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The Saskatoon Blades unveiled special edition jerseys to be worn Sunday in the team’s home opener against the Swift Current Broncos.
The jerseys commemorate Gordie Howe and will be worn for one afternoon only, as part of a city-wide celebration of Mr. Hockey.
“They look good,” goaltender Brock Hamm said at a media event Wednesday afternoon.
“Little bit of old school cream and a lot of history on those jerseys.”
The players don’t get to keep the jerseys, though. They’ll be auctioned off to raise money for Gordie Howe’s research fund for Alzheimer’s.
“Coming to work is like Christmas everyday,” said Steve Hogle, president of the Saskatoon Blades. “They’re drop dead gorgeous.”
A signed Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe photo will also be up for auction, along with several other items as part of events around Thank you, Mr. Hockey Day on Sunday.
One of the many prints that will be auctioned off @BladesHockey home opener on Sunday @OfficialGretzky and Gordie Howe #yxe @CKOMNews pic.twitter.com/p6TFO9eMFw
— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) September 21, 2016
The day will begin with a private family ceremony at the Gordie Howe statue in front of SaskTel Centre. Some of Howe’s ashes will be placed in the statue, along with his wife Colleen’s.
This is the #gordiehowe plaque that will go over his and wife Colleen’s ashes on Sunday @BladesHockey @NHL @CKOMNews #yxe pic.twitter.com/VKnBUPM4Gd
— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) September 22, 2016
Following the ceremony at the statue, members of the Blades will escort the Howe family to the Circle South Bridge, which will then be renamed the Gordie Howe Bridge by the city.
Once Sunday’s bridge-naming ceremony is wrapped up, festivities move back to SaskTel Centre for a tailgate party beginning at noon. The party will feature performances by country artists Brody Siebert and Brock Andrews, as well as bouncy castles for the kids. A barbecue lunch will be available.
The stadium doors will open at 1 p.m. to give fans a chance to view Gordie Howe artwork throughout the concourse, as well as trophies Howe won during his legendary hockey career supplied by the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Pre-game ceremonies will kick off at 2 p.m. with puck drop at 2:25 p.m.
President of @BladesHockey @Hogle reppin the jerseys wore on Sunday for Gordie Howe appreciation @CKOMNews #yxe pic.twitter.com/qRBBJpVGML
— JT Marshall (@jtmarshallCKOM) September 21, 2016
In a media release, the Blades said they expect a large crowd and encouraged fans to get their tickets to the game early. The first 6,000 people into the stadium will be given a free collectible.