On December 30, the Prince Albert Raiders wore Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle themed jerseys. (Submitted Photo/Mark Peterson Media)

By Rob Mahon

Jerseys in a half shell, Turtle Power!

Nickelodeon jerseys help WHL raise nearly $160,000

Apr 19, 2023 | 10:02 AM

For the first time, the WHL partnered with Nickelodeon to create themed jerseys in support of the Children’s Miracle Network. The end result was a rousing success and massive sum of money donated.

In a release on Tuesday, the WHL announced they raised nearly $160,000 across the 22 special jerseys.

“For the first go at it with something as unique as Nickelodeon night was, I think the league would consider this a resounding success,” said Raiders business manager Michael Scissons. “It was a lot of fun for all the teams involved, all the fans got to see a little bit of a different look, and everyone enjoyed it.”

The most important aspect for Scissons was the money raised for charities, and in this regard the Raiders found a way to help keep things local. In addition to helping raise money for Children’s Miracle Network, those funds were matched for a cause in Prince Albert.

“In cooperation, (the funds) were matched and donated to the Victoria Hospital Foundation as well,” Scissons explained. “I think it was pretty unique that were able to double up that donation.”

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According to Scissons, the Raiders raised around $11,000 from their Teenage Mutant Ninja Jerseys. It was also a chance for fans to see a new look for the team, and to find a new way to connect with a younger generation of fans.

“We need to always understand we have young men playing this game, ages 16-20,” said Scissons. “Our demographic is those young families and people we like to attract. Anytime we can have fun with that and do something outside of what a traditional inside-the-box thing might be, I’m always for that.”

So, will we see more ‘totally tubular’ themed jerseys next season? Possibly, as the success of this promotion will make it attractive to try to run again. There may be different sponsors or different Nickelodeon properties to work with next year, but there were promising signs for its return.

“I would tend to believe it’s going to run in some variety again moving forward,” Scissons said. “I think from the sponsors right down to the teams, we’re all happy with the execution of the promotion. What that’s going to look like moving forward is left to be seen.”

Scissons added the team had four different themed jerseys this year, all of which were extremely well received. They were a jersey designed for Orange Shirt Day the team wore in a game on Oct. 1, a Remembrance Day jersey for Nov. 11, and the jerseys designed by the winner of this year’s Real Canadian Superstore’s Your Team, Your Jersey contest that they wore on February 18 against Moose Jaw.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP