Three Count: WHL’s Calgary Hitmen Complete Trilogy of Bret Hart Jerseys

The Calgary Hitmen and their namesake, former WWF Champion Bret “Hitman” Hart, are celebrating a different kind of three-count this year.

Last week, the Hitmen announced details for their third-ever Bret “Hitman” Hart Game, including a new special edition jersey that they’ll wear during the game.

The jerseys are predominantly white, with black shoulders and pink designs on the sleeves and waist based off Hart’s wrestling gear from his heyday in the 1990s. The Hitmen’s alternate mask logo is front and centre wearing a pair of Hart’s signature wraparound sunglasses. Printed inside the collar is Hart’s catchphrase: “The best there is. The best there was. The best there ever will be.”

The Hitmen used a black version of the jersey for the first Bret Hart Game in November 2019, and then introduced a pink version for the 2022 edition.

*All three versions of the Hitmen’s Bret Hart jerseys in one photo. (Courtesy **@WHLHitmen** / Twitter)*

The 2023 Bret “Hitman” Hart Game will be held on Saturday, March 11, when the Hitmen host the Red Deer Rebels. Before the game, a banner will be raised to induct Hart into the team’s “Forever A Hitmen” club alongside alumni like Ryan Getzlaf, Andrew Ladd and Kelly Kisio. A logo on the left shoulder of the white special edition jersey commemorates Hart’s induction.

“Bret is our namesake and has been an ambassador of our brand from day one,” said Calgary Hitmen business manager Amy Bontorin on the team’s website. “We look forward to honouring him and having his banner as a permanent fixture at the Saddledome.”

Meanwhile, after the game, local promotion Dungeon Wrestling will put on a card of pro wrestling matches.

Five dollars from every game ticket sold by the Prostate Cancer Centre for the March 11 game will be donated back to the centre. Proceeds from a game-worn jersey auction and from retails sales of the special edition jersey will also be donated to the centre.

“[Hart is] a proud Calgarian and continues to contribute back to our community, which goes far beyond his in-ring accomplishments,” said Prostate Cancer Centre CEO Jeff Davidson. “Bret Hart has been a tireless advocate for the Prostate Cancer Centre here in Calgary.”

Hart was part of the Hitmen’s original ownership group in 1994, and was the inspiration behind the name and logo according to Wikipedia. The team was sold to the Calgary Flames in 1996, but Hart has maintained a close relationship with the Hitmen since, often participating in special events and jersey unveilings.