Team Man. bison hats popular at Canada Games
Athletes attending the 2011 Canada Games will tell you the competition is not only on the hill or on the ice — it's also about which team has the coolest clothes, and Team Manitoba's fleecy bison hats are hot.
Dayton Sopha, a wheelchair basketball player and a third-time winter games participant from Ontario, wants to trade his hat.
"I'm hoping to trade for a Manitoba one, I like the horns that come out the side," said Sopha.
The brown fleece bison hats are made in Manitoba by the company Mondetta. Manitoba athletes got to wear them for the first time during the opening ceremonies.
When speedskater Kelsey Reilly put hers on for the opening ceremonies, she was afraid fans might make fun of her hat, but has had nothing but offers.
"Actually the Ontario hockey team manager offered me her $400 jacket in return for my hat and jacket," said Reilly. "People are crazy about them."
Inside Scotia Square Mall in downtown Halifax, where athletes often trade games gear, New Brunswick speedskater Julia Loparco said which hat she had her eye on.
"Manitoba, I really like theirs, it's like a bull hat," said Loparco.
Now they're so popular, Team Manitoba is torn between loyalty to the team uniform or making a deal.
Manitoba ringette player Sarah Leseprance gently turned down an offer of a Nova Scotia hat and a CBC toque.
"Oh this means a lot to our bison pride, I don't know if I can. This means a lot to us," said Leseprance.
