Oilers Pinstripe Jersey Making a Comeback this Weekend
December 27, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Tulsa Oilers News Release
TULSA, OK - The pinstripe jersey is most often associated with baseball teams like the New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs, but the pattern never made its way onto a hockey sweater until the Tulsa Oilers brought pinstripes to the ice.
In 1995, the Oilers became the first professional hockey team to wear pinstripes on their jerseys. The vertical lines, combined with the new "Ice Man" logo in bold blue and orange, gave the Oilers a distinctive, eye-catching look.
Oilers President Jeff Lund, then general manager of the team, said the office staff took a vote and the pinstripe jersey was selected as the favorite. In a Tulsa World article from 1995 by Glenn Hibdon, Lund said, "Garry (head coach Garry Unger) was very hesitant about it. Some players like it and some don't. They like the logo, but they will have to adjust to the pinstripes because it hasn't been done before. The uniforms were introduced at the league meetings and the general managers were unanimous in liking them. They think they will be number one in league souvenir merchandising."
The uniform makeover was met with mixed emotions from Oilers faithful fans and opposing teams.
"I remember the first night we wore those things and players from the other team were making fun of our guys for showing up in their pajamas," remembered Lund with a laugh. "I think it was good while it lasted but I wasn't too heartbroken to see those jerseys go away."
The pinstripes went away for a while, but they've been resurrected for "Turn Back the Clock Weekend" this Friday and Saturday at the BOK Center. The Oilers will wear retro, pinstripe jerseys, nearly identical to the originals, in each game and the jerseys will be auctioned off following Saturday's contest. The throwback sweaters were brought to life by Oilers defenseman Tyler Fleck who stayed true to the original design with only a slight change to a darker shade of blue.
Friday evening at 7:35 p.m. the Oilers face off against the Quad City Mallards and Saturday night at 7:35 p.m. the Oilers matchup with the Missouri Mavericks.
Tickets are available for both games by calling 918-632-PUCK, logging onto www.tulsaoilers.com, or calling the BOK Center box office at 1-866-7-BOK-CTR.
Central Hockey League Stories from December 27, 2012
- Oilers Earn Point in Shootout Loss to Brahmas - Tulsa Oilers
- Shorthanded Brahmas Outlast Oilers in Shootout - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Oilers Pinstripe Jersey Making a Comeback this Weekend - Tulsa Oilers
- Lizon Called up to AHL's Oklahoma City Barons - Wichita Thunder
- Rush Fall Short in Wild One Versus Cutthroats - Rapid City Rush
- Cutthroats Win Wild One over Rapid City, 5-4 - Denver Cutthroats
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
