Mixed Messages
The rumors have been flying the last few days over the status of the Calgary Flames' forthcoming third jersey. The main question now being: Will there even be a third jersey this year?
Obviously we're at a point in the summer where everything is speculation. The last official word we heard was a year ago when Ken King said it would be a black sweater with an entirely new logo. Now it seems that's changed and the Flames may be more likely to look backward for an alternate jersey — this being their 30th anniversary season.
More recently, I've started hearing from various retailers that a Calgary third jersey may be off the table completely for 2009. But those reports have mostly be unsubstantiated. What can I say? We live off of gossip around here at this time of year.
However, a little more evidence to support a throwback third popped up this morning on the Flames' official web site. (Thanks to Drew for the link!) As part of the 30th anniversary, the team will be giving away a $30,000 shopping spree at a local mall to a lucky fan. Many other prizes will also be available including one that caught Drew's eye.
Four (4) weekly qualifiers will be randomly selected from all eligible ballots and will receive a pair of tickets to the Flames Home Opener on October 1, 2009 as well as a Calgary Flames vintage jersey.
This isn't proof that there will be a vintage third jersey — only that vintage jerseys will be available to fans this season. Having said that, it's not a huge leap to think the Flames have indeed decided on a more traditional-looking alternate sweater. I'm committing to nothing.
Anyway, just a little something to chew on as we wait for more official information on the subject. While we wait, why not hold a poll?
Should the Flames stick with that brand new black third jersey sans the Flaming C that Ken King talked about last year? Or should they go with a throwback from their earliest days in Calgary? And if you like the idea of a throwback, should it be red or white? Don't let logistics get in your way either. The Maple Leafs' white third works just fine. Go with your gut!
Cast your vote and we can get an idea of what Icethetics fans in general are hoping for.
Chris
As several commenters have pointed out, the Flames have in fact removed the word "vintage" from the prize description. However, someone accidentally left an extra space in there between "Flames" and "jersey" — proof to those of you first seeing it now that I didn't just make it up.
;)
You can click the image to enlarge it.
It again brings us back to wondering whether the Flames will even have a third jersey at all this fall. And surprisingly, the vote between throwback vs. totally new is nearly even. Interesting.
Reader Comments (23)
As a Flames fan I'm hoping for a red throwback. A black jersey is A. too risky because of the new logo and B. when people buy it and wear it to games it will destroy the C of red. Based on the second reason, a red throwback beats a white.
:rolls eyes:
Just what the nhl needs, another black and red uniform. Because the Devils, Blackhawks, Hurricanes, Coyotes, Senators aren't enough.
Black for the sake of black is not the answer.
i've been doing a lot of digging on this jersey and from the info i've gathered , it'll be a vintage re-release..... anything other than red would be preposterous for a team that's marketing the "C of Red." my sources told me last year that the third jersey design was crimson in colour, but has either been scrapped or is being kept meticulously under wraps cause "ken king hates leaks."
The word vintage was removed, but you can still tell it was there...the tell-tale double space of an edit is between the word Flames and jersey.
Black with a new logo by far.
Red vintage. No contest.
black jerseys just won't go away, will they?
NHL 10 has no 3rd for the Flames
I want to see a black uni, with a white C.
Can they do the one with that diagonal front stripe so we can mock it?
Seriously, that would be fun!
Oh that's precious.
I just checked the Flames site to see it for myself.
The word "vintage" has been precipitously removed; there's even a double space between "Flames and jersey."
As the poll suggests, having a new throwback EDGE jersey would be warm welcomed, but I think its best to stay cautiously optimistic. Vintage jerseys ('89 remakes complete with Stanley Cup patch) have been available since at least '04, and typically pitch for much cheaper than their updated counterparts.
If it does happen, I'm just hoping it doesn't look like a Ronald McDonald mess of yellow and red/orange.
@peter
like i said two hours ago....haha
they should have been smart enough to get rid of the second space
Jim,
Your statement claiming there is no third in NHL10 needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Operation Sports said there is no third slot for the flames, but is basing that off their beta version, not the retail version.
@BLN,
Whoops.
Flames are calling a presser for tommorow september 2nd to announce their 30th aniversary plans
on the website, they changed it from saying vintage flames jersey, to just a flames jersey
Wear a white retro, then play the Oilers in their blue and orange retro! Who wouldnt love that!
I think they should go back to the Original Calgary jersey, they won the cup with it.
Black is too much anymore and it's a thug color.
They should go back to the white C on the red jerseys. I never understood having a black flaming C.
"White hot" is a valid expression. The only connotation of black that I associate with flames or fire is the charred remains of whatever was burning. Black is not a "hot" color in that sense at all.
My bet is on a Red Vintage Alternate. Since this is their 30th Anniversary. I'd think they'd do something nostalgic (similar to the Habs) for a third Jersey. Plus, I think removing the term vintage from the prize description is a possible giveaway. If it is, somebody made a mistake and accidentally spilled the beans. But if it isn't, they just screwed up altogether and meant to put Jersey on its own.
I personally hope it is. It would get Calgary out their awful home/away jerseys for a couple games.
Anything but black. Retro red would be the best.
They pulled the "Calgary Flames vintage jersey" part, so it now says "Calgary Flames jersey". Hmm...
The Flames should go back to their original uniforms full-time. Simple is more. There doesn't need to be anymore black and red uniforms. Look at the Kansas City Chiefs. Red, white, and yellow. The San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia 76ers are going back to their classics. Red flaming C on the whites and white flaming C on the reds. Simple as the Leafs, Red Wings, and Canadiens.