Flames opt for retro third jersey

The Calgary Flames are going back to the future, at least as far as their third jersey is concerned. In commemoration of their 30th anniversary in Calgary, the Flames on Wednesday unveiled a sweater that's an identical replica of the original model worn after the franchise moved from Calgary in 1980.

"All of the fans, they say 'What are you doing? Couldn't you just once think about bringing back that great and that venerable jersey?' Of course we not only thought about it, that's what we're going to do," Flames President and CEO Ken King said.

The retro jerseys, modeled by current Flames center Craig Conroy and former Flame Jim Peplinski, features a white Flaming C logo with yellow trim on the chest, a white collar with yellow trim with the NHL logo right just the neck, as well as two yellow stripes with a white one between them around the bottom of the jersey and on the sleeves. A 30th anniversary patch sits just below the left shoulder.

"I'm going to feel kind of nostalgic when I see that sweater, because that was our first sweater," co-owner Harley Hotchkiss said. "Sometimes I feel a bit lonely because I'm really the only one remaining of that original ownership group. I get some comfort of course from Jim Peplinski who's been around here for 30 years and can hold my hand whenever I'm feeling sorry for myself."

Red helmets and red gloves will complete the uniforms.

The vintage outfits will be worn for five home games this season against Canadian opponents, including the home opener Oct. 1 against the Vancouver Canucks, as well as Oct. 6 against Montreal, Jan. 2 against Toronto, Jan. 30 against Edmonton and Feb. 9 against Ottawa.

"We think it's important to honor our history, and we think it's as important to focus going forward," King said.

"I feel good about our organization, about our team," Hotchkiss said. "We're in a highly competitive league as you all know, but I think we've got a well-rounded team and that we'll make a good account of ourselves this year."