60 The QUeeNS CoUrier •january 3, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com ranGErS FanS DESIGn SHIrTS s DESPITE SEaSOn On ICE e C teren ‘ ’en Blue Lockout doesn’t make them bY M. CULL [email protected] The ongoing NHL lockout has many hockey fans angry as talks between the league and the players’ union have ended in a series of contract talks breakdowns. For We Bleed Blue, an inde- pendent apparel line that pri- marily makes Rangers clothing, this means sending a message to the league via the shirts they make right in Queens. Weeks after the 2012-13 NHL lockout began on September 15, We Bleed Blue founders Brendan Gebert and John Rizzo designed a T-shirt that called for the ousting of league commissioner Gary Bettman. The message on the blue tee is simple: “Fire Bettman.” Gebert explained that this is the third lockout since Bettman took over the league in the early 1990s. “We decided it was time to unite the fans and let our voices be heard,” Gebert said in an email. “What better way then to make a ‘Fire Bettman’ shirt. We understand that it is not entirely Gary Bettman’s fault, but at the same time there have been three lockouts dur- ing his reign.” The T-shirt has been a big seller since it was introduced by the online-only clothing line. Photos Courtesy of We Bleed Blue And while they say sales of design features a goalie mask Support from the players first puck drop. league-approved merchandise with “King” as the mask’s top, has been one of the proudest “We are all frustrated with has gone down as a result of and “New York” as the mask’s facets for the owners. “We go the lockout and ongoing nego- the lockout, We Bleed Blue has bottom. to games, purchase merchan- tiations between the NHL and gotten the support of Ranger Defenseman Ryan dise, and spend a whole lot NHLPA National Hockey fans, the founders say, because McDonough and winger Carl of time supporting these guys. League Players’ Association, they would prefer to shop with Hagelin have also recently It’s nice to see them support us but we refuse to turn our backs them than the NHL. been featured in We Bleed and what we are doing here,” on the league,” Gebert said. The line’s biggest holiday sell- Blue apparel. Gebert said the Gebert said. “Some fans may say they will er was “The King of New York” Swedish-born Hagelin tweeted If and when the season not return. We will be at MSG design to honor Rangers goalie a picture of himself wearing his begins this year, or next, Gebert opening night whenever they and incumbent Vezina Trophy “Swagelin” sweatshirt while he and Rizzo said they’ll be at decide to come to their senses winner Henrik Lundqvist. The is back in his homeland. Madison Square Garden for the and get a deal done.”
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