Hockey and sweaters go hand in hand, like peanut butter and jelly. Throughout the history of the sport, teams have become synonymous with their iconic colours and patterns, some classic and some… not so much. And as we delve into our annual series focusing on the best and worst sweaters in each team’s history, today we turn our attention to the Winnipeg Jets.
The 2019 Heritage Classic was a sight to behold, a sequel to the equally stunning 2016 edition. The Jets donned white jerseys with blue shoulder yokes and red pants, a look that was as sharp as a skate blade. Unfortunately, their fashion statement did not translate to success on the ice, as they were shut out 3-0 by the Edmonton Oilers. Nevertheless, these sweaters were a nostalgic throwback to the team’s WHA roots, a reminder of days gone by.
Debates have raged on about which set of Jets sweaters reigns supreme – the original or the new edition. After much deliberation, the old school jerseys emerged victorious. Many Winnipeggers hold fond memories of the old Jets, before they soared south to Arizona. The blue, red, and white colour scheme is a perfect blend, evoking images of Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait hanging in the old Winnipeg Arena. These sweaters are more than just clothing – they are a symbol of history and tradition.
But not all sweaters are created equal. In a nod to the New York Rangers, the Jets unveiled a design that was all too familiar. General manager John Ferguson seemed to have a soft spot for the Rangers’ mid-1970s jerseys, as he essentially copied and pasted the design, swapping out the logos. While the look isn’t necessarily awful, it reeks of laziness, a lack of creativity that falls flat. And this trend of copying designs wasn’t just a relic of the 70s or 80s – it reared its uninspired head as recently as 2018.
In the world of hockey sweaters, there are highs and lows, hits and misses. But one thing is for certain – they are as integral to the game as the puck itself. And as we continue our journey through the annals of hockey history, we will remember the good, the bad, and the downright ugly of Winnipeg Jets sweaters.