The Winnipeg Jets kicked off their 2023-24 season with a three-game stint in the Young Stars Classic in Penticton, B.C. The showcase of prospects was underwhelming, but the Jets’ prospects and current NHL players showed tons of promise during the opening days of training camp. The team rocked their old uniforms and practice jerseys leading up to Saturday, September 23rd. Afterward, the Jets unveiled their new uniforms for the 2023-24 season.
While the current Winnipeg Jets logo is a tribute to what the jersey means, the Winnipeg Jets unveiled a new special uniform they will wear for three games in the 2023-24 season in honor of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces. The jersey has gathered a ton of mixed reactions, but fans haven’t denied the meaning that the jersey has. Nicknamed the “Forty-Eight” jersey, the Jets have collaborated with Adidas, the Royal Canadian Armed Forces, and the NHL to pay homage to the 1948 jerseys worn by the gold-medal RCAF Flyers. The design features the RCAF blue base, replica red and blue striping, and the current Winnipeg Jets logo in place of the classic RCAF roundel, which is the inspiration for the current logo.
“It is a great honour and privelege for True North and the Jets to be able to part in celebrating the RCAF’s centennial. We have been grateful to wear our pride and appreciation for our country’s military, literally over our hearts and on our sleeves, over the past 12 years through the emblem of our Winnipeg Jets. We are humbled to further share our appreciation for the selfless service of the men and women working and fighting for our country through our RCAF Flyers inspired specialty jersey for the upcoming season.”
Mark Chipman, Governor & Executive Chairmain of the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club and True North Sports & Entertainment, From “It’s time to Fly the Forty-Eight’! Article. – September 23rd, 2023.
This jersey will be premiered on ice at the Canadian Armed Forces appreciation night on Monday, December 4th, vs. Carolina. This game will also serve as the kickoff to the RCAF’s centennial celebrations. The jerseys will also be worn for two more home games: Saturday, January 27th, vs. Toronto and Monday, April 1st, vs. Los Angeles. The game vs. Los Angeles will be the actual 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces.
Jersey will become a classic. Totally hits the mark of what it is to pay homage to. A real classy move by True North.