A short history is required in order to understand what would possess the Frontenacs to wear a sublimated uniform that follows the pattern of the pattern of an eccentric hockey commentators jacket.
Don Cherry was born in Kingston, Ontario in 1934. He played hockey in his youth, including the Ontario Hockey Association for the Windsor Spitfires, and the Barrie Flyers (now the Sudbury Wolves) Cherry would end up coaching in the NHL, winning the Jack Adams award, and later be a part owner of the Mississauga Icedogs when the team was founded in the late 1990s. He is also a national celebrity for his role on Coach's Corner which airs during the first intermission of CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.
During his segment, Cherry loyally devotes time to the men and women of the Canadian Armed forces, and dedicates time in his segment ot a memorial after each death of a serviceperson in the line of duty. He was also an avid supported of player Doug Gilmore, the coach of Cherry's hometown Kingston Frontenacs. It was inevitable that the two would come together and convince management of the Tribute to the Troops night.
The uniform itself is quite the busy work. A black and red plain pattern is laid down under a legion of details, all tributes to the unique style of Cherry's suits. The collar is a regular collar, while the rest of the uniform is an EDGE jersey, something not done before in any league. Details around the simple white collar reveal a fake, high collar, a signature of Cherry's suits.
On the right lapel is a poppy, symbolistic of Cherry's support of the military, the left having a faux pocket with white handkerchief visible. A possible faux paux adorned the lower portion of the front, with three vertical buttons, the Frontenacs primary "K" logo. Perhaps an oversight by the designers to have KKK on the front of the uniform, however the detail is small enough to escape notice by most.
the sleeves feature a white band to make the sleeve numbers more visible, and white cuffs with a simple cufflink at the end. The backs of the jersey are simple with few details. The CHL logo is off centre, another anomaly for an EDGE design, and the front of the uniform is also missing the OHL logo that the OHL places on them. The Reebok vector however, maintains it's two place presence on the jersey.
While the whole design makes you wonder "What were they smoking?", you also must admire the guts to put this uniform out there. In order to celebrate and honour individuals, you need to do it in a way that brings a positive outlook onto it. Part of Don Cherry's charm are his flamboyant jackets on Coach's Corner. The Fronts' could have made a camouflage uniform, which has been done, and is completely tacky. THey could have done a nice honourable uniform, which while well played, would then lead to 'Why not on Remembrance Day?" What they went with is completely in tune with Kingston's identity, and brings a sence of self to the team, the fans, and most importantly attention to the night, a tribute to the Canadian Armed Forces Service people.
If only I had bid on one during the auction...
Until next time, Keep your stick on the ice.
- zer0dotcom
They had one on auction at the Memorial Cup in Brandon this past May. Appentently Don Cherry gave HIS own sweater the Frontenacs' had given him on the Militray night to raise funds for the militray. It sold for over $3500!
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