'I just wanted to stand out': Winnipeg Jets fan goes viral for wearing salmon shirt at Whiteout
A Winnipeg Jets fan found a unique way to stand out amid the Winnipeg Whiteout; he wore a salmon-coloured shirt.
Jonathon Red Cloud donned the bright polo to last night’s Winnipeg Jets home playoff game against the Colorado Avalanche.
Situated dead-centre in the 120 section, Red Cloud was highly visible in his salmon polo amongst a sea of white apparel. The shirt was something he’d worn to Jets games in the past.
“I’ve actually worn this shirt to three previous Jets games, and two games in Montreal,” said Red Cloud.
The self-described ‘die-hard Winnipeg Jets fan’ lives about an hour outside of Kenora, Ont., and thought the shirt would be a good way for loved ones to spot him at the arena.
“I just wanted to stand out, and just be visible to my friends and family, and co-workers back home, because that was the best way to show myself… I thought that was pretty close to white anyway.”
Little did Red Cloud know at the time, his appearance caught the attention of the internet. Images and memes of him with his brightly coloured shirt quickly began circulating on social media.
Meantime, at the game, a chant of “Salmon shirt!” broke out from the upper deck.
“I heard something but it wasn't clear to me what was being chanted until I left the arena… They just said 'You're the salmon shirt guy,' and I said, ‘What? I don't know what you're talking about.’ And they said, 'Yeah, they were chanting your name. (They’re) chanting you’re salmon shirt guy!” said Red Cloud.
As he continued his walk outside the Canada Life Centre, Red Cloud realized he’d made quite the impression on Jets fans.
“I heard people telling me that after the game that I was famous. And people cheered me, and (were) honking their horns, and I don't know how they saw my shirt with my jacket on, but they saw me and they were honking their horns, which is pretty cool,” said Red Cloud.
Red Cloud's attendance at the game itself was also a matter of fate. He had entered a web draw to win two tickets, and as luck would have it, his number was selected.
“This guy was getting rid of two tickets,” said Red Cloud, “And I said, 'OK, well let me try that,' and clear enough my number was picked out then. And (to) the game I went.”
Although his beloved team lost the game, he doesn’t think the shirt has any ‘bad luck’ attached to it.
“I still haven’t washed it…I don’t feel like I’m jinxing them. It’s just the play on ice is what we’re watching so I don’t feel like I have a way of jinxing them at all.”
Red Cloud said he hopes to attend Game 5 next week, and if given the opportunity, he’ll certainly make sure to wear his viral tee.
“I'm gonna wear that shirt and I’ll probably add some sort of white into it just to appease the fans and the world wide web,” said Red Cloud.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
'Increased fire activity' expected for Fort Nelson, B.C., blaze
A wildfire near Fort Nelson, B.C., that forced thousands to flee their homes grew almost 800 hectares overnight Saturday, according to officials.
Blinken delivers some of the strongest U.S. public criticism of Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday delivered some of the Biden administration's strongest public criticism yet of Israel's conduct of the war in Gaza, saying Israeli tactics have meant "a horrible loss of life of innocent civilians" but failed to neutralize Hamas leaders and fighters and could drive a lasting insurgency.