A Jersey Joke

I would venture to say it's relatively uncommon to find comedy in hockey jersey numbers — I'm not talking Freak Out Friday here. But the Minnesota Wild have come up with an ad campaign that I thought was funny.

It's centered around the return of forward Andrew Brunette. He walks into the locker room and asks equipment manager Tony DaCosta if he can have his old number back. DaCosta tells him James Sheppard has it. He asks for 25. Eric Belanger. Brunette sarcastically asks for 825. An awkward pause ensues. Now, you've gotten this far, you might as well just watch the video.

In case you were wondering, Brunette did get his No. 15 jersey back. Sheppard's got 51.

And I know this isn't news, but I thought it was funny and wanted to share.

No Third For Wild — This Year

Michael Russo, beat writer for the Star-Tribune, says the Minnesota Wild will not have a third jersey this season. In his blog Russo's Rants he wrote the following about two weeks ago.

I’ve gotten a number of emails this summer regarding when the Wild will unveil its third jersey. The Wild is not having a third jersey this season but is exploring one for 2009-10.

That came just two days after team owner Craig Leipold pretty much said the same thing. So for anyone still wondering, there's no way to make it clearer than this — the Minnesota Wild will NOT have a third jersey this season.

I, for one, hope to see a return to the green jerseys if they move forward with this next year. What better way to celebrate an anniversary than to use a throwback jersey — yes, going back all of three years. Still, the Wild have never disappointed me with a jersey design.

Wild Owner: Green Jersey Coming

Minnesota Wild fans longing for the return of the green jersey may have to wait only until next season. At a barbecue event for season ticket holders last week, I believe, owner Craig Leipold said the team was working on a green third jersey to celebrate their 10th anniversary.

You can listen to his comments in full via the latest PONDcast on the Wild's official web site. (If you're reading this in the future, it's #883.)

That reminds me. A couple of months ago, the Wild held a fan appreciation event where staffers were walking around with concept jerseys trying to get a feel for what folks would like from an alternate. Perhaps that had something to do with this. You can read more about it in the original post.

Thanks to Eric for the heads-up on this!

Freak Out Friday XLI

Another Friday is upon us and it's time to freak you out. I'm starting with a rather frightening rendition of a Senators third jersey concept.

Just look at those eyes staring back at you. Scary stuff.

We've been talking a lot about the Dallas Stars lately. Anybody want a real Old West theme for the uniforms?

If you did, I'm sure you don't anymore.

Stripes for the Sharks?

You know you'd buy that jersey. Don't try to deny it.

Here's a somewhat less freaky Wild concept sweater.

A new series within a series I started to FOFs ago showcased the infamous Mighty Ducks third jersey with the logos of other teams from around the league. We've done the Atlantic Pacific Divisions and today we've got the Southeast.

And while we're on this topic, under the heading of Other Things That Just Won't Die, the Iowa Chops are back for another round of mockery.

I don't think I need to say anything more. Just try to enjoy your weekend now that you've been freaked out.

Sens, Wild Sweater Art

Remember that video I posted over the weekend teasing the new Senators jersey designs from capn89? — a guy named Paul, actually. Anyway, the final designs are done and ready for posting.

You can't deny the awesomeness of those. I personally love the third jersey. There's even a set of three with lots of crazy stripes.

I have some more stuff you need to think back for. About a month ago I posted a bit about what the new Wild third jersey might look like. A reader submitted a few designs based off of what was seen at the event.

And just for good measure, there's even this one.

Short post today, I know, but you've got wallpapers too. Maple Leafs fans, I've got some great stuff for you tomorrow. And don't forget, this Friday brings another edition of the Freak Out series — not to mention the new iPhone 3G. I think it's about time for me to upgrade my $15 cell phone. Don't be surprised if you don't hear from me over the weekend. It'll be because I'll have a new toy.

Wild Unveil Name, Logos

The following entry contains material collected from various news services.

Come and meet Minnesota Wild

January 25, 1998

Nice touch, the new Minnesota franchise calling a news conference to unveil its new name — Wild — and logo and including Neal Broten in the ceremony. If anyone has done more for hockey in Minnesota than Broten, name him.

But on to the logo, described as iron range red, forest green, harvest gold and Minnesota wheat. Was Minnesota wheat in your box of Crayolas? The Wild, by the way, beat out the Polars, Voyageurs and Blue Ox in fan balloting.

Excerpt from article published in Deseret News

Wild shows its new colors

John Millea
November 19, 1999

When Minnesota's NHL expansion franchise announced in January 1998 that it would be called the Wild, the obvious question was, "What's a 'Wild?'" The team's response: "Whatever you want it to be."

The Wild's home sweater, unveiled Thursday at the Roseville Skating Center, is dominated by the head of a beast that might be a bear. Or maybe it's a mountain lion? A wolf? A very angry gopher? Who really knows?

And again, that's precisely the point.

"It's a wild picture," chief executive officer Jac Sperling explained. "People will see what they want to see. It's intended to be a wild animal."

Excerpt from article published in Star Tribune

Wild look has some teeth in it

November 19, 1999

It might be the head of a bear, or maybe a cougar. Whatever it is, the reaction to the Minnesota Wild's new icon is better than the last time they tried it.

The National Hockey League's newest expansion team introduced its home sweater just in time for the holiday shopping season. With a brass band blaring and Neal Broten, the North Stars' favorite star, skating at the Roseville Skating Center on Thursday, team officials showed off the...

Excerpt from article published in St. Paul Pioneer Press (page 1D)

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Reference posted 3/21/10