Winnipeg Jets: Bridging the Gap

His Heritage Jersey design for the Ottawa Senators inspired fans. So much, in fact, that in just a few short years it morphed from a simple concept into an NHL uniform that defines the hockey history of Canada's own capital city. That flowery language may sound like an exaggeration, but I challenge you to name another NHL fan who's managed to pull off what Jacob Barrette has.

Two nights from now, that fan-favorite Senators jersey will be worn by the Daniel Alfredsson & Co. for only the third time ever. Today, Jacob embarks on a new campaign to revive and rejuvenate a classic NHL uniform. In the last few days he declared, "We weren't gonna bring them back, without bringing it back."

His subtle teasers this week led many of you to accurately predict that Jacob was working on an alternate jersey design for the Winnipeg Jets. And it couldn't have come at a better time, as the Jets are more than likely already looking at future third jersey possibilities.

Now that you've seen his new project, I'll let Jacob tell you about it in his own words:

I want to clear this up right away: I'm a fan of the new Jets branding. This attempt wasn't created to overthrow their efforts, but rather to add to their arsenal.

As opposed to what I was able to accomplish with the Ottawa Senators Heritage uniform — a full out nod to the old Senators franchise — this Jets alternate concept borrows elements from the old and new era. While a refreshed old logo is used as the main mark, the current crest appears on the shoulders to create a link between old and new.

While the logo was given a makeover, the lines on the jersey fully respect those of the uniforms worn between 1990 and 1996. However, the base color used is the newly introduced polar night blue. Laces were added, cause, well, I won't pretend there's a reason for those, they just looked nice, but that is an element worth debating.

What was done:

• Created a new, modern typeface to refresh the Jets word mark.
• Added shading to the word mark. This was also a way to incorporate both shades of blue which comprise the new Jets brand.
• Added an inner blue ring to the logo and silver ring to the outside. The silver ring creates a link between the logo and the jet present on the shoulder patches.
• The jet was removed from the logo to create a more balanced look, but is still present on the jersey via the shoulder patches.
• The NHL shield area is silver, again to subtly bring back that shade.
• The typeface for the numbers would be the same as the newly introduced uniforms but with a red outline as the slanted numbers compliment the JETS word mark.

I felt it was important to incorporate all the colors of the new brand. It proved to be a little challenging as I didn't want the jersey to look cluttered, so I think the shading in the word mark was the perfect solution. It also adds a bit of dimension to the logo.

We've all witnessed a strong synergy between the Jets organization and their fans, with ownership finally landing a team, organizing the best jersey unveiling in recent memory and the fans responding by supporting the team and committing to multi-year season tickets. I think that if fans are vocal enough about wishing to see this concept or the Jets' own take on it, a similar design could see the light of day down the road.

I agree. If Senators fans could do it, it should be a piece of cake for Jets fans, who practically forced their ownership's hand in bringing back the Jets moniker. There's no question it can be done.

As for the design, I asked Jacob about the lack of a Jet in the crest on this jersey — an element featured in both of the Jets' original primary logos — and he was quick to point out the lack of balance it created, as explained above. But personally, that was the only flaw I could find here.

Tomorrow, we'll go into a bit more depth with Jacob in a brief interview. He'll also answer any questions you may have about his new Jets jersey, which bridges the gap between the original franchise and the current one. Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Do you envision the Jets wearing this sweater someday soon?

Comments

[Jacob]

Thanks Kirk. I think that suggestion is better than what I came up with. I don't think there's much I could add to that concept besides, maybe, what materials to use. That would make for an exceptional uniform!

[Kirk]

Thanks Chris. Knowing about that site would have saved some time. ha ha ha.
What do you think about these idea's we're throwing around? you're one of the masters of discerning the potential of a concept idea. Would you like to see Jacob work on a updated 1972-72 Jets Dark jersey?

[Wes Tent]

I appreciate the art, but there's no way this gets made into a third jersey. If the Jets decide to go retro, they'll just use the original design, like every other NHL team. Plus, any attempt to give homage to the original three Jets designs (including the WHA) would obviously incorporate a "jet". After all, the horizontal break in the word mark is the "jetwash" from the jet, yet it's still included despite the absence of the jet. Plus, the bottom of the "J" used to be a hockey stick. Why is this element removed?

[dan]

i like it jerseys are better when they are "dumbed" down.

[DM]

I love it. Some of the comments knocking the sweater for its empty space seems like too much of a nitpick. If Barrette was so bold he could incorporate aspects of Atlanta's old looks into the the new one. An aspect could be incorporating the old zig zag shoulder and arm piping of the Thrashers' first jerseys while incorporating the new retro Jets look. It would be incorporating its past as the Thrashers and the old Jets team at the same time. I'm not sure it'll fly since most of Atlanta's looks have been pretty garish.

[fdsfds]

The jersey reminds me of a pepsi ad. Still a great jersey though

[Christopher]

I wish people could simply understand that the 11-12 Jets team is NOT the team that left Winnipeg in 1996. I doubt they will ever don these colors again because they are not that team. No offence to the creator of this jersey but I absolutely hate it even more then the 1996 Jets jersey that was loud and stupid. The new Jets have a classic Original Sick simplicity that the old Jets team never had to their jerseys.

[Eric T | Atlanta Arsenal]

Abe Seedy, "It" is the retro jersey.

[Mike]

Wearing one right now :) ISOJERSEYS in China has knocked 'em off. Got ALOT of compliments today!
Well done JB!