Peter Good, Designer of The Hartford Whalers’ Logo, Has Passed Away

Connecticut-based graphic designer and illustrator Peter Good has passed away at the age of eighty. Good, who designed the iconic Hartford Whaler logo, had a career spanning over fifty years, during which he and his wife Janet created numerous unique and iconic logos for corporations, nonprofits, and institutions.

Good had been in hospice care for two weeks after the removal of a brain tumor before his passing. His family announced his death on Facebook on May 2nd, 2022, which Connecticut Public later confirmed. Good’s son, Justin, shared on Facebook that his father passed away with grace and humor, leaving behind a legacy of anecdotes that could fill a book.

Connecticut is home to a number of graphic design works by Good, which can be seen in various locations throughout the state. Notable examples include the Mark Twain House and Museum, and The Kate in Old Saybrook. These locations serve as a testament to Good’s skill and influence in the field of graphic design.

The Whalers Logo 

Good, a renowned graphic designer, is best known for his iconic logo for the Hartford Whalers hockey team. In 1979, he was approached by Jack Lardis Associates, an ad agency working with the team, to design a logo for them.

Despite having no prior experience in creating sports logos, Good accepted the challenge and created the emblem as a work-for-hire gig.

He was paid $2,000 for his work, which went on to become a beloved symbol in the sports community.

Even though the Whalers moved to North Carolina in 1987, the logo is still associated with the iconic team. 

Good’s design for the hockey team’s logo featured a blue whale’s tail and a green W for the team name.

The negative space between the two letters cleverly created an H for Hartford, the team’s previous location, before relocating to North Carolina.

The founder of the hockey team, Howard Baldwin, spoke highly of Good’s work on the logo, calling it iconic and praising Good as a wonderful and delightful man.

Baldwin believes that Good’s legacy will continue to live on for generations due to the logo’s brilliance. Despite the team not playing in Hartford since 1997, the logo remains a beautiful and iconic symbol of the team.

Good had much to say about the logo and its popularity. In 2016, he expressed his amazement to ESPN regarding the popularity of a non-existent sports team. He revealed that the team had become a part of popular culture and had even been the subject of doctorate papers.

Good also shared that the team was created without any market research and was simply approved by three individuals in a room. He speculated that if the team were to be created today, it would undergo a lengthy and possibly altered process involving focus groups.

The team may have relocated in 1987, but some of its merchandise still bear the iconic logo, which continues to surprise many with its hidden H. Widely regarded as a game-changer in the sports industry, this logo has set the standard for high-quality and creative designs that stand out. Its lasting impact is a testament to its enduring appeal and influence.

One of the many interviews that Good did.

About Peter Good 

Peter Good was a New England native who lived in Hartford and attended Bulkely High and UConn, where he studied graphic design.

He co-founded Cummings and Good, an art and design company, with his wife, Janet Cummings Good, and their family resided in Chester. Good’s designs and creations are showcased on the company website, and his work has been featured in collections such as the Museum of Modern Art in Toyama, Japan, and Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum in New York.

Good was known for his illustration abilities, design work, and soft-spoken demeanor. His legacy lives on through his work and the iconic Whaler logo he designed.