Jackets Set Third Jersey Launch

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have officially announced plans for the launch of their brand new third jersey for 2010-11.

Several Icethetics readers — thanks to all of you — sent along a link to an article on the Blue Jackets' website, announcing that the sweater will be unveiled on Wed., Nov. 24, the day before Thanksgiving, and it's kind of weird, actually.

But before I get to that, here's a look at the image being used on the team's website to promote the unveiling (right).

Are we safe in assuming the sweater will be blue and grey? And that it will have a cannon, as previously alluded? The graphic does say "heavy artillery" after all.

Now for the unveiling itself, the Blue Jackets are on Long Island that night. The event will take place at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing in Dublin, Ohio during the first intermission of the game. Video screens will be in place so folks can watch the game there too. Then the jersey will be revealed after the first period to those in attendance while also being broadcast live on FOX Sports Ohio during the telecast.

It is odd, yes, until you realize the event is sponsored by Lexus. With money changing hands, no spectacle is too contrived or outlandish. For those outside of Ohio, I'll see if I can watch the telecast on GameCenter Live that night and grab some some still frames for the blog. Though I'm certain it won't take long for photos to turn up online.

For those of you in Columbus, the jerseys go on sale the same night at FOX Sports Ohio Blue Line at the mall. And you won't be able to buy one anywhere else from then on until after Cyber Monday. Do these guys have a marketing plan or what? Best way to create demand? Strangle supply.

The press release, as it were (and not in any way an advertisement), also details the 15 games in which the new uniforms will be worn. As previously reported, the debut will take place two nights after the unveiling.

Blue Jackets' former third jerseyThe complete schedule includes three nights on the road:

  • Fri., Nov. 26 - vs Detroit
  • Sun., Nov. 28 - @ Detroit
  • Fri., Dec. 3 - @ Buffalo
  • Sat., Dec. 4 - vs Pittsburgh
  • Sat., Dec. 11 - vs NY Rangers
  • Sat., Dec. 18 - vs Dallas
  • Mon., Dec. 27 - vs Minnesota
  • Fri., Dec. 31 - vs Ottawa
  • Fri., Jan. 14 - vs Detroit
  • Sat., Feb. 5 - vs Edmonton
  • Fri., Feb. 18 -  @ Chicago
  • Thu., Mar. 17 - vs Detroit
  • Sun., Mar. 20 - vs New Jersey
  • Fri., Apr. 1 - vs Chicago
  • Sat., Apr. 9 - vs Buffalo

And you'll notice I've used Columbus' previous third jersey (2003-2007) in the photo above as I have no photos of the new one, of course. It is the ONLY sweater new this season that has not been leaked in any manner. Even I haven't seen it yet. I'm impressed.

Let me just say this: If anything does leak between now and Nov. 24, I will be highly disappointed. Let there be at least one unveiling that surprises all of us. Please.