Flames prepare for season debut of vintage jersey

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Fear not! The Calgary Flames will indeed continue to wear their brightly-colored throwback uniforms despite the debut of a new third jersey.

This was confirmed on Wednesday morning when the Flames tweeted photos from practice, showing the team on the ice in their red and yellow retro gear.

No dates were specifically mentioned, but the fact that they're breaking out the classic gear means the game can't be too far down the road.

The Flames' next game happens to be at home on Thurs., Feb. 27 when they host the Kings. It would make sense we'd see the throwbacks that night. Otherwise, it would have to wait until Wed., March 5. But that's unlikely. Why?

I know the question is coming, so let's knock it out. Does this retro revelation mean the new third jersey is being prematurely retired? Certainly not. Superstition caused the team to skip a previously scheduled third jersey night a few weeks ago, but we'll probably see it back in action for it's next scheduled night — which is March 5.

Keep in mind what the team said in October when the third was unveiled:

"We believe we have delivered a third jersey that will appeal to those who wanted a third jersey while adding to our classic vintage jersey and solid current jersey."

—Jim Peplinski, Calgary Flames VP, Business Development

"Adding" to the vintage jersey. The new third was never intended to replace the throwback. Likewise, the return of the throwback should not indicate replacement of the new third.

After that, the next home game is Fri., March 7 and that's a special night. In fact, the Flames have declared it their annual "Retro Night" as they plan to honor Joe Nieuwendyk's contributions to the organization that drafted him.

Calgary will no doubt sport their retro jersey that night. It'd be especially appropriate considering Nieuwendyk himself once skated a lap with the Stanley Cup while wearing it.

That leaves Feb. 27 and March 7 as two potential dates for the Flames' retro reds. Keep your eyes peeled for any official announcements.

My thanks to Icethetics reader Ryan Pike for his contributions to this post.

Update

February 27: In case you were wondering, the Flames did not break out the retro jersey for tonight's game against the Kings. March 7 now appears to be the most obvious date — what with the whole Retro Night theme and all.