Carolina Hurricanes By gdp0822 Oct 2, 1972 First Name Carolona Hurricanes were know as the New England Whalers from 1972-1978 in the World Hockey Association (WHA) Oct 4, 1978 After NEWhalers Played as the Hartford Whalers from 1978-1997 Oct 7, 1997 Became Carolina Hurricanes Became the Carolina Hurricanes!!!!!!