Sens Hint at New 3rd Jersey?
An Ottawa Senators-centric blog called The 6th Sens picked up on a story tonight I'm sure a lot of Icethetics readers will be interested in. It has to do with the question of whether the club is contemplating a new third jersey for the near future.
The Sens introduced their infamous "Sens" jersey just last season, marketing themselves as "Back in Black," but recent renovations at ScotiaBank Place have us wondering whether that particular sweater is long for this world.
Instead, what about this?
It's a concept that has been floating around the web ever since the Senators introduced the new "O" logo in 2007 — maybe even before that.
I think at one point there was even a petition on behalf of Senators fans to get the team to adopt this jersey. Could their wish be coming true?
In an interview with SensTV's Gord Wilson, COO Cyril Leeder talked about a new addition to the arena called The O Store — he said it's a nod to the old days when the Sens wore that big O on their chest.
But it's not so much what he said in the video as it was the artist renderings that were shown. They depicted this very jersey design on the shelves of the new store.
Previewing the new O Store at ScotiaBank Place
As you can see, not only is that exact jersey on the self, but also the vintage "barber-pole" style similar to one of the classic sweaters the Canadiens wore last season. Here's another shot.
That awesome O jersey is all over the place
It makes you wonder whether this was some secret plan all along. But that's for conspiracy theorists. For the rest of us, it's a nod toward a very exciting possibility that Ottawa might at last have one of the best jerseys in the NHL — not long after unleashing one of the worst on us.
Here's the video in case you're interested in seeing some of the other renderings.
If for some reason that doesn't work for you, here's a direct link.
This isn't official and it may turn out to be nothing at all, but it's sure interesting to think about nonetheless. Thanks to Paul for the tip.
You guys and your silly comments. You never learn. Your loss.
Anyway, I did hear from Jacob, the designer of the now famous black "O" jersey, and he says while he has not been in contact with the team, he has spoken with the Ottawa Citizen. Perhaps the local media could be of some help in getting the the Senators into such a well-designed jersey one day.
In the meantime, you can always do your part by signing the petition.
The Ottawa Citizen now has a great article on this very subject. Definitely worth a read for Icethetics fans. Here's a brief excerpt.
Jacob Barrette is passionate about putting a new face on the Ottawa Senators, but it has nothing to do with whether Dany Heatley returns to the lineup or not.
For Barette, it’s all about old-time hockey, or at least the look of the good old days.
Barrette wants today’s Senators to dress more like the Senators clubs that won 11 Stanley Cups between 1903 and '27. He has 900 names on a petition asking the Senators to adopt a throwback look featuring a stylized "O" on the front of their jerseys with broad stripes behind it.
"I just think it’s a good way to promote the history of the team and its roots in Ottawa," says Barrette, who owns a graphics design company and teaches graphic design at La Cité Collégiale. "I think they’ve done a good job of promoting the team towards kids, but I think they’re lacking a bit in celebrating the heritage of having an NHL team in Ottawa."
The Senators clearly believe there’s at least some marketing appeal to the old look. Ottawa players have worn a smaller "O" as a shoulder patch on their uniforms for the past two National Hockey League seasons and a select number of vintage "O" souvenir sweaters have been sold at the club's merchandise store at Scotiabank Place.
Last week, the Senators also announced they would be opening the "O Store" in the second level at Scotiabank Place, where fans could buy a wider selection of the vintage jerseys and souvenirs featuring the club’s traditional gladiator logo.
There are no plans, however, for Senators players to sport the "O" on the front of their jerseys for the 2009-10 season, a team spokesman says.
Take note. No plans for the Sens to wear this one next season. But it doesn't say anything about 2010 and beyond.