Senators Confirm New Third Jersey
/
The Ottawa Senators held their fan forum call today and use thed opportunity to officially confirm their intention to launch a brand new "heritage" third jersey to mark their 20th anniversary season in 2011-12.
Taking a page out of the Buffalo Sabres' book, the Sens' new sweater will be a throwback to a team that existed long before they did. The team's owner, president and general manager were all on the call and also discussed the 2012 NHL All-Star Game.
Here are some of the relevant details from their website:
2011-12 season: The Senators will celebrate the club’s 20th anniversary in the National Hockey League throughout the whole season. Celebrations will highlight the Senators and city of Ottawa playing host to the 2012 NHL All-Star Game and Weekend, as well as recognize the 11 Stanley Cup-winning teams of early-era.
Senators heritage jersey: The Senators will introduce a new third jersey, a heritage jersey in recognition of early-era teams.
2012 NHL All-Star Game and Weekend: Senators full- and half-season seat owners, renewing by March 31, will receive priority access to tickets for the all-star game. New purchasers will also have access.
They offered no specific information on the design of the new alternate sweater, but based on the mention of "early-era teams," I think we can make a few good guesses. You know where to send your concept art.
Sens concept / Jacob BarretteThis might be a good time to point out some previous Icethetics posts that have some relevance to today's news.
- In August 2009, we held a poll between the Senators' current third jersey and Jacob Barrette's concept design (right). Guess which one got 88% of the vote.
- A couple months ago, Ottawa's AHL farm club in Binghamton sported the barber-pole look with "vintage white." It was not pretty. Worse (if possible) than Calgary's Winter Classic threads.
- Also in January, the Ottawa Sun speculated on an "O" jersey for the Sens next season.
- Perhaps most noteworthy, both the barber-pole and the Barrette jersey designs have appeared on the Sens' official website in the past. I'm referring to an artist rendering of the O Store at ScotiaBank Place from 2009.
- And lastly, memories... If you want to get all nostalgic on the now "old" Ottawa third jersey. Remember when it first leaked?
That's all I've got for now. Anything else would just be speculation.
The story continues today with more speculation on the design of Ottawa's new third jersey.
Senators O T-shirt / Joel HouleFirst, one reader pointed out that the Senators are actually selling a T-shirt that looks and awful lot like Barrette's concept jersey (see above).
Even if it doesn't end up being the new sweater, it's at least nice to know that design is available on officially licensed merchandise. And don't mind the ignoramuses who say it looks like a zero. They're just trying to goad Sens fans.
Second, The 6th Sens blog picked up on a radio interview that revealed some new information on the actual design of the new uniform. Sens president Cyril Leeder was asked for details. He actually gave some:
Looking to see whether Leeder would disclose any hints about the sweaters or keep those cards close to his chest, Lloyd asked, "Are we going to see some kind of barber-pole ... old-school [look]?"
Leeder replied, "Well, you'll definitely see a barber-pole. ... The original barber-pole was the Ottawa Senators jersey so it's definitely going to be part of the design.
"We've actually got the prototype sitting right in the office next to me here and we think it's a sharp jersey. It's really going to be a great jersey and a good testament and tribute to the teams that started hockey here in this city. And really ... the first dynasty in the NHL was the Ottawa Senators."
We keep talking about the B-Sens barber-pole jersey and Barrette's design as though it has to be one or the other. The way I see Leeder's comment, why can't it be a mix of both?
Ottawa 67's / Blitzen PhotographyHe says the barber-pole will be "part of the design." That means the entire jersey doesn't have to be covered in stripes — maybe just the sleeves?
If that sounds familiar to you, you're probably a fan of the OHL's Ottawa 67's who currently wear a sweater quite similar to that description.
Personally, I'm pulling for this look as I just can't stomach another jersey covered in bad stripes — especially one that will see action up to 15 games a season.
I've always thought CHL teams have some of the best uniforms in hockey (and I can't wait to try to put together their jersey galleries). And while the 67's jersey isn't my favorite, it would be a solid choice for a Sens alternate.
One reason I say that is because of its similarity to the team's current black third. And that could be a good thing. While Icethetics readers may not like it, it's apparently very popular among people who spend money on jerseys in Ottawa.
Still, I can't help but worry we'll be disappointed by the Senators — as it's happened all too often in the past.
What do you guys think? Would the 67's jersey be a good look? The barber-pole? Barrette's jersey? Or should it be something entirely new and original?