Valspar to replace Quaker as Fire’s jersey sponsor
The Fire will have a new jersey sponsor next season, and their primary jersey might feature a familiar and popular look.
The Fire announced Wednesday they have struck a multiyear deal with Minneapolis-based paint manufacturer Valspar to be their jersey sponsor starting in 2016. Valspar replaces Quaker Oats, which had been with the Fire since the 2012 season.
To announce the deal, the Fire posted a 38-second video on Twitter that featured a brief shot of Valspar’s logo on a horizontal white stripe between two red ones.
That might indicate the Fire are returning next season to their traditional red jersey, which features a broad horizontal white stripe over the chest but had been abandoned in recent years.
More exposure
The Wolves announced two of their games will air on Ch. 7.2. The first will be Friday against the Texas Stars and the second Oct. 23 against the Rockford IceHogs.
‘‘We’re excited to forge a new partnership with ABC 7 Chicago and its networks,’’ Wolves president Mike Gordon said in a news release. ‘‘Their reputation and reach will benefit our rabid Wolves fans while welcoming new ones into the fold.’’
Combined with their deal with WCIU, that means 58 Wolves games are scheduled to air on live TV this season.
Amixed start
The IceHogs split the first two games of their season last weekend. They opened with a 4-2 road victory Friday against the San Jose Barracuda behind two goals from Tanner Kero, then were blown out 7-0 on the road Saturday by the Stockton Heat.
Marko Dano, acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets as part of the deal for Brandon Saad, has one assist and a plus-two rating.
The IceHogs play their first home game Saturday against the Texas Stars.