The Regina Pats recently unveiled special themed jerseys for their Indigenous celebration night on Friday when they host the Wenatchee Wild.
Conceptual designer Rodger Ross says when he first heard the Pats were in need of the special sweaters, the inspiration was instant.
“I thought of the morning star right away,” he told CTV News. “The morning star is one of those symbols that has become universal. It’s the promise of a new day that Creator has blessed us with.”
From George Gordon First Nation, Ross and his business partner, Quentin Karmark, started 4 Claws Inc. over two decades ago.
Ross says he comes up with ideas while Karmark portrays his vision perfectly through graphic design.
Their newest jersey design blends the Regina Pats team colors with the intricate Star Blanket pattern, creating a striking and culturally rich look.
“Star blankets are gifted to people,” Ross said. “And when we wrap that blanket around someone, it’s a symbol of protection. But it’s also an honor and a great symbol of respect.”
The bold lines and symmetrical shapes further symbolize the unity and balance that hockey and Indigenous traditions both represent.
It is that symbolism which led Ross to use the blanket’s inspiration in the design.
“It just felt right for the Pats because of who they are in the community at large,” he said. “But also who they’ve meant to me.”
‘Proud of who we are’
Friday’s game is extra special for Pats’ forward and Ochapowace Nation product Connor Bear.
“[It’s about] honoring where I come from,” he said Thursday. “Especially in those jerseys honoring the designers and just being proud of who we are.”
As a younger player, Bear looked up to Indigenous NHLers like Jordin Tootoo and fellow Ochapowace product Ethan Bear.
Now he’s hoping to be that role model for the next generation.
“There’s not too many Indigenous players,” Bear said. “Back home, there’s a lot of kids excelling in hockey and [we can] give them a sense they belong here. And they can fit in this league just as everybody else.”
Ross says he first saw the jerseys a few weeks ago prior to the official reveal when he was invited to the Brandt Centre for a promotional video.
He said seeing Bear skate around in his design was surreal.
“It’s just such an honor,” Ross said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the whole team in them. I haven’t seen that either.”
Bear called the design, “phenomenal.”
“I love the jersey so much,” he added. “It’s really different from all the other ones. Usually they’re orange.”
In fact, Ross said his first thought was the jersey had to be orange. And his and Karmark’s first concept piece was based on having orange be the primary colour.
It was later they discovered the team wished to incorporate the Pats’ traditional navy blue.
“I just knew it would look really good if we did it right,” Ross said.
Game worn jerseys will be auctioned off after Friday’s game.
The proceeds will benefit the SCEP Centre Society of Regina Early Intervention & Training Services.
Reconciliation
Of the 94 Calls to Action made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, four are in respect to Indigenous Peoples and sport.
“I take great pride in speaking the truth,” Ross said. “In truth and reconciliation, my responsibility is truth. It’s up to Canadians to reconcile with that truth.”
As part of the Indigenous Celebration night, Pats players took time Thursday to hear from knowledge keepers, learn Pow Wow dances and even how to count to five in Cree.
Bear says for many of his teammates, it was their first introduction to his culture.
“It was really cool,” he said. “But just showing them how we do stuff and how we honor our people or what gifts and just a great culture we have.”
Pats’ Head Coach Brad Herauf called the experience a great teambuilder.
“We’re proud we can use hockey as an avenue to learn,” he said. “Learn more about and just understanding the whole [Indigenous] community.”
Herauf believes his players can be leaders when it comes to reconciliation.
“[They] have a lot of influence on the younger boys and girls of our community,” he said. “So when they participate in stuff like that, hopefully it does influence the younger generation.”
While just for one night on the ice, Ross hopes the spirit of reconciliation carries on.
“We’re getting to that place now of understanding,” he said. “And [the Pats] are going that extra mile to understand more.”
The Pats will sport the special themed jersey’s Friday night against the Wenatchee Wild.
Puck drop is 7 p.m. at the Brandt Centre.
