The NHL unveiled the Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets’ Stadium Series jerseys today, and the Detroit News’s Ted Kulfan asked University of Michigan alumnus J.T. Compher about them:
“Sharp,” said forward J.T. Compher, who is also a former Michigan player. “I like the script on the jersey. It’s going to look real nice. (The helmet) has a little Michigan flair to it. I’m excited to see it all together.”
The game is still about six weeks away, but with the increased amount of advertising on it and the date simply rapidly approaching, players are beginning to get enthused.
“It’ll be super fun once we get there,” Compher said. “I know that weekend can be real fun for the families and the team and a good bonding experience. I’m sure the fans will be very excited. It still feels a ways away with everything we have in front of us right now, but I’m sure once we get there it’ll be exciting.”
Compher went to games at Michigan Stadium, but with hockey season intertwined with football, never had an opportunity to see a game at Ohio Stadium.
“I know what it’s like to be in the big stadiums going to Michigan, so it’ll be a very cool atmosphere,” Compher said.
Even in hockey, facing Ohio State was a huge rivalry game. The NHL is building slightly into the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, obviously, in leading up to the Wings and Jackets game.
“My first year was the first year of the Big Ten and every weekend was a rivalry with Michigan State and Ohio State and even Minnesota,” Compher said. “It was always a fun weekend. Sometimes the games would be matched up with the football game, the same weekend, and that added a little extra incentive.”
