With the Calgary Hitmen taking a rather unceremonious exit from the first round at the hands of the Kootenay Ice, it wrapped up a season that saw them fall short of rather lofty expectation. However, that doesn't mean the Hitmen can't look forward to next season, and that means their 20th year in the WHL. Named after legendary pro wrestler Bret "the Hitman" Hart, who was one of several people who had ownership stake in the Hitmen when they originally formed (the team is now owned by the Calgary Flames). For their anniversary, the Hitmen have decided to bring back the original jerseys from the inaugural 1994-95 season...sort of. As you can see in the picture, Hart is wearing the original jerseys that the Hitmen wore, complete with the pink and black colors that he made famous in his day. The 20th anniversary jersey, as worn by Connor Rankin on the right, will replicate that on some level, with a couple of notable exceptions.
The right shoulder patch will feature the team's 20th anniversary logo, with the words "The Best There Ever Will Be" below the mask, another nod to Hart's trademark catch phrase, "The best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be."
The left shoulder patch features the actual logo used on the original Hitmen jerseys that first year, as there was some controversy surrounding the logo that the Hitmen now use in some variation.
The hanger effect that is becoming a trend with hockey jerseys today carries over to the WHL, as the Hitmen get in on the action with a rather simple "1995-2015," indicating the years of their existence to date (as of next season).
Overall, however, the Hitmen have done quite well with the 20th Anniversary jersey that pays tribute to their roots. The only question is whether or not the Hitmen players will have to put on the Hitmen shades.
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