The Rochester Knighthawks recently unveiled the Military Appreciation Night jerseys which will be worn by the Knighthawks and Buffalo Bandits on Saturday, Feb. 3.
“When designing these jerseys, we really wanted to make them special,” said Knighthawks Digital/Social Media Coordinator Charlie Ragusa. “The overlap between our franchise’s roots and the deep military history in Rochester couldn’t have aligned any better. It’s more than throwing on some camo; it’s truly about honoring these individuals who have given so much.”
The front crest of the Knighthawks’ jersey features the shoulder patch for the 98th Infantry Division, which was originally organized in 1918 and reactivated in Rochester in 1947.
The 98th Division patch consists of a shield in the shape of the seal of the State of New York, with the head of an Iroquois Indian Chief. The five feathers represent the five original Iroquois Nations: Seneca, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga and Mohawk.
The “Iroquois Division” was one of the largest training divisions in the country and served throughout much of the Cold War.
The silver/light gray color mirrors that of a modern, subdued patch of the United States Army, and represents those who are currently deployed, or have seen combat.
On Feb. 3, the Knighthawks will host the rival Buffalo Bandits at Connors & Ferris Field at The Blue Cross Arena. The Bandits will join Rochester in wearing special military-themed jerseys, which will be auctioned off to benefit VOC. Military Night is brought to you by Veterans Outreach Center (VOC), Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning, RECON Rings and Tango Charlie Apparel.
In their second year donning military-themed jerseys, the Bandits will wear Coast Guard inspired tops and bottoms, honoring the Atlantic Area USCG sector stationed in Buffalo. A subtle play off of the search and rescue team, the Bandits’ white, black and orange uniforms feature the iconic maritime stripes, as well as the USCG motto, Semper Paratus, meaning “always ready.”
To purchase Military Night tickets, go to www.knighthawks.com/military or call (585) 454-4295 to speak with a Knighthawks representative.
