Prince Albert Raiders’ “insensitive and offensive” jersey discontinued

Of the many things the Prince Albert Raiders did to celebrate the return of Raider hockey during their home opener Friday, they launched new home, away and alternate jerseys.

But after the Western Hockey League’s Saturday night announcement, the alternate jersey design’s lifespan will end after just one day.

At 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, the Western Hockey League announced they will discontinue the “dated design” that “is insensitive and offensive.”

Here is WHL commissioner Ron Robison’s statement on the jersey.

“On Friday night the Prince Albert Raiders unveiled an alternate third jersey, which was inspired by a highly successful era in Club history. We recognize the dated design is insensitive and offensive. After consultation with the Prince Albert Raiders, this uniform and brand will be discontinued effective immediately. On behalf of the WHL and the Prince Albert Raiders, we regret this uniform design was approved and sincerely apologize for any harm it may have caused.”

The release also went on to say “no further comment” will come from either the WHL or the Raiders on the jerseys.

The logo is a throwback to the team’s golden years. When they won the 1985 Memorial Cup, they wore uniforms much like the now discontinued alternates. The Raiders brought back the design in part to celebrate the team’s history after reaching their 50-year anniversary.

(Prince Albert Raiders)

This isn’t the first time the Raiders have gotten into hot water over their old logo.

Back in 2014, when the Raiders redesigned their jerseys from the old pirate logo to the sword and shield, they also unveiled “Boston Raider,” a mascot that was heavily influenced by the old logo. Like the alternate jerseys, Boston was shelved shortly after he was unveiled. Boston was then rebranded before he returned with a hockey helmet as the new “Riley the Raider.”

–By paNOW’s Jeff D’Andrea