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This afternoon the Toronto Maple Leafs unveiled the jersey that players will wear during their “Next Century Game” scheduled for Tuesday December 19. The game commemorates the first official NHL game played by the hockey club in 1917.
To start the next century of @MapleLeafs hockey, on December 19 we’re going back to the beginning. #StandWitness pic.twitter.com/bCOpDYvfrN
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) September 12, 2017
The jersey is modeled after the sweaters of the original Toronto NHL team, the Toronto Arenas (1917-1919).
Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston gives us a better look at the full jersey here:
The #leafs will wear this sweater on Dec. 19 -- a mid-week game played at 2 pm ET to commemorate the 100th anniversary of NHL's first game. pic.twitter.com/fGS7riVjk7
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 12, 2017
For historical accuracy, the game will begin at 2:00 pm Eastern. Slightly less historically accurate is that Leafs will be playing the Carolina Hurricanes.
Toronto Mayor John Tory was present at the announcement, where he declared December 19, 2017 “Toronto Maple Leafs Day”. Schoolchildren who had been invited to the announcement were given tickets to the game as well as a note signed by several Leafs players giving them permission to miss school for the day.
Need a note to get out of school for the Next Century Game pres. by @Scotiabank?
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) September 12, 2017
The kids here have a note (and two tickets!) #TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/fsfrQB2i6f
There is a Toronto Arenas jersey hanging in the Leafs locker room that has been captured in videos made by the team. It hangs next to last year’s special jersey inspiration:
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A little digging shows that the captain of the team who would have worn #16 was likely Ken Randall, a 5’10” and 180 lb right wing from Kingston.
Poll
Will you buy the new Toronto Arenas jersey?
This poll is closed
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54%
Sure, it looks pretty cool!
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45%
Another one-day jersey? No thanks