Modano checks in at 42-long for Hall jacket

On Friday afternoon, 30 or so people surrounded former Dallas Stars forward Mike Modano to hear the verdict.

A perfect 42-long.

For the first time for any future Hockey Hall of Famer, Haggar Clothing Co., based out of Dallas, held a ceremonial jacket fitting at American Airlines Center to size 2014 inductee Mike Modano for his navy blue Hall of Fame jacket.

“Dallas is our hometown,” said John Apostolidis, Haggar director of brand, licensing and communications. “Mike is our great Hall of Famer from Dallas. This is the first time we’re actually doing something a little more official measuring the Hockey Hall of Fame.”

Haggar is responsible for making jackets not only for the Hockey Hall of Fame, but basketball and the iconic gold jacket of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Modano spent about 15 minutes spinning around as local tailor Gennaro J. Macrini measured almost every length and diameter of Modano’s upper body.

It was by far the most people present for any sizing Modano has been a part of, he said.

“It was all right. I’m just glad my measurements haven’t changed much,” he said with a laugh.

All the measurements taken Friday will be put into a computer system that will design a custom template for Modano’s body. Two months later, the priceless custom jacket will be complete.

Modano will see the finished product during the 2014 induction weekend Nov. 14-17 in Toronto. The induction ceremony takes place on Monday, Nov. 17.

In Dallas, the Stars will hold a special ceremony for Modano before the Nov. 22 game vs. the Los Angeles Kings, sponsored by Haggar.

“You just see a lot of the other pro sports,” Modano said. “You see the inductions and they wear those jackets as part of the whole ceremony. It’s kind of neat that this is another part of those things and one that you’re going to have for yourself. It’s one of those things that adds to the whole experience about going into the Hall.”

This story was originally published September 5, 2014 at 5:08 PM.