Steinbach Pistons debut new third jerseys

With a new era of Steinbach Pistons hockey about to begin in the Southeast Event Centre, the team has debuted a new look.

Steinbach wore their brand new third jerseys for the first time during a 7-3 victory over the Winnipeg Freeze Nov. 15. The Pistons are replacing their light blue jersey with a car logo for a retro-inspired off-white look.

The jerseys were designed by Tyson Kehler from 5th Corner Designs. Kehler has worked with the Pistons to design jerseys before but said the moment his work hits the ice for the first time will always be special.

The team and Kehler decided to go with an off-white design to invoke hockey jerseys from eras well-before the Pistons existed.

“I’ve been really into this vintage kind of feel,” Kehler said.

“I love when NHL teams go with an off-white colour, so I pitched it as an option, something that’s different than the Pistons haven’t worn before.”

Established in 2009, Kehler instead imagined what a Steinbach Pistons jersey would have looked like had the team been established decades ago.

The crest has been replaced with a number on the front of the jersey, along with a subtle checkered flag design on the shoulders as a nod to the team’s automobile roots.

“The shoulders are my favourite part by far,” Kehler said.

“I saw on an old Fire and Ice Banquet poster from years back that (the team) had used a checkered flag from car racing. I thought that would be something interesting to try and bring back.”

Fans who want to see the new jerseys in person can check out the team Dec. 13. The team will be wearing them 10 times this season.

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