The Whale is coming back to Hartford!



No, the NHL isn't resurrecting the classic Hartford Whalers, or their awesome sweaters. (Alas.)



According to the Hartford Courant, the American Hockey League team known as the Hartford Wolf Pack will be changed to the Connecticut Whale this season.



According to a source in the story, the name change was pushed to signify a new era for the team while acknowledging its vivid past.



The team actually will open this season as the Wolf Pack. The change isn't expected to take place until midseason -- possibly between Thanksgiving and Christmas -- with a new logo and uniforms ready by Feb. 19.



E-mail Michael Zuidema: mzuidema@grpress.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/michaelzuidema