Despite some rampant speculation after True North Sports and Entertainment trademarked the word Whiteout in conjunction with hockey, the name of the new Manitoba NHL team will not be the Winnipeg Whiteout.
While the TNSE ownership has admitted to trademarking the term, officials there say there’s no move to use it as part of a team name. Instead, it will probably be used for special events and promotions. The old Winnipeg Jets held whiteout nights at Winnipeg Arena as a tool for building crowd participation; other teams run similar promotions, usually in their team colors.
So cross Winnipeg Whiteout off the list of potential team names. Still under consideration: the Winnipeg Jets.
Speaking of Winnipeg Arena: despite some calls for its installation, the old painting of Queen Elizabeth that sat at the end of the rink will not be installed at MTS Centre, according to TNSE folks. Yeah, we know the temptation is to totally recreate the old Jets experience, but there’s a reason why the old Jets left town: at the end, they didn’t have enough fans showing up to games. Better to start with a new approach and a new history.
And speaking of the team: it’s being reported that former Brandon Wheat Kings player and Chicago Blackhawks assistant GM Kevin Cheveldayoff will be offered the GM position with the new team. TNSE announced Atlanta Thrashers GM Rick Dudley would not be accompanying the team to Winnipeg.
RELATED STORIES: Could Jets return to Winnipeg?; It’s official: Winnipeg’s back in the NHL; Will Winnipeg make most of second shot at NHL?; Thrashers not out of Atlanta — yet; Atlanta-to-Winnipeg rumors gaining steam; Spirit finally faces inevitable: Thrashers may need new home
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