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If you are like me, you can’t wait to see new jersey designs unveiled by the National Hockey League teams every few years or so. Sure, there are a few team colours that should never change, but as proved by the Calgary Flames this year, you can always create an alternate rendition for a specific game or two that garners tremendous interest.

This month, the Flames unveiled such a special jersey, an alternate look that will be used for the 2011 Heritage Classic outdoor game on Feb. 20 at McMahon Stadium. In the words of the Flames, the team did its best to honour “the history of professional hockey in Calgary, inspired by the Calgary Tigers’ uniform” of the 1920s.

There has been very little modification to the Calgary Flames jersey design these past 30 years, so it is not surprising that some fans are hesitant to embrace the design. Some hockey fans emailed me and said they just didn’t like it, although I didn’t find out if they were Calgary fans or not. There is no question that the main Flames jersey remains very popular, so do keep in mind that the Flames will be wearing that one (as well as a 1980s Vintage version for a number of games) for the rest of the season. This jersey is only scheduled for Feb. 20 in the cold outdoors.

I like the design, especially for its connection to the Tigers from the old Western Canada Hockey League, a league that served as the western counterpart to the NHL in its day. Those Flames played in the old Victoria Arena in Calgary, playing their first match on Dec. 19, 1921. The team produced five Hockey Hall of Fame honoured members: Red Dutton, Herb Gardiner, Harry Oliver, Barney Stanley and Rusty Crawford.

So too does Barry Meisel of The MeiGray Group, the company that sells Calgary’s game-worn jerseys to the public. He points out that, “the Classic jerseys have been a consistent hit. The Calgary Flames have another winner with this throwback uniform that honours the Calgary Tigers. Collectors love unique jerseys – and this one will certainly be in demand.”

So there you have it, like it or not, if you’re a Calgary fan you’ll probably want to add this one to your collection. Kudos to the Flames for their efforts and their connection to the past – which will be part of the spirit for the Heritage Classic. I like the design and can’t wait to see it in action this coming February.

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