Vancouver Canucks First Nations warm-up jersey celebrates Gino Odjick

The Vancouver Canucks have unveiled the team’s latest warm-up jersey, and not only is it in celebration of First Nations peoples, but it is also in commemoration of former player Gino Odjick.

Designed by Jay Odjick, the cousin of Gino, announced on Instagram his excitement at being involved in the design.

He adds that the night is set to celebrate “First Nations peoples and cultures,” but the jersey is also a special tribute to Gino who passed away in January.

“It is also a night of honoring my cousin Gino Odjick and celebrating his life and legacy. This was a very personal project for me and I am eternally grateful to the Canucks organization and staff for giving me the chance to honor Gino,” he said in the post.

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Jay says the jersey is also full of symbolism related to Gino’s time on the team.

The Vancouver Canucks have unveiled the team’s latest warm-up jersey. (Photo courtesy Vanbase.ca/website)

“The shoulder patch design contains Gino Odjick #29, placed over the medicine wheel surrounded by eight feathers, symbolizing his eight seasons as a member of the Canucks! The front crest depicts a thunderbird in place of the Canucks skate logo… The thunderbird is a symbol of power, strength, and, to some, was known as a protector of the people. I could think of no better symbol to represent what Gino was about,” he said.

“I wanted to make us all proud. I wanted to make Gino proud. For one night… Every Canuck will wear the number 29.”

The Vancouver Canucks have unveiled the team’s latest warm-up jersey. (Photo courtesy Vanbase.ca/website)

For those looking to get their hands on the design, the limited-edition jerseys are selling for $750 – the same price as other promotional jerseys.

Although they may come at a lofty amount, Vanbase says that “proceeds from the sale of the First Nations Collection will go to Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations youth programs.”

But the price isn’t stopping some fans from making the purchase or sharing their thoughts on the design, and their love for Gino.

“Normally I’m not a fan of all the special-interest warmup jerseys but this one is awesome,” one Twitter user commented.

Fans looking to still get the design at a cheaper price have some options, as the logo is also on T-shirts, pucks, pins, and hoodies.

The team is set to wear the 2023 Canucks First Nations jerseys before their game on March 2nd.