova, who elevated the Lobsters to one of the league’s best clubs in 1977 and 1978. Future New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft also made his first foray in pro sports investing with his ownership of the Lobs from 1975 through 1978.
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