New Haven Nighthawks
Order classic New Haven Nighthawks tees, hoodies, jerseys and hats. The Nighthawks were the first team to play at the New Haven Coliseum in 1972, made 10 straight playoff appearances, and in 1988-89 reached the league final as the playoff team with the fewest points. Willie O'Ree, Bob Nystrom, Chico Resch and Bernie Nicholls are among their alumni. Celebrate two decades of New Haven hockey by browsing all of our Nighthawks gear, then read the team history below. We are a small business dedicated to bringing back the history and designs of fondly remembered and long-lost hockey teams from throughout hockey history.
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New Haven Nighthawks History
The New Haven Nighthawks joined the AHL in 1972-73 after the New Haven Blades folded following the previous season. The Nighthawks were the first team to play at the newly built New Haven Coliseum in 1972, and they were the main tenants for the majority of the arena's duration.
The Nighthawks featured strong teams throughout most of the 1970s and early 1980s, including a run of 10 straight playoff appearances, including two finals appearances in 1978 and 1979, however they lost both series. The squad set a franchise record with 46 wins in both 1979 and 1980. The club would have less success in the 1980s and early 1990s, making the playoffs in only four of their last nine seasons, although they did have a remarkable run in 1988-89. That season, the Nighthawks finished fourth in their division with the fewest points of the eight playoff teams, but they defeated Sherbrooke and Moncton in six games apiece to go to the AHL championships. They would go on to lose in the final against Adirondack, capping off an improbable playoff journey.
The Nighthawks used the same logo throughout their history, however the colors varied when their major league affiliation changed. They began with a yellow and blue color scheme that had nothing to do with their Minnesota association. By 1977, the team had merged with the much more local Rangers and was wearing red and blue. They would change to silver and black in the mid-1980s when they became associated with Los Angeles.
Willie O'Ree, Bob Nystrom, Chico Resch, Bernie Nicholls, and Glenn Healy are among the team's pro alumni players and coaches. A number of their coaches, including Robbie Ftorek, Don Perry, Parker MacDonald, and Doug Carpenter, would also coach in the big leagues.
The Nighthawks history is carried on today by New Haven Nighthawks Brewing, which produces Nighthawks Light, Nighthawks Old Time Ale, and other specialty brews.
