Danbury Whalers Season Ticket Holder Walt Henderson Passes Away

February 4, 2015 - Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL)
Danbury Whalers News Release


It is with great sadness, that we report the passing of Danbury Whalers season ticket holder - Walter Henderson. Known as The Senator, Walt sat in Section 102 with his wife Judy and son Jeff.

All those who have attended hockey games in Danbury, knew Walt, as he was a fixture at the games for all the teams that have called the Danbury Ice Arena home. Beyond passionate for his hometown Whalers, Walt took great pride in his role as a leader of the Section 102 Faithful. He was articulate, crafty, well spoken, and extremely thoughtful in his barbs to the opposition. He was as equally proud of that the minute the contest would end, he would offer hearty congratulations, respect, and admiration for these same players he had chided for the past three hours.

To the Danbury Whalers organization, Walt Henderson was so much more than a season ticket holder. He was someone who believed in us. Someone who gave our team a chance to succeed in Danbury. He was a friend. He was kind, he was a gift giver, a person of great wisdom, and a very funny man.

Walt held us to the highest standard. He wanted us to be the best and he offered so many thoughts and so much encouragement. He will be missed by all of his friends at the Whalers games. He was a staple in the stands and in the lobby at the intermissions always holding court with fans, friends, parents, police officers, and players.

It is with great pride and honor that the Danbury Whalers announce that they will pay tribute to The Senator for the remainder of the season by wearing a jersey patch in his honor.

The patch was designed by Danbury resident and Danbury Whalers logo designer - Dom Alessandro.

The following is an excerpt from the Danbury Whalers Weekly Newsletter on March 1, 2010 - seven months before we would play our first game.

It was an interview with Walt giving his thoughts on hockey and Whalers. We can hear him saying these words today.

Danbury Whalers Weekly catches up with the man nicknamed the Senator from

Section 102, Walt Henderson.

Q: Could you give a short biography of your personal life?

A: I am a lifelong Connecticut resident, attending Iona Prep, Greenwich High School, and the University of Bridgeport. I served as a "Tin Can Sailor" on a destroyer in the US Navy from 1957-1963 before coming back to Connecticut and becoming a state representative in Hartford from 1975-1981. I later joined AT&T, eventually retiring as a Telecommunications Manager. I am now the owner and manager of Wildcat Ledges Tree Farm in Woodbury, CT and am a substitute teacher in Woodbury and Bethlehem, CT. I have a wife Judy and a son Jeff who are both season ticket holders in Section 102 with me.

Q: What has been your relationship with the sport of hockey in Danbury and elsewhere?

A: I grew up a Detroit Red Wings fan (thanks to Gordie Howe), played my share of pond hockey, and followed the industrial league Stamford/Norwalk Home Oilers Hockey Club. I saw many Eastern Hockey League games in New Haven...epic battles between the New Haven Blades and the Long Island Ducks, the Springfield Indians, and the Johnstown Chiefs. Real old-time hockey, with players wearing wool sweaters, sitting behind chicken wire screening in the old New Haven Arena. Later, when the NHL and the Whalers came to Hartford, I attended games with my son, Jeff (a committed hockey fan whose knowledge of the game is encyclopedic) and listened to WTIC's broadcasts of the games with Chuck Kaiton at the mic. After the Whalers left in 1997, the local AHL teams (the Wolfpack, Beast of New Haven, and the Sound Tigers) got my attention, but it wasn't the same. However, when the Danbury Trashers came on the scene in 2004, I rediscovered my interest in REAL hockey - hitting, forechecking, and fast-paced action. After the demise of the Trashers, it was apparent to most season ticket owners that the fan base in Danbury was broad and deep. It would support another effort to base a team in Danbury. Unfortunately, the Mad Hatters could not overcome bad economic condition, an anemic league structure, and a poor business plan to survive. The Hatters drew good crowds at home, but were something of a one-trick pony.

Q: Sitting in Section 102 you are nicknamed "The Senator". Can you describe when and how you got that name?

A: Nicknames are scattered throughout Section 102. Some are awarded, some are assumed, some reflect physical attributes, and some reflect attitudes. However, these nicknames are never demeaning. "Senator" came about in 2004, when someone recalled I had served in the State Legislature back in the 70s and 80s.

Q: What is the goal of Section 102 every game?

A: Section 102 - essentially the first 6 to 8 rows - is comprised of the fans you see and expect to see at every home game. I haven't missed a home game since 2004 and have gone to road games for the Trashers, Stars, and Hatters. My son ventured to Michigan to see the Trashers in action against Port Huron and Motor City, proudly wearing his game-worn sweater.

One passionate Hatters fan, Walt and his wife didn't miss a game of their season last year, going to every home and road game. The core of 102 fans are a cheerful, mixed, disparate bunch. We are loud and raucous (Coach Firriolo will vouch for that), but not disorderly. We shout comments about the opposing teams, coaches, officials, ourselves, and any target of opportunity. We are NEVER obscene or hurtfully offensive with our comments. We do "push the envelope," but we don't "cross the line." These comments are most effective when they are witty and/or funny. The theme is to get the opposing team and coaches off their game plan. If individual players and/or coaches react, it's even better and much more effective seeing they're paying more attention to Section 102 than the game. It's also entertaining as Hell! Also, we support our team with as much fervor as we do harassing the opposition and we also do appreciate skill and effort (even if the guy is wearing an opposing colored sweater).

Q: Having seen a few franchises come and go in Danbury the last few seasons, what about this organization makes you think it will be around for the long term?

A: I am favorably impressed with the Danbury Whalers organization. Herm Sorcher's enthusiasm and hands-on attention to detail, Alan Friedman's proven business acumen, Chris Firriolo, Phil Esposito and Joe Furnari's coaching abilities and player evaluation skills are all part of an integrated approach to a new league as well as a new team. The Danbury Whalers will be successful because this organization is well aware of what worked and what didn't work in Danbury/Connecticut hockey.

Q: What kind of team do you want Coach Firriolo to have on the ice every night?

A: Chris Firriolo is an experienced and winning coach who will get the max out of his team. I expect aggressive offense and defense, crisp passing (but not over passing), and shot blocking help for the goaltender. Checking and hitting are also a big thing too. On offense, pressure on the goal is big. Deflections and tip-ins score goals just as well as wristers and slap shots. They don't award bonus points for style. On defense, challenge every possession like the opposing player stole YOUR puck. Crisp shift changes are also a must as well (odd man rushes for the opponent are usually never any good). Also, well-run plans for the special teams.

Q: Who have been your favorite players in Danbury? What about them appealed to you?

A: Since 2004, I've seen a good number of outstanding hockey players that have called the Danbury Ice Arena home. Some good forwards like Alex Goupil, Brad Wingfield, and Jon "Nasty" Mirasty. On the blueline and in the net, guys like Dave MacIssac and Sylvain Daigle stood out for their high level of play. They were also very accessible and outgoing to the fans.

Q: What kind of suggestions would you give to the Danbury Whalers staff to make this team a success?

A: The organization's outreach to the Danbury fan base has been outstanding to say the least. I have never seen ANY start-up organization in ANY business enterprise so eager for input and so open to suggestions. Keeping open communications to the area businesses and civic communities will prove to be crucial. Opportunities for publicity and cooperative events, such as special game themes and radio/newspaper tie-ins will help keep the Danbury Whaler product in the public eye.

Q: There will be a season ticket holder seat selection party on Saturday, June 26th at the Danbury Ice Arena. Where in Section 102 will be your seats?

A: On June 26, 2010, I will proudly claim my seats in Section 102 up in Row E, seats 3-5 for my family and myself. I have had my seats in that general area since 2005.

Q: Let's fast forward to opening night of the season. The Danbury Whalers come on the ice to a sold-out, screaming crowd. What kind of emotions will you be feeling?

A: Opening night for the Danbury Whalers in November is eagerly anticipated. It will proudly start with my right hand over my heart while the National Anthem is played. Myself, Section 102, and the rest of the Danbury Whalers fans will then cheer for OUR team.



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