***The Below is the views of the Author and are very opionated***

While talk of counterfeit jerseys has hit the news this weekend we all knew it was inevitable. We aren’t going to go into the sites that are offering the product as that’s just a method of free advertising and condones that action. The simple fact is before the design is even official companies have started to slap the logos on to their own design and sell it.

Not only will you look like a fool wearing one of these jerseys when the actual design goes on sale you will stick out like a sore thumb and might as well get the name bar “Loser” on the back of the jersey.

Not only is purchasing non-licensed material a cheap way out, it is also going to affect the value of the team you so claim to love. One of the biggest arguments against Winnipeg getting an NHL team back was that the citizens of Winnipeg would not put their money where there mouths are. Buying tickets is one way to prove them wrong but by buying counterfeit merchandise you are proving them right.

The money from merchandise sales goes to the NHL and is filtered to the teams thru the revenue sharing so we’ll admit in essence you are supporting the NHL and all 30 teams but at least a proceed of that officially licensed merchandise goes to the Jets and helps increase the money the club takes in on a yearly basis to pay for the team and makes the owners happy to keep them here.

Buying licensed Jets gear will also only increase the value of the franchise as well because it shows fan loyalty and support something we’ve touched on in our Tradition vs Future series. By showing that loyalty it helps increase the net worth of the team which only strengthens the club and ensures our long term viability.

We’ve been given a fresh start Jets fans and I urge you not to ruin it by being cheap and impatient and give $50 to some company in Asia when if you wait a month you can get the authentic thing and support our team.

True North has stated they will work with the NHL to deal with these counterfeiters but as a born and bred Winnipeger I urge my fellow citizens to take care of the issue for them. Don’t buy this crap and if you did make the mistake send it back, get a refund or cancel your order because if you get caught wearing one of these jerseys you can bet the thousands around you that all shelled out the $129 to buy the real deal will look at you with contempt and disgust.

Pardon the sales pitch as we have no affiliation with the Jets at all at this time (Though we are certainly open to one) we are a simple fan site.

If you are a true Jets fan you won’t buy the cheap knock offs and anyone that does buy that crap should be shunned.

Jeff Stevenson

Jeff Stevenson is a co-founder of winnipegwhiteout.com and co-host of the popular Jets Hockey Podcast. He grew up in Winnipeg, MB and became very passionate about sports, hockey and the Jets. Now Jeff is proud and honored to help bring news and information about the Winnipeg Jets to fans around the world.