It is a rare thing in the NHL for a "third jersey" to actually outshine the primary kit. Usually, alternates are experimental, sometimes ugly, and often relegated to the clearance rack after three seasons of mediocre sales. But the Blue Jackets alternate jersey—the cannon one—is different. It’s basically a local icon at this point. Since it first dropped back in 2010, fans in Columbus have been obsessed with it, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. While the team’s main logo features a stylized Ohio flag wrapped around a silver star, the alternate reaches back into the actual civil war history that gave the team its name.
It's classy. It's vintage. It’s got that creamy "off-white" look that makes everything feel a bit more prestigious.
When you walk into Nationwide Arena, you’ll see more of these cannon jerseys than the standard "Union Blue" home sweaters. That’s unusual. Imagine if the Lakers wore their Hollywood Nights jerseys more than the purple and gold, or if the Yankees ditched the pinstripes for a grey alternate. The Blue Jackets have accidentally created a secondary identity that might actually be better than their primary one.
The Design That Changed Columbus Hockey
Most people don't realize how much thought went into the specific shades of blue used here. This isn't just "navy." The official colors are Navy Blue, Steel Blue, and that distinct "Heritage" cream color. The cream is the secret sauce. Using pure white would have made the jersey look like a typical modern sports uniform, but the cream gives it an antique, weathered feel. It feels like something you’d find in an old trunk in an attic in 1865.
The centerpiece is the cannon.
The crest features an 1857 Napoleon cannon, which is the same model as the massive one that blasts in the arena every time the Jackets score a goal. It’s framed within a ribbon that says "Columbus Blue Jackets" and a star at the top representing Ohio’s status as the 17th state. The details are everywhere. On the inside of the collar, there’s a "Union Blue" tag. The shoulder patches feature a simplified version of the team's primary logo, but it’s stripped down to fit the vintage aesthetic.
Why the Cannon Works
It’s about the connection to the city.
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The name "Blue Jackets" was chosen to honor the fact that Ohio provided more federal soldiers to the Union Army than any other state during the Civil War. The alternate jersey leans into that history without being tacky. It doesn’t feel like a costume; it feels like a tribute. When Rick Nash or Cam Atkinson wore this jersey, they looked like they were part of a legacy, even if the franchise itself is only a couple of decades old.
You’ve got to appreciate the lace-up collar, too. It’s a classic hockey trope, but on this specific jersey, it ties the whole "old-school" vibe together perfectly. If you look at the jersey from a distance, the horizontal stripes on the sleeves and bottom hem provide a balanced weight that the primary jersey sometimes lacks. The primary logo can feel a bit "busy" with the flag and the star and the silver accents. The cannon? It’s simple. It’s bold. It’s a weapon.
The 2020s Shift and the Reverse Retro Era
Things got weird for a while with the "Reverse Retro" programs. Adidas and the NHL decided to flip the script on classic designs. For the Blue Jackets, this meant taking the original 2000-era jersey (the one with the "Stinger" bug mascot on the shoulders) and giving it a red base. People had mixed feelings. Some loved the nostalgia of the early 2000s, while others felt the red was a bit too "Washington Capitals."
But even through the Reverse Retro craze, the Blue Jackets alternate jersey remained the gold standard.
In fact, the 2022-23 Reverse Retro was basically a remix of the original 2000 home jersey, featuring the "Protasov" era look. It was cool for a minute. But it didn't have the staying power of the cannon. There is a reason the team keeps the cannon jersey in the rotation year after year while other teams cycle through alternates like they're fast fashion.
Does the Jersey Affect Performance?
Hockey players are superstitious. Ask anyone who has spent time in an NHL locker room. While there’s no statistical evidence that the Blue Jackets play better in their alternates, the "look good, feel good, play good" mantra is real. The fans definitely bring a different energy on "Third Jersey Thursdays." There’s a specific roar that happens when the team hits the ice in the cannon blues.
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Honestly, some fans have been clamoring for the team to make the alternate jersey the full-time home uniform. It’s a debate that happens every single off-season on Reddit and Twitter. Proponents argue that the cannon is a stronger brand. Detractors say the Ohio flag logo is essential for the "primary" identity of the team.
Buying Guide: What to Look For
If you’re looking to pick one of these up, you need to be careful about the "Reebok vs. Adidas vs. Fanatics" transition.
- The Reebok Era (2010-2017): These are the originals. They have a slightly boxier fit. If you find a "premier" version, it’s the replica. The "Edge" versions are the on-ice authentic ones.
- The Adidas Era (2017-2024): These feature the "Climalite" or "Aeroready" tech. The crests are a bit more rigid, and the shoulders have that "dimpled" texture. These are generally considered the highest quality for fans.
- The Fanatics Era (2024-Present): Fanatics took over the on-ice rights recently. The "Premium" jerseys are the mid-tier, while the "Authentic Pro" is what the players actually wear.
Don't buy the knockoffs from random sketchy websites. The "cream" color on the fakes is almost always wrong—it usually looks way too yellow or like a weird "piss-stain" beige. The real Blue Jackets alternate jersey has a very specific, subtle eggshell tint. If the price looks too good to be true, the color is probably going to be an eyesore.
The Cultural Impact in Ohio
It’s not just about hockey. The cannon jersey has become a piece of Columbus streetwear. You see it at Ohio State games, at Short North bars, and even at the airport. It’s one of those rare sports items that looks good even if you aren't currently at a game.
The design was actually spearheaded by the team’s internal marketing department back in the late 2000s. They wanted something that felt "found" rather than "created." They succeeded. They managed to dodge the "over-designed" trap that many 2010-era jerseys fell into (remember the Buffalo Sabres "Slug" logo? Exactly).
The Future of the Cannon
With Fanatics now handling the jerseys, there’s always a worry that things will change. However, the Blue Jackets have been very protective of the cannon look. It’s their best-selling merchandise item by a mile. It survived the transition from Reebok to Adidas with almost zero changes, which is a testament to how "right" they got it the first time.
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The team has occasionally teased other looks, but nothing sticks. The fans want the cannon. The players like the cannon. Even the opposing players often cite the Blue Jackets' alternates as some of the best in the league. It consistently ranks in the top 10 of "NHL Third Jersey" lists by major outlets like ESPN and The Athletic.
Common Misconceptions About the Jersey
A lot of casual fans think the cannon on the jersey is just a generic symbol. It isn't. It is specifically an 1857 Napoleon. If you go to the arena, the actual cannon is situated in the corner of the stands.
Another misconception is that the jersey was designed to look like the "Redcoats." That couldn't be further from the truth. It is strictly a Union Army tribute. The use of red is very minimal, mostly relegated to a tiny bit of trim, because, well, the Blue Jackets hate the color red (mostly because of their division rivals).
Final Verdict on the Blue Jackets Alternate Jersey
If you are a collector or just a fan looking for one piece of gear to represent the team, this is the one. It transcends the "alternate" label. It is a piece of historical fiction turned into a sports uniform. It’s dignified.
The Blue Jackets might have their ups and downs on the ice—that’s the nature of being a small-market team in a tough division—but they are winning the fashion game. The cannon isn’t going anywhere. It’s as much a part of Columbus as the Scioto River or the North Market.
Practical Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the Tag: If you're buying vintage, look for the Reebok vector logo for the earliest versions.
- Size Down: If you are buying the Adidas "Authentic" versions, they tend to run a bit long in the sleeves compared to standard hoodies.
- Customization matters: If you’re getting a name on the back, make sure the font is the specific block-style used for the alternates, not the standard home jersey font. They are different.
- Maintenance: Never, ever put these in the dryer. The heat will ruin the heat-pressed cannon crest and cause the cream fabric to pilling. Hang dry only.