World Hockey Association - Halifax IceBreakers

Halifax IceBreakers Unveil Name, Logo

WHA breaking the ice in Halifax

Franchise owners Mr. John Marshall and Mr. Gino Naldini today announced the team name, logo and colours of the newest professional hockey team in the Maritimes.

The Halifax “IceBreakers” will begin play in late October in the new World Hockey Association.

WHA Commissioner Bobby Hull and Director of Hockey Operations Peter Young were joined by District Six (Westphal-Waverly) Councillor Brian Warshick and Scott Ferguson, Vice-President, Operations of Trade Centre Limited at a Media Conference in Halifax to make the announcements.

The IceBreakers team colours will be silver, Maritime blue and dark green.

Mr. Marshall indicated that the team is in the final stages of contract negotiations with a General Manager and Head Coach. Both have significant NHL experience and a tie to Halifax. They will be announced prior to the draft on July 17, 2004.

Hull was the catalyst behind the original World Hockey Association when he left the Chicago Blackhawks in 1972 to sign with the Winnipeg Jets. Coincidentally, Bobby’s son Brett, was the territorial exemption of the Dallas franchise announced on Tuesday.

Boston Bruins free agent Glen Murray of Halifax was the territorial draft of the IceBreakers.

Each WHA team will draft 30 NHL/AHL Free Agents on July 17 and another 30 Entry Level players on July 18. The Entry Level draft will be for players drafted but not signed in the 2002, 2003 and 2004 drafts and will also be open to players who turn 17 by Jan. 1, 2005. The first seventeen year old to play in the original WHA was Wayne Gretzky with the Indianapolis Racers.

WHA teams are expected to sign 6-8 NHL Free Agents, 6-8 AHL Free Agents and 6-8 Entry Level players. The IceBreakers will likely target players from the Maritimes, including current and former players of the Mooseheads.

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