News - 10/12/2003

National Hockey League - Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus Blue Jackets Unveil New Alternate Jersey

New look celebrates the history behind the team's name and the rich heritage of hockey

COLUMBUS, OHIO - The Columbus Blue Jackets unveiled their new Third Jersey today during a ceremony at Nationwide Arena. Blue Jackets General Manager/Head Coach Doug MacLean, along with team captain defenseman Luke Richardson and two of the club's alternate captains - center Andrew Cassels and defenseman Darryl Sydor - were joined by Ohio First Lady Hope Taft and Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman at today's Columbus Day event.

At today's ceremony, the look of the jersey was unveiled on a 26-foot tall mural of Blue Jackets left wing Rick Nash that adorns the glass façade above the main entrance on the east side of Nationwide Arena with Blue Jackets players Luke Richardson, Darryl Sydor and Andrew Cassels on hand in the new jerseys.

"The Blue Jackets are proud to represent the state of Ohio and its capital city of Columbus in the National Hockey League and we wanted our Third Jersey to reflect that," said Blue Jackets Majority Owner and Chairman John H. McConnell. "We also wanted a jersey that our fans will embrace and be excited about and I think we have accomplished both."

The majority of the jersey is blue, while the shoulders, sleeves and band at the bottom of the jersey are black complimented by red and white trim. Each sleeve also features three white stars. The jersey sports a red collar and celebrates the heritage of hockey with a traditional lace-up front reminiscent of the NHL's "Original Six" era.

The showcase element of the Third Jersey is a new logo inspired by the state flag of Ohio, with its unique pennant shape, red, white & blue colors and white stars, in the shape of the letter C. That image overlays the familiar Blue Jackets' star, which signifies Columbus as the state's capital. The official state flag of Ohio, called the Ohio burgee, is based upon the pennant used by the Ohio cavalry from 1862-65. Ohio's is the only American state flag that is not shaped in a rectangle.

Two additional logos – one familiar and one new – complete the team's new look. On the jersey's left shoulder is the team's primary "CBJ" ligature logo. On the right shoulder is a new mark that contains a blue Union Army cap that features two crossed hockey sticks. The cap, inspired by those worn by soldiers during the Civil War, lies on a red with white trim background surrounded by a blue with silver trim oval containing two stars anchoring the words "Columbus Blue Jackets."

The Blue Jackets name pays homage to Ohio's contributions to American history and the great pride and patriotism exhibited by its citizens, especially during the Civil War as both the state of Ohio and city of Columbus were significantly influential to the Union Army. Ohio contributed more of its population to the Union Army than any other state, while many of the uniforms worn by the Union Army were manufactured in Columbus.

"The look of this jersey captures the essence of the Blue Jackets name and celebrates the great heritage of hockey in an exciting, dynamic way," said Maclean. "To be able to unveil it today and have our players wear it for the first time tonight vs. the Vancouver Canucks on Columbus Day in the year Ohio celebrates its Bicentennial, is very special for our franchise and our fans."

Ohio's other major professional sports teams were involved as well as a video tribute to the Blue Jackets' "Tied & True" Third Jersey was played featuring forwards LeBron James and Darius Miles of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Browns quarterback Kelly Holcomb, Cleveland Indians pitcher C.C. Sabathia, Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sean Casey, Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Willie Anderson, Columbus Crew forward Brian McBride and former Ohio State and current Columbus Destroyers (Arena Football League) Head Coach Earle Bruce.

The Blue Jackets home blue and road white jerseys will also incorporate the new logos as each will feature a patch of the Third Jersey's primary logo on the left shoulder and the Civil War cap logo on the right shoulder.

The Blue Jackets and National Hockey League, along with New York-based agency SME worked together for nearly a year and a half to develop the look of the club's Third Jersey in preparation its debut during the 2003-04 season, Columbus' fourth in the NHL. SME also designed the New York Rangers' alternate jersey featuring the Statue of Liberty icon and has worked with numerous other professional sports teams including the Atlanta Thrashers, Minnesota Wild, Seattle Mariners and New Jersey Nets.

The Blue Jackets' new Third Jersey will be available exclusively at The Blueline, the club's official team store, at Nationwide Arena, The Blueline kiosk located at Polaris Fashion Place, as well as the Blue Jackets Zones at the Chiller at Easton and Chiller in Dublin until October 23.

A number of promotional elements in the Central Ohio-area are tied to the Blue Jackets' new Third Jersey.

Beginning on Tuesday, fans can visit participating central Ohio Donatos locations and get a Blue Jackets T-Shirt featuring the new Third Jersey logo for just $4.99 with any purchase ($6.99 without purchase).

Beginning October 20, anyone who purchases a combo meal or any large drink at participating central Ohio Taco Bell locations will receive a limited edition cruiser cup featuring the Blue Jackets home schedule and the Third Jersey logo. While there, fans can register to win a trip to see the Blue Jackets and a screening of The Tonight Show in Los Angeles, an official Third Jersey jersey and other great prizes courtesy Taco Bell, Sierra Mist, the Columbus Blue Jackets and NBC 4 Columbus.

The Blue Jackets and Pepsi have teamed up to introduce the Pepsi collectible can series featuring Blue Jackets logos and the upcoming schedule. Scheduled to arrive this week, a five-can set of commemorative cans will be available at participating locations where Pepsi products are sold. In addition, 246 Pepsi drivers will be wearing the Third Jersey when they make deliveries to over 1,300 Central Ohio locations on Tuesday.