Source: BroBible
Summary
A youth hockey team in New Jersey suspended players after their parents made jackets with a trademarked logo. The team, the Jersey Hitmen, owns a federal trademark and claimed the jackets violated intellectual property rights. The parents had purchased the jackets to support their children’s teams. The incident sparked public backlash, with critics calling the suspension excessive. The team’s owner, Bobby Reiss, stated the violation was one of the most egregious in recent memory. The dispute remains unresolved.
Our Reading
The habit gets a new name.
Parents buy jackets to show support.
Team owner calls it a violation.
Kids get suspended for wearing them.
Trademark rules now apply to kids’ clothes.
Business over kids, again.
Author: Evan Null
The Owner’s Obsession with Branding
The owner of the Jersey Hitmen, Bobby Reiss, has been running the team since 2003. The team is part of the United States Premier Hockey League and has produced over 300 college hockey players. The Hitmen name is used across nine different teams, from 10U to 18U. The team has held a federal trademark for over a decade. Reiss recently sent an email to parents, threatening suspensions over jacket use.
Parents’ Support Turned into a Legal Issue
Some parents with kids on the youngest teams decided to show support by commissioning letterman jackets with the Bandits name. Four of them posted a picture of the jackets on Instagram, which was later deleted. The post was shared on September 20th, leading to the suspension of the players. Reiss called the action one of the most egregious trademark violations in recent memory.
Trademark Laws and Youth Sports
The Hitmen have a federal trademark, which requires them to enforce their rights. However, suspending kids over a jacket seems extreme. The Bandits, a sister team, have a merchandise page on their website, but jackets are not listed. The Hitmen do not have their own merchandise page, but their gear is available at the Ice Vault Arena. The dispute remains unresolved.
Public Backlash and Financial Motives
The incident sparked public backlash, with many calling the suspension excessive. Critics argue that the team’s focus on branding and revenue has overshadowed the well-being of the kids. The team’s owner, Bobby Reiss, may need to rethink how he handles similar issues in the future. The situation highlights the growing commercialization of youth sports.
The Cost of Being a Competitive Hockey Family
Hockey is one of the most expensive sports for families, with costs for equipment, ice time, and team fees. Many communities offer affordable programs, but private equity has made it harder for lower-income families to participate. The Jersey Hitmen are part of a competitive travel team, which adds to the financial burden. Parents often go above and beyond to support their kids, but this incident shows the risks of overstepping.
