Fans became suspicious when they received their season ticket package in the mail a few weeks ago and they say a key chain with a funny Jets logo on it. Speculation began and then on Thursday the jersey was leaked and last night the official unveiling happened.
As one my favorite Twitter wordsmiths (Robert Cleave)said about this photo- 'they look sheepish'.
If the Whiteout is an iconic aspect of hockey in Winnipeg then moving to something this 'vanilla' is right on course with the image the franchise wants. Squeaky clean with the taste of bland.
Fans had high expectations and perhaps they would have snatched up more of those Heritage Classic jerseys when they had the chance. They are since discontinued and your option is these.
The arguments have been made about them and frankly they are flimsy. I have no issue if you like them, everything is a matter of taste but to suggest they are 'good' is pushing it. They are safe and they are uninspiring. Some have suggested that change is hard and that the Jets were right to move away from tradition and and try something new. That's a fair point but this is not simply 'new' it's a word that's it. There is so little there to grasp, to hang on to or even to identify with.
One thing that has happened with Winnipeg over the past few years is people here are starting to identify with what's here rather than hoping for something that's not. Across the city a new generation is building things that capitalize on the existing quirks and oddities of Winnipeg. They are embracing what Winnipeg is and doing a damn good job. There there is True North Sports and Entertainment.
This is the Winnipeg Jets, not the Jets. Winnipeggers are proud of them being in Winnipeg, and yes they love the name but it's Winnipeg Jets, not Jets of Winnipeg. TNSE needed to embrace that and the change that is happening across the city. Winnipeggers actually feel cool about who they are and where they are from and that should have been noted in that 3rd jersey. It's a swing and a miss, inspiring little and reminding everyone that this team and organization will never step too far out of line or take too much risk.
Sure protecting and managing an image is important but this jersey effort is beyond that, it's safe for all the wrong reasons. Yes it will probably sell enough but is it something that inspires is it something that people want to accept and embrace? I'm not so sure and that's where TNSE missed a great opportunity.
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • 
Join the Discussion:
»