With the apparel switch from Reebok to their parent company Adidas, the CFL decided it was a good time to change the look of the league. In his State of the League Address, commissioner Jeffery Orridge unveiled the new CFL logo and mentioned that each team would be getting updated looks. Other than that it has been pretty quiet until the league announced that May 12 would be the date where these new designs would be unveiled to CFL fans. So let’s go over what we know as we get closer to the big day.
2016 CFL Jersey Launch Preview: East Division
Hamilton Tiger-Cats
What we know: Meet the new uniform… same as the old uniform. Thanks to an opportunistic Ticats fan peeking through a crack in the window paper at the new Ticats store at Tim Hortons Field we know that the jersey isn’t changing much, if at all. The blurry pictures show that the yellow trim is gone from the collar and it appears that the Tiger-Cats across the top of the chest has been made larger, almost “Alouette-esque”. But other than that doesn’t look like fans in the Hammer will have to buy new duds yet.
What is rumoured: With this leak we can assume that the white jerseys are probably going to be similar to what they had last season.
What we hope for: Would it be too much to ask for them to bring back the yellow stripe on the helmets? They just don’t look like the Ticats without that stripe.
Toronto Argonauts
What we know: There is going to be slightly more double blue for the Double Blue. From the black and white teasers released by the Boatmen we know the helmet is the same, the sleeve striping is the same, and the logo is the same. However, it appears that the Argos are bringing back three-colour numbers like they had up until 2012, and while there is no clear shot of the front, the “Argonauts” across the chest appears to be missing as well.
What is rumoured: Like the Ticats, one would assume any minor change they make to their home they will make to their away. No word if the white helmet that was originally designed to go with their signature look and was used sporadically on the road is carrying over.
What we hope for: This might be the best look for the Boatmen in a while. They took what worked with their current look and tweaked what was missing from the past. However, there is a group of fans that misses “Jason” on the helmets, or an updated “Football Boat”.
Ottawa Redblacks
What we know: It’s going to be a combination of red and black. From the team’s teasers, we know the jersey is going to be black with full red collar and the pants are black with a thick red stripe at the knee which then transitions into red socks. We also know from several media reports that the illegible numbers have been addressed; whether that’s a change to an easier-to-read font or a change to the coloring so two dark colors don’t run into each other, we do not know yet.
What is rumoured: During the Redblacks’ run in the playoffs, they completely did away with the white helmet and pants, sticking with their home black helmets and using their signature look black with plaid pants. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the white pants and helmet shelved completely.
What we hope for: The Redblacks have been around for three seasons and are going to unveil their fourth and fifth jerseys this week. Which coincidentally is one year faster than the Ottawa Renegades who, after entering the league in 2002 with two jerseys, had a complete overhaul in 2005 and unveiled numbers three, four, and five. Hopefully, this look – and team – lasts longer than previously mentioned Renegades. But seriously, Redblacks, embrace the plaid.
Montreal Alouettes
What we know: Giant Alouettes across the front, check. Three colour numbers on a maroon jersey, check. LCF on the collar, check (or is it “cheque”). Blue collar V-ing into the burgundy instead of flat shoulder yokes, that is a new twist.
What is rumoured: While it might seem like the Als are not making big changes, in a recent interview with CFL.ca returning CFL star Duron Carter described the Alouettes’ new look as “Amazing”. So unless he was a real big fan of the existing look there must be some changes coming.
What we hope for: The current cartoon style logo has been in use since 1998 with no updates. This year is an opportunity for the Alouettes to make a wholesale change and take the franchise further. However, the logo is a symbol of the Wetenhall Era, and is probably not going anywhere soon, 90’s cartoon or not.
