Jets or Moose? Probably Neither

It would appear True North is close to buying the Atlanta Thrashers and moving them to Winnipeg.  I still think commissioner Gary Bettman will do what he can to keep the team in Atlanta – including having the NHL run the team for a while.  But if the Thrashers do move to Winnipeg, I’d be disappointed if they call them anything but the Jets.

Manitoba Moose or Winnipeg Jets?

Tradition and heritage mean everything to hardcore sports fans.

Exhibit A:  New York and Montreal fans would burn down their cities if they took away the names Yankees and Canadiens.  They both have a longer, better history than the Jets’ but it’s more than just the wins.

The name and the uniform aren’t just a link to the team’s past, glorious or not, they’re a link to the fan’s past and incredible memories. 

Everyone has a story linked to his or her team.  Maybe Jets fans watched as wide-eyed kids with their Dad or their Grandfather.   Maybe they played hockey on the driveway wearing the Jets’ jersey, wet with snow and sweat.  Maybe they got an autograph from Dale Hawerchuk.  Maybe it was simply the memory of a great Jets’ game.  These are memories rich with passion.  Those are the memories that stick.

I enjoyed the Ottawa Renegades.  It was the CFL, back in the familiar confines of Lansdowne Park.  The park, the fairly similar uniforms, the smell of beer and popcorn brought back the link to the past nicely.  But it would have been even better if they were Rough Riders.

The buzz is they may stick with Manitoba Moose, which will be fine, of course, but not nearly as good as Jets.  I suspect they’ll go with neither option.   Most hockey fans already have their Jets or Moose gear.  Starting fresh means big sales as fans clamor for their new i.e. Manitoba Falcons paraphernalia.  See, money not only talks, it kicks nostalgia’s ass.