Windsor Spitfires unveil new logo, Uniforms

At a press event held today at the WFCU Centre, the Windsor Spitfires introduced a new primary logo and new team uniforms.

This is the first major redesign of the logo since 1990, when the team reverted back to the Windsor Spitfires name after operating as the Compuware Spitfires from 1984 to 1989.

“We’ve been considering a new uniform design for some time,” said Bob Boughner, President and Head Coach of the team. “While the old Spitfires logo and uniform has served the team well over the years, there’s a new management team in place, a new plan for continued success and a new winning energy. Couple that with our upcoming move to the WFCU Centre, and we felt it was a perfect time to celebrate all that with an exciting, re-energized new look.”

The new logo was designed by Hargreaves Stewart Inc., a Windsor-based firm that is the team’s new marketing agency. It features an aggressive, stylized WWII Spitfire aircraft set against clouds on a red, white and blue shield with the word “Spitfires” emblazoned prominently in the forefront. The logo preserves the team’s primary colours of red and blue, but uses richer, more vibrant hues and adds silver and yellow as secondary colours. The team’s agency has also developed a Graphic Standards Handbook which provides complete technical specifications for using the logo in various applications.
The Spitfires will make their first appearance in the new uniforms on Opening Night at the WFCU Centre, currently scheduled for early December.

The Spitfires worked with the Ontario Hockey League and Reebok – official supplier of uniforms to the OHL – in finalizing the new uniform. The new jerseys will sport shoulder patches featuring the current Spitfire plane encircled by a gold laurel wreath and containing the number 18 to commemorate former Spitfires captain Mickey Renaud. Both the primary logo and shoulder patch designs were collaborations by Marcello Fontana and Shane Potvin, both senior art directors at Hargreaves Stewart.

“We think the Spitfires’ new look is a creative and modern design, and a strong reflection of the Spitfires brand identity,” said Peter Dobrich, Governor and Treasurer of the Spitfires. “Four different logo designs were developed and this was by far considered to be the strongest. Early testing met with very favourable response, and we’re confident that Spitfires fans of all ages will embrace the new look with open arms.”

A full line of Spitfires merchandise featuring the new logo will be available starting November 10, 2008.

Fans wishing to purchase Spitfires merchandise with the new logo can start placing orders immediately by visiting the Spitfires online store at www.windsorspitfires.com.
Replica jerseys will be available for December delivery. The first 100 fans to order a new Windsor Spitfires replica jersey will receive a special commemorative gift box with their order.

Fans will also be able to purchase the new Spitfires merchandise at the WFCU Centre at “Blades Pro Shop” and at “The Crease” (the new Spitfires merchandise store), as well as through other local retailers, starting in December.

The Windsor Spitfires have been thrilling hockey fans in Windsor and Essex County for over 35 years.

The team’s exciting brand of OHL hockey delivers a unique and affordable entertainment experience for hockey fans of all ages.