Mighty Ducks Have a Design on Anaheim Civic Pride

In another boost to civic pride, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim unveiled a new jersey Monday evening that, for the first time, prominently bears the city’s name.

The retro-styled jersey -- which is black, plum, silver and white -- marks a shift from previous jerseys because it does not bear the hockey team’s trademark, cartoonish Ducks logo.

“We’re not getting away from our roots as being a Disney property,� marketing director Michael Williams said. “But this represents more the attitude and direction of the team. We’re no longer just a hockey franchise. We’re the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.�

The Angels introduced new road uniforms last season -- the year they won the World Series -- that also feature the city’s name.

The so-called third jersey is allowed under a National Hockey League program intended as a way for teams to develop new looks. The third jersey is in addition to the usual home and away uniforms. Under league rules, however, the third jersey can be used in only 15 games. Team officials said they have chosen high-profile, televised games to wear them; three of the scheduled dates are against the Los Angeles Kings.

In the past, several teams have used the “third jersey� to test future uniforms.

The jersey also rewards fans and the community and gives exposure to Anaheim, Williams said. He added that Anaheim and Los Angeles were recently named “Best Sports City� by Sporting News, thanks in large part to the Angels’ World Series win and the Mighty Ducks’ run to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle was on hand for the official unveiling Monday evening at the Arrowhead Pond, where season ticket holders were invited to a “Break the Ice� celebration.