"Brass Bonanza" isn't just a song; it's an experience, a feeling, a blast of pure, unadulterated hockey nostalgia. For those who grew up with the Hartford Whalers, the mere mention of the tune conjures images of blue, green, and white, of the Hartford Civic Center rocking with excitement, and of a team that, despite its often-struggling performance, held a special place in the hearts of its fans.
The story of "Brass Bonanza" begins in the mid-1970s. George Ducharme, a member of the Whalers' front office, recognized that something was missing from the game-day atmosphere. He sought a theme song to inject excitement when the Whalers scored. Ducharme stumbled upon a song called "Evening Beat" in a music library, composed by Jacques Ysaye (under the pseudonym Jack Say), a Belgian musician and the grandson of the famous violinist Eugene Ysaye. Originally, Ysaye sold the piece to a music library, never imagining the life it would later have. Ducharme included "Evening Beat" as a musical interlude on a 1976 Whalers highlight LP, and the catchy tune quickly gained popularity.
The song was renamed "Brass Bonanza," and it became the team's official fight song from 1977 until the team's relocation in 1997. With its bombastic opening brass notes, the song was an instant hit. "Three notes and everybody knows what it is," Ducharme once said. It was played when the Whalers entered the rink for warmups and after they scored a goal, creating an electric atmosphere in the Civic Center. It was instantly identifiable and served as a source of annoyance for opposing teams.
"Brass Bonanza" brought energy to the building, captivating both the players and the fans. Ron Francis, a prominent player for the Whalers, was a staunch supporter of the song. It was the soundtrack for good times and became one of the most memorable songs in hockey.
When the Whalers relocated to North Carolina and became the Carolina Hurricanes, "Brass Bonanza" went with them initially. However, it was eventually phased out, much to the dismay of Whalers fans who felt it was an integral part of the team's identity. While the Hurricanes did achieve Stanley Cup success, they did so without the familiar sound of "Brass Bonanza" echoing through the arena.
Despite the Whalers' departure from Hartford, "Brass Bonanza" lives on. It remains an iconic song in sports, synonymous with old-time hockey. The University of Connecticut hockey team continues to use it as their goal song, preserving the tradition. It is also played at Hartford Yard Goats minor league baseball games whenever a player hits a home run.
The legacy of "Brass Bonanza" extends beyond the ice rink. It represents a time when hockey was more than just a sport; it was a community, a shared experience, and a source of local pride. The song evokes nostalgia for the Hartford Whalers and a longing for the team's return. It is a reminder of the power of music to unite people and create lasting memories.
