Time for another of these. Václav Pletka is something of a hero to those in the know -- a member of the NHL's one-game club (with the Philadelphia Flyers -- his rights are now held, like a Get Out Of Jail Free card, by the Chicago Blackhawks), a veteran of the Czech and Russian leagues, now a member of Bílí Tygři Liberec in the Czech Extraliga (where he has the singular honor of playing alongside L'ubomir Vaic).
This is his 2005-06 jersey -- he joined the team (back from Russia) toward the end of the season. Earlier in the season, it was worn by proofreader's nightmare Ctirad Ovcacik (only for four games that year). Rumor has it that Pletka demanded #7 because of his immense admiration for John Elway.
I wore this out to a game last month, and it didn't, surprisingly, draw legions of squealing nubile female Pletka fans to me. It did prompt comment from a friend, though:
"You look like a billboard."
Yeah, even by European standards, this is pretty ad-heavy. It's probably more egregious than EHC Freiburg, actually. Seriously, that's a lot of ads.
But at least you can determine the mascot here --
"Bili Tygri Liberec" means "The White Tigers of Liberec," which doesn't sound too much like a white supremacist group. They've been among the class of the Extraliga over the last few seasons, with Pletka, Vaic, Milan Hnilicka, and yes Jes, Valdemar Jirus.
Who knew Pletka supported Basque separatism?
(As always, jersey biography concept created by Tapeleg, who is hopefully celebrating Sunday's Avalanche win against the worst team in the world.)
4 comments:
Well, Pletka is considered quite the hottie among ladies 45-55 according to a poll by iDnes. perhaps you ought to walk through the streets of Prague wearing yer Pletka billboard.
You were seen in public in that shirt? Gawd. I hope you were drunk.
By the way, your man Halak is not saving the Habs. Not at all. But nobody cares, 'cause everyone wants Kovalev dead. Kill the Russian! Why? Because he's not French Canadian!
This is so weird, because just yesterday I was wearing my Blues road jersey and hi-top Chuck Taylors, and thinking of you. Who knew?!?
PP-- Since you are a jersey maven, I'm respectfully submitting a couple of questions: how do you assess the durability of jerseys with sublimated sponsor logos and the like? Any special care issues involved (other than being cautious with cold water, etc.)?
Also-- are you familiar with "felt" sponsor logos, numbers, etc.? How does "felt" compare with sublimated on the durability/care scale? (fyi, I'm asking this in reference to soccer jerseys, e.g. Umbro's Cruz Azul (Mex.) "felt" sponsor logos.)
Any feedback much appreciated!!
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