Seven years before they merged into the NHL as the Hartford Whalers, the franchise made its debut as the New England Whalers during the WHA's inaugural season of 1972-73. And boy was it a fruitful first campaign as the Boston-based team skated its way to the championship. This is a sample of the ring the club handed out to the players and front office staff after snagging the AVCO World Trophy. The 10K gold ring by Balfour features cubic zirconias in the shape of a "W" on the face set against a green stone background and "1973 WHA CHAMPIONS" around the periphery. The left shank reads: "WORLD CHAMPION," "WHA" and "ATW WORLD TROPHY WORLD HOCKEY ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONS," while the right panel features the name "KELLEY" and "COACH" sandwiching the team logo. The ring is a Size 10.5 and in NRMT-MT condition. 34.7 grams.