Reader Submission - 2010-11 Danbury Whalers Peter Vetri Jersey

Today's reader submitted jersey comes from Justin Walden, and it's attractive jersey from the lower levels of the minor leagues, a team and league you may not have even heard of before.

Here is Justin's story about his favorite jersey and it's finer details;

Like most collectors, I pursue jerseys around a particular theme. Dating back to my childhood as a fan of the AHL's Binghamton Whalers fan, I have had a keen interest in Whalers-related jerseys.  

Acquired in early October, this jersey is an instant favorite of mine. The team is the Danbury (Ct.) Whalers of the Federal Hockey League; the player is goalie Peter Vetri, who was their starter last year and is on the roster this year. 

Like the Binghamton Whalers, the Danbury Whalers use the whale's tale to help form their main logo as you'll notice with the D on the front. Adding to the jersey is the harpoon and D/W on the shoulder. It's a pretty straightforward piece design and color-wise and I am definitely happy I acquired it. 

Some low-level minor hockey teams don't get a lot of attention, but the Danbury Whalers stand out in the third-year FHL given their name and some of the things they have done to market their team.

Thanks to Justin for taking the time to photograph his jersey and share the story of his sharp looking jersey. We really appreciate the efforts involved when our readers take the time and effort to share their jerseys.

The Federal Hockey League was founded in 2010 and takes it's name from the fictional league the Charlestown Chiefs were members of in the classic hockey movie Slap Shot, which starred the legendary Paul Newman. While the name "Federal League" may have a familiar ring to it with die-hard hockey fans, it also carries with it a certain connotation of a league full of mayhem and unprofessional behavior due to it association with Slap Shot and the notorious Hanson Brothers!

One can either view the choice of naming the circuit as the Federal Hockey League as an homage to one of the most beloved hockey movies of all time, or an ill-adivised choice of questionable decision making...

As is often the case with upstart leagues low on the professional ladder, the Federal Hockey League began with six member clubs and in it's third season has already seen four teams added to the league, four others fold, three relocate (including a defending league champion) and four change names, with just Danbury and Thousand Island Privateers as constants through all three seasons. Of note, the Williamsport Outlaws play all their home games outdoors at Bowman Field, home to the Williamsport Crosscutters baseball club!

If you have a jersey in your collection that you'd like to share with us and your fellow readers, please submit your pictures and a story to go with it, no matter how brief or detailed, to spyboy1@gmail.com and we look forward to seeing your favorites.