Saint Francis Hospital Welcomes Hartford Whalers Alumni

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Saint Francis Hospital welcomed several former Hartford Whalers players on Friday in conjunction with the Hartford Yard Goats 6th Annual “Whalers Alumni Weekend” festivities. The former NHL players visited with patients and colleagues to chat, sign autographs, and take photos.

“We are extremely grateful for our partnership with the Hartford Yard Goats, which provided us with the opportunity to have these incredible former NHL players visit with our patients and colleagues,” said Thomas Burke, BPharm, MBA, President of Saint Francis Hospital. “I want to thank the Whalers alumni who took the time to visit Saint Francis and look forward to the rest of the festivities of Whalers Weekend!”

Former Whalers in attendance included Andre Lacroix, Jeff Brubaker, Bob Crawford, Norm Barnes, Scott Daniels, Yvon Corriveau, and Stewart Gavin, along with Chuck Kaiton, “the voice of the Whalers.” The group of former hockey players were also joined by current Yard Goats Adam McKillican and Blake Goldsberry.

The Whalers alumni participated in a press conference at Saint Francis, followed by an autograph and photo session with hospital colleagues. Led by David Shapiro, M.D., Chief Medical Officer; Daniel Gerardi, M.D., Chief of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine; and Evan Nadler, M.D., Pulmonary and Critical Care, the players visited several units within the hospital to visit with patients.

“The Whalers were our heroes years ago and they remain so today,” said Dr. Gerardi, who represented Saint Francis by throwing out the first pitch during last season’s Whalers Weekend. “The Yard Goats have embraced the same spirit of community service. This visit is an incredible boost to our patients and colleagues, especially following the pandemic. It highlights the Whalers’ long standing and selfless devotion to our community. Let’s go Whalers and let’s go Yard Goats!”