Jets Logo draws Criticism

For most 'Peggers, the return of the Winnipeg Jets has meant jubilant celebrations and trips to the MTS Centre to buy new Jets gear. True North Sports and Entertainment announced the NHL's return to Winnipeg at the end of May and for weeks, fans across North America sat in anxious anticipation, just waiting for executives to announce a new name for the franchise. With the return of the Jets nickname came speculation on the team's new colors and logos. Some expected the return of the classic blue and red from the old Jets' jersey. Others expected blue and gold to match the Blue Bombers. When the new logo was unveiled a month later, everyone seemed pleasantly surprised at the return of a slightly darker shade of the classic blue and red and an actual jet on the new logo.

The primary logo features a white circle with a thick blue outline. In the centre is an outline of a grey military jet set on a red maple leaf. The alternate logo looks like grey Royal Canadian Air Force wings outlined in dark blue with the red maple leaf in the center. The logo is clean and classic looking without too much detail. The new logo received praise from Don Cherry and a number people in the media and across the NHL. Cherry embraced the logo for its similarity to the RCAF and called it a nice tribute.

Some anti-War pacifists in the Winnipeg community have complained that the logo is pro-military and a tacet sign of support for the war in Afghanistan and bombing of Lybia. Nothing could be more absurd. Besides, the Winnipeg community should be grateful for the service of the RCAF and the freedoms they enjoy as a result of their service. Such gratefulness does nothing to show support for the political decisions made by Ottawa.

Wearing the sleek new Jets gear will show support for the new franchise and the city of Winnipeg. The city has ties to the RCAF that are as thick as blood. Winnipeg is the proud home to the Wing 17 Air Force Base and Manitoba has long played host to a number of aircraft and military manufacturers.

Be proud of your heritage and community and put on the blue and red for the new Jets!