Hockey

The Hartford Whalers received a $29-million assist from the state of Connecticut to refinance existing debt, a move aimed at ensuring that the team stays in the city.

The package includes a $4-million, seven-year loan that Whaler owner Richard Gordon will use to buy the bankrupt Colonial Realty Co.’s 37.5% share in the team, raising his stake in the team to 76%.

The Whalers traded goalie Kay Whitmore to the Vancouver Canucks for minor league goalie Corrie D’Alessio and a conditional 1993 draft pick. The Whalers will receive a fourth- or fifth-round pick in 1993, depending on how Whitmore plays.