The NHL’s new uniform system is officially being unveiled today in Dallas, where the All-Star Game will be played later this week. But a small pre-unveiling event was held last Wednesday in New York, for media members who wouldn’t be in Dallas.
The Wednesday event was embargoed, meaning attendees had to agree beforehand not to disclose any information until 2pm today. Now that the embargo is over, here’s a peek at what went down:
Where was the event held?
In a back room at Aquavit, a restaurant in midtown Manhattan.
Was there food?
Enough shrimp to keep George Costanza very happy, and enough langoustines to keep me very happy. Plus some fruit and stuff, but c’mon, who wants free fruit?
How many media people attended?
Not many. There was a guy from Crain’s, a guy from a sporting goods trade magazine, a guy from Sports Illustrated, a few other people whose affiliations I didn’t get, and myself. All the regular hockey beat writers will presumably be at the Dallas event.
Who else was there?
About half a dozen people from the NHL (including Commissioner Gary Bettman and Executive VP Brian Jennings), maybe half a dozen more from Reebok (including Reebok CCM/Hockey prexy Matt O’Toole), defenseman John-Michael Liles from the Colorado Avalanche, and a few people with cameras.
Isn’t Liles injured?
Yeah, but they flew him in just for this event, so he could give the players’ perspective (or at least his perspective) on the new unis. He wore a suit but had a soft cast on his left leg, with the Avs’ logo emblazoned on the cast. An NHL official later told me that Liles had been stopped several times in the Denver airport by people who wanted to know where they could get their own Avs-branded cast.
So what actually happened?
There were some introductory remarks by Gary Bettman, then some remarks by Reebok’s Matt O’Toole (who at one point said, “There’s never been a major professional sports league that’s changed all 30 teams’ uniforms en masse,” to which I immediately thought, “Yeah, and there’s probably a good reason for that”), and then a short video explaining the features of the new uniforms. After that, John-Michael Liles and the NHL’s Brian Jennings took questions from the audience. Then Liles had to leave, at which point we were all free to mingle and address questions to whoever we could corner.
What sorts of questions got asked?
Most of the other media people asked business-related questions (how much will the new jerseys retail for, that sort of thing), and I kept asking really detail-oriented questions like, “Will the Red Wings’ nameplates still have vertically arched lettering?” Afterward, I was asking one of the Reebok guys if the Blackhawks’ logo would still be chain-stitched, and Brian Jennings, who was standing nearby, looked at me and said, “Who are you anyway?” When I told him, he said, “Oh, right — that guy.”
What did Liles have to say?
Basically, he said he really liked the new unis, which was no surprise — they wouldn’t have flown him out there otherwise. But he seemed very genuine and sincere. The most interesting thing he said was that the new uniforms weren’t as snug as the ones he wore during the Olympics (which were made by Nike, although he didn’t say that). “The socks at the Olympics were noticeably tighter — too tight,” he said.
Did they have any live human beings wearing the new uniforms?
No. They had two mannequins — one dressed up in the Eastern Conference All-Star uni, facing front, and one wearing the Western Conference design, facing backward.
Were there any live demonstrations?
At one point Brian Jennings took one of the new jerseys, stretched it out over his lap, and poured a glass of water onto it, so we could see how it repelled water. Sure enough, the water rolled right off of it (“just like after you Turtle Wax your car,” as Jennings put it). Another NHL exec later told me, “He’s been dying to do that trick all day.”
Weren’t they supposed to show the individual team uniforms, not just the All-Star designs?
That’s what I had assumed, and of course I was disappointed when that turned out not to be the case. To be fair, nobody at the NHL ever specifically said that the new team designs would be unveiled, and many fans — myself included — were probably guilty of getting ahead of themselves in terms of their expectations. But there’s no getting around the fact that the league has been making a big fuss over the introduction of “the new uniforms,” and it’s hard to see how that fuss is justified when all they’ve shown us so far is some new fabrics, a slightly slimmer silhouette, and the All-Star designs.
So are you saying the NHL intentionally misled everyone?
No. But I think they may have botched the PR aspect of all this by sending mixed or muddled messages about what was in store.
Was there a goodie bag?
Upon leaving, we were each given a box containing a couple of press releases that summarized most of what we’d just been told, a really cool little booklet full of very Uni Watch-ish info, and an Eastern Conference All-Star jersey about 17 sizes too large.
Can I have the jersey?
No.
Well damn. I know *I* was guilty of assuming. Bummer. I was really hoping to see individual teams. But cool trick with the water, and shrimp is always good! :)
Thanks, Paul.
Well, a long wait for nothing, really. No one will really know anything for sure until each team reveals their uniforms before next season, although I can’t imagine Buffalo changing much.
Any word as to whether or not teams in the AHL will be wearing new uniforms next year?
C’mon Paul, please raffle off that All-Star jersey! I’m probably about 17 sizes bigger than you.
In the process of your posting Paul, I had trouble loading both espn.com’s page 2 and Uni Watch blog itself…I do believe this is the first time we’ve forced two websites to simultaneously exceed their bandwidth.
Ho-Hum….yawn….
Well, I can’t say I’m surprised, but it’s kind of like a kid waiting for that super present at Christmas, then getting socks and underwear.
I was afraid that it would just be the All Star Uni… darn… Thats what we get for getting ahead of ourselves…
Darn, I was hoping, along with you and many other fans, that we’d get to see all the new jerseys today. Any idea if they’re unveiling those in Dallas?
I waited all day to see the new Pens jersey…and now find out it’s not even out yet >:0
Very disappointing that they didn’t have at least one team’s design being worn. You’d think that for marketing purposes they would have one.
There were some introductory remarks by Gary Bettman, then some remarks by Reebok’s Matt O’Toole (who at one point said, “There’s never been a major professional sports league that’s changed all 30 teams’ uniforms en masse,†to which I immediately thought, “Yeah, and there’s probably a good reason for thatâ€Â),
This sounds a bit silly. The British Premier League made everyone use the same font, MLB went to all polyester within a few seasons, the NFL mandated player names on everyone’s jersey one off-season, the National League made everyone wear numbers in 1932, and, to nitpick, it also sounds silly because very few leagues have exactly 30 teams. ^^;
Three things I like:
1) Lace-up collars will still be available. Let’s hope Boston takes a note out of the Rangers’ book and makes the alternate their home jersey.
2) All traditional elements of the jerseys will be kept. Good for Chicago, Detroit, NYR, Toronto, and Montreal.
3) End of the alternates for teams like Nashville, Colorado, San Jose, Chicago, and Philly.
Three things I don’t like:
1) The loss of Edmonton’s alternate, Vancouver’s alternate, and the Hairpieces’ alternate jerseys.
2) The NHL’s screw-up in this entire PR debacle. I appreciate them wanting to keep the lid on this, but if you’re going to have an “unveiling”, get it right.
3) The apparent lack of detail the other journalists have for NHL jerseys. I applaud you for your succinct questions, Paul.
Finally, I thank you for your patience, Paul, (although, it was tested by me, I’m sure) in this entire matter. Our thirst for Uni Knowledge can only be quenched by information, and we turn to you for that. I like both the ESPN article, and this blog entry for its detail and introspect. Many thanks. :o)
At Aquavit, eh? Funny, but I was in the same building then!
From the article:
“According to Reebok, [the new uniforms]… provide 9 percent less drag …”
Is there any data to back up this claim? Did they do extensive wind tunnel testing with the jerseys? Is it based on computational fluid dynamics?
What a bunch of jerks. Good job, Bettman, misleading everyone for the past few weeks. That’s the way to win fans back!
They certainly knew that everyone was assuming that they were going to unveil the individual team unis today, and they could have said otherwiase if that was not the case!
What a bunch of losers.
[quote comment=”44320″]Any word as to whether or not teams in the AHL will be wearing new uniforms next year?[/quote]
Yes, sorry, I meant to include that in the FAQ: The AHL will go to the new unis as well, so players bouncing up and down between the majors and minors don’t have to adjust to different unis.
[quote comment=”44336″]From the article:
“According to Reebok, [the new uniforms]… provide 9 percent less drag …”
Is there any data to back up this claim? Did they do extensive wind tunnel testing with the jerseys? Is it based on computational fluid dynamics?[/quote]
Yes, Reebok did. The took the jerseys to MIT and tested them there in the wind tunnel.
Well, I guess this means I’ve got six more months of wondering what Leonsis comes up. Does any know what the final date for submitting uni changes is?
[quote comment=”44336″]From the article:
“According to Reebok, [the new uniforms]… provide 9 percent less drag …”
Is there any data to back up this claim? Did they do extensive wind tunnel testing with the jerseys?[/quote]
Yes, at MIT.
So the league wide jerseys aren’t even getting unveiled at the Dallas press conference? Well this was a major letdown if that’s the case.
[quote comment=”44320″]Well, a long wait for nothing, really. No one will really know anything for sure until each team reveals their uniforms before next season, although I can’t imagine Buffalo changing much.[/quote]
I think the uni changes in Buffalo and Anaheim were done in part to anticipate the new template; note that link link went without link. (“Stripes,” per se, in Anaheim’s case.) The league-wide changes seem less drastic, such that hopefully we’ll look back at the Sabres uni change as having gone a bit link.
[quote comment=”44333″]Three things I like:
1) Lace-up collars will still be available. Let’s hope Boston takes a note out of the Rangers’ book and makes the alternate their home jersey.
[/quote]
Charlie Jacobs has said the B’s will go to a more vintage look. I hope you’re right.
Paul– Any chance you could snap a pic of the BACK of the jersey. Havent seen a pic of the back yet, and from the design it looks all mesh except for the nameplate.
Thanks!
[quote comment=”44333″]2) All traditional elements of the jerseys will be kept.[/quote]
No — all traditional elements can be kept. It’s up to the teams to keep them.
Hey Paul appreciate all the info, even though we were dying for all the uni’s. But since you received a Eastern Conference All Star Jersey, why don’t you take a picture of it and post it. It be cool to see what one looks like not in a sketch or on a mannequin.
[quote comment=”44347″]Paul– Any chance you could snap a pic of the BACK of the jersey. Havent seen a pic of the back yet, and from the design it looks all mesh except for the nameplate.[/quote]
The back is all stretch-mesh — good eye.
I’ll post more photos of the jersey in a day or two. No time right now.
[quote comment=”44351″][quote comment=”44347″]Paul– Any chance you could snap a pic of the BACK of the jersey. Havent seen a pic of the back yet, and from the design it looks all mesh except for the nameplate.[/quote]
The back is all stretch-mesh — good eye.
I’ll post more photos of the jersey in a day or two. No time right now.[/quote]
Good news for this guy
link
i was thinking the players would wear the new team jerseys for the first time at the Skills Competition tomorrow night.
What is the point in releasing the photo of Crosby in USA today if that was all you were going to be releasing today? Talk about a complete waste of a marketing opportunity by the NHL.
I love the fact that the NHLs’ site refers to the new uniforms as “link,” as if previous sweaters were missing something vital – like sleeves.
Paul,
I would pay good money for a t-shirt that has the Uni Watch logo, URL, and the words “Oh right–that guy”
Thanks NHL…for nothing. What a let down.
Message to Bettman: Fuck you ya bitchass cunt.
Thanks for all the info Paul, and congrats on being “that guy.”
[quote comment=”44367″]Paul,
I would pay good money for a t-shirt that has the Uni Watch logo, URL, and the words “Oh right–that guy”[/quote]
I think every one of on here is a little part “that guy”. I’m proud to have “that guy” tendencies – as far as the big NHL news – relax people – it’s not like any of US have to wear the things – when the individual team design come out, then you can complain if you want to.
[quote comment=”44367″]Paul,
I would pay good money for a t-shirt that has the Uni Watch logo, URL, and the words “Oh right–that guy”[/quote]
I’ll second that!
That line was the best part of the entire column; considering that t hey actually revealed NOTHING new!
[quote comment=”44368″]Thanks NHL…for nothing. What a let down.
Message to Bettman: Fuck you ya bitchass cunt.[/quote]
Was the second part really necessary? Are we filming an NWA video here?
[quote comment=”44371″][quote comment=”44367″]Paul,
I would pay good money for a t-shirt that has the Uni Watch logo, URL, and the words “Oh right–that guy”[/quote]
I think every one of on here is a little part “that guy”. I’m proud to have “that guy” tendencies – as far as the big NHL news – relax people – it’s not like any of US have to wear the things – when the individual team design come out, then you can complain if you want to.[/quote]
“Who are you anyway?” HAHAHAHA I love it!
Paul,
You said everyone else was asking how much they would cost. Did they give you a price range for the jerseys or are we looking at the price being the $424.99 All Star Jersey price?
Paul – been tracking the NHL uni thing, but somehow didn’t notice the slanted sock strip until your ESPN column (must’ve been distracted by all the other noise). Thanks and keep up the good work.
I’m a little skeptical of the 9% drag improvement number quoted – just because Reebok tested at MIT doesn’t mean their results reflect on-ice, in game performance.
Did they test a hockey player in full uniform in the Wright Brothers wind tunnel in representative hockey positions, or did they just put a swatch of the old and new fabrics in a small tunnel and take the increment between the two?
Usually when cycling teams go into the WBWT to work on their aerodynamics, they publish some publicity shots of riders in the tunnel. Anything similar to that with hockey players?
Paul, first of all, I would take some free fruit as I eat at least five servings of fruit a day.
Second, I also love the part about you being ‘that guy’. You are our ‘that guy’ which makes you more special. Thanks for the info, even if it wasn’t what we were hoping for. Your column does set my mind at ease a bit, though. At least the changes won’t be rampant.
1) The loss of Edmonton’s alternate, Vancouver’s alternate, and the Hairpieces’ alternate jerseys.
Not so fast. I wouldn’t be surprised if Vancouver goes back to the “rink and stick” logo and the “blue & greens” next season as their primary jersey. It makes perfect sense.
[quote comment=”44364″]I love the fact that the NHLs’ site refers to the new uniforms as “link,” as if previous sweaters were missing something vital – like sleeves.[/quote]
what Paul forgot to mention is that the new sweaters have nipples. much like the george cloony anatomically correct batman suit
link
“who are you anyway?”
he must have been looking at you as though you had a physical deformity.
Some remarks by Reebok’s Matt O’Toole (who at one point said, “There’s never been a major professional sports league that’s changed all 30 teams’ uniforms en masse,â€Â
that is an incorrect statement.
in 2003, the wnba overhauled every teams uni from the year prior. they used 3 different templates using a dazzle fabric in 02, and moved to a moisture fabric in 03 utilizing 4 templates.
this full scale change will happen again this year as it will be the first wnba season using adidas as the manufacturer.
[quote comment=”44374″][quote comment=”44368″]Thanks NHL…for nothing. What a let down.
Message to Bettman: Fuck you ya bitchass cunt.[/quote]
Was the second part really necessary? Are we filming an NWA video here?[/quote]
I’m with you on this, BB, but thanks for being funny about it. I am not hypersensitive about swearing, but, Joe, please. There are other ways to show your displeasure than by using every swear word in the book; it doesn’t add anything to the discussion.
Frenchie, I am with you on the ‘anatomically correct’ statement. This isn’t a doll we’re talking about. How can a jersey be anatomically correct? Aerodynamically correct, maybe, but not anatomically correct.
[quote comment=”44387″]”who are you anyway?”
he must have been looking at you as though you had a physical deformity.
Some remarks by Reebok’s Matt O’Toole (who at one point said, “There’s never been a major professional sports league that’s changed all 30 teams’ uniforms en masse,â€Â
that is an incorrect statement.
in 2003, the wnba overhauled every teams uni from the year prior. they used 3 different templates using a dazzle fabric in 02, and moved to a moisture fabric in 03 utilizing 4 templates.
this full scale change will happen again this year as it will be the first wnba season using adidas as the manufacturer.[/quote]
Also, every MLS team changed last year when the official supplier became Adidas
[quote comment=”44389″][quote comment=”44387″]”who are you anyway?”
he must have been looking at you as though you had a physical deformity.
Some remarks by Reebok’s Matt O’Toole (who at one point said, “There’s never been a major professional sports league that’s changed all 30 teams’ uniforms en masse,â€Â
that is an incorrect statement.
in 2003, the wnba overhauled every teams uni from the year prior. they used 3 different templates using a dazzle fabric in 02, and moved to a moisture fabric in 03 utilizing 4 templates.
this full scale change will happen again this year as it will be the first wnba season using adidas as the manufacturer.[/quote]
Also, every MLS team changed last year when the official supplier became Adidas[/quote]
“There’s never been a MAJOR professional sports league…”
Both of those are sports leagues, but not “technically” a part of the four major sports.
Paul, I just finished reading the ESPN article (yes, I praised you before I finished), and I have a question. If the NHL is putting the alternates on ice next year, does that mean no Christmas unis for the Wild!? I hope not as they are my favorites. I know this is a dense question, but I would like some clarity. Or Teebz. Or Kenny. Or Banker Bill. Or Richard. Thanks, guys.
[quote comment=”44387″]”who are you anyway?”
he must have been looking at you as though you had a physical deformity.
Some remarks by Reebok’s Matt O’Toole (who at one point said, “There’s never been a major professional sports league that’s changed all 30 teams’ uniforms en masse,â€Â
that is an incorrect statement.
in 2003, the wnba overhauled every teams uni from the year prior. they used 3 different templates using a dazzle fabric in 02, and moved to a moisture fabric in 03 utilizing 4 templates.
this full scale change will happen again this year as it will be the first wnba season using adidas as the manufacturer.[/quote]
That’s Todd Krevanchi – WNBA expert and Sue Bird stalker – or is that one and the same?
Just kidding Todd.
[quote comment=”44392″]Paul, I just finished reading the ESPN article (yes, I praised you before I finished), and I have a question. If the NHL is putting the alternates on ice next year, does that mean no Christmas unis for the Wild!?[/quote]
Unless they make that the primary home/road design, right.
Thanks for shitting on the fans Bettman. Whenever we find something to rally around/get excited about, you ride in and crush it like the grinch motherfucker you are.
Message to Bettman (and those that don’t like my cussing): DEEZ NUTS. Lick my choad hoerags
[quote comment=”44394″][quote comment=”44392″]Paul, I just finished reading the ESPN article (yes, I praised you before I finished), and I have a question. If the NHL is putting the alternates on ice next year, does that mean no Christmas unis for the Wild!?[/quote]
Unless they make that the primary home/road design, right.[/quote]
Thanks for the quick answer, Paul, even if it’s one I don’t like.
Perhaps the WNBA and MLS weren’t “major” enough for the Reebok guy?
I wanted to see the how the Ranger jersey would look, if they can keep all the important elements, the shoulder striping on the white jersey, the diagonal lettering on the front and the vertically arched lettering on the back, then idoesn’t sound too bad after all.
[quote comment=”44391″][quote comment=”44389″][quote comment=”44387″]”who are you anyway?”
he must have been looking at you as though you had a physical deformity.
Some remarks by Reebok’s Matt O’Toole (who at one point said, “There’s never been a major professional sports league that’s changed all 30 teams’ uniforms en masse,â€Â
that is an incorrect statement.
in 2003, the wnba overhauled every teams uni from the year prior. they used 3 different templates using a dazzle fabric in 02, and moved to a moisture fabric in 03 utilizing 4 templates.
this full scale change will happen again this year as it will be the first wnba season using adidas as the manufacturer.[/quote]
Also, every MLS team changed last year when the official supplier became Adidas[/quote]
“There’s never been a MAJOR professional sports league…”
Both of those are sports leagues, but not “technically” a part of the four major sports.[/quote]
If the NHL keeps their PR company, they may not be in the top 4 very long either (I kid).
Anyone else think the NHL crest will look weird on tie-up jerseys?
There has never been a MAJOR professional sports league…
Got to learn how to type faster……
[quote comment=”44395″]Thanks for EXPLETIVE DELETED on the fans Bettman. Whenever we find something to rally around/get excited about, you ride in and crush it like the grinch EXPLETIVE DELETED you are.
Message to Bettman (and those that don’t like my cussing): EXPLETIVE STATEMENT DELETED. EXPLETIVE STATEMENT DELETED[/quote]
Wow that is quite poetic…
Intersting little hockey jersey concept design here, a day and night motif for the link and link jersey of this minor pro hockey team El Paso Buzzards. Never seen anything like that before.
[quote comment=”44392″]Paul, I just finished reading the ESPN article (yes, I praised you before I finished), and I have a question. If the NHL is putting the alternates on ice next year, does that mean no Christmas unis for the Wild!? I hope not as they are my favorites. I know this is a dense question, but I would like some clarity. Or Teebz. Or Kenny. Or Banker Bill. Or Richard. Thanks, guys.[/quote]
From what I know, and Teebz and Paul can back me up – third jerseys are going to be shelved. Now, if the Wild! want to switch to the Christmas unis instead of the dark green, it’s well within their rights to do that…personally, I agree with you and think they should go with the Christmas unis. As Paul said, nothing on the “Whites at home” switchback, so they can wear the Red at home I guess – I like that one a lot more than I ever did.
On another note entirely – caught a glimpse of the Devils game on Saturday – they’re honoring the 95 Stanley Cup Champs very soon, and they had pics of the players in red helmets with the red jerseys – I always thought they wore black helmets with the red – was the red helmet back when they had the red and green unis? Teebz?
[quote comment=”44402″]Intersting little hockey jersey concept design here, a day and night motif for the link and link jersey of this minor pro hockey team El Paso Buzzards. Never seen anything like that before.[/quote]
Phoenix did it with their link. So did thelink (WHL)
Off the top of my head. There are others, no doubt.
[quote comment=”44403″][quote comment=”44392″]Paul, I just finished reading the ESPN article (yes, I praised you before I finished), and I have a question. If the NHL is putting the alternates on ice next year, does that mean no Christmas unis for the Wild!? I hope not as they are my favorites. I know this is a dense question, but I would like some clarity. Or Teebz. Or Kenny. Or Banker Bill. Or Richard. Thanks, guys.[/quote]
From what I know, and Teebz and Paul can back me up – third jerseys are going to be shelved. Now, if the Wild! want to switch to the Christmas unis instead of the dark green, it’s well within their rights to do that…personally, I agree with you and think they should go with the Christmas unis. As Paul said, nothing on the “Whites at home” switchback, so they can wear the Red at home I guess – I like that one a lot more than I ever did.
[/quote]
Thanks Banker B. Now I just have to figure a way to get them to switch from the greens to the reds–though the greens aren’t so bad, either.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Vancouver goes back to the “rink and stick†logo and the “blue & greens†next season as their primary jersey. It makes perfect sense.
I’ll agree that it could happen, only because Orca Bay, the company who bought the Canucks and swiftly put an Orca on their jersey, was recently bought out. The logo isn’t that bad compared to a lot of the newer NHL logos, but with the old jersey is so popular right now, so I can see a change maybe happening. I think the loss of the third jersey is stupid. The fact that half of them are terrible is offset by the fact that the other half are among the best in the league. Especially the retro-styled ones.
I highly doubt the NHL considered it at all, but I wonder if the new socks will resist ripping better. It isn’t a problem at any pro/semi-pro level, because the teams replace the socks so often, but look at any rec player/minor hockey player and you’re bound to see at least couple holes. makes me wonder if they’ll be for sale to the general public in a variety of colour schemes. The jerseys I don’t think will make to the masses for years, but if the socks are actually better, they could be put on sale right away. If so, I’ll definately try a pair, but I’ll miss the old ribbed socks.
I have more to say, but this post is a novel as it is, so I’ll lay off.
… Paul/John is there any way you can make it so we don’t have to re-type our comments if we forget to enter the security code/enter the code. I generally copy my longer posts in case something happens, I can just paste it, but it’d be nice if they stayed there.
[quote comment=”44402″]Intersting little hockey jersey concept design here, a day and night motif for the link and link jersey of this minor pro hockey team El Paso Buzzards. Never seen anything like that before.[/quote]
Nice catch, Nick. I like those night jerseys a lot.
A couple people have mentioned this, but here’s the complete info. Next year’s Blue Jackets jersey: link
Basically, the home and away jerseys are going to have the current third jersey logo (link) with the current link shoulder logo. Lettering and numbers are expected to remain the same. They’ll ditch the black and the lace-up look from the current third jersey.
This isn’t at all surprising, considering the current third seems to be the most popular around town. I’ve been saying they were going to do this since the season started and word about the new jerseys for next year got out. No more puke green, thank god.
Since they’re doing away with third jerseys next year, is there any rule that stipulates the road (colored) jersey must be the exact same pattern as the home (white) jersey? If so, could the Wild keep the same white jersey, but make their current alt. their road for next year?
[quote comment=”44403″]
On another note entirely – caught a glimpse of the Devils game on Saturday – they’re honoring the 95 Stanley Cup Champs very soon, and they had pics of the players in red helmets with the red jerseys – I always thought they wore black helmets with the red – was the red helmet back when they had the red and green unis? Teebz?[/quote]
You’re entirely right, Bill. I’m not sure why they’re depicting the 1995 Devils with red helmets, but they wore black all season that year with their road jerseys.
[quote comment=”44412″][quote comment=”44402″]Intersting little hockey jersey concept design here, a day and night motif for the link and link jersey of this minor pro hockey team El Paso Buzzards. Never seen anything like that before.[/quote]
Nice catch, Nick. I like those night jerseys a lot.[/quote]
Ooops. I missed it entirely. I focused on the scenery at the hemline. My bad.
OK so this is three weeks late but I was reading in the Page 2 article that the news from St. L was inaccurate about home/road colors being exchanged (returned to normal).
I attended the December 30 Blackhawks/Bruins game and the Hawks were wearing white jersey and the Bruins black. This may have been covered but if not I was wondering why the change. You can go to the photo gallery from the game to see:
link
Did the NHL say why they were getting rid of the alternates?
[quote comment=”44427″]Did the NHL say why they were getting rid of the alternates?[/quote]
2007-2008 season
[quote comment=”44426″]OK so this is three weeks late but I was reading in the Page 2 article that the news from St. L was inaccurate about home/road colors being exchanged (returned to normal).
I attended the December 30 Blackhawks/Bruins game and the Hawks were wearing white jersey and the Bruins black. This may have been covered but if not I was wondering why the change. You can go to the photo gallery from the game to see:
link
It’s an Original Six game. At each Original Six game, the home team has the option of wearing their alternates. Since Chicago opted not to wear theirs, the Bruins did, making it truly like an old-time hockey game with the white jerseys at home.
[quote comment=”44426″]OK so this is three weeks late but I was reading in the Page 2 article that the news from St. L was inaccurate about home/road colors being exchanged (returned to normal).
I attended the December 30 Blackhawks/Bruins game and the Hawks were wearing white jersey and the Bruins black. This may have been covered but if not I was wondering why the change. You can go to the photo gallery from the game to see:
link
I was wondering why the third/alternates were being shelved too. Maybe they’ll bring them back after sales of new jerseys level off to provide a little boost of income.
sorry, I messed my comment last time.
Looks like the B’s were wearing the 70’s throwbacks that night. I think they’re waering them against original 6 teams. not sure if this is true for every team, but it was true that night. so chicago would have to wear white at home.
[quote comment=”44387″]”who are you anyway?”
he must have been looking at you as though you had a physical deformity.
Some remarks by Reebok’s Matt O’Toole (who at one point said, “There’s never been a major professional sports league that’s changed all 30 teams’ uniforms en masse,â€Â
that is an incorrect statement.
in 2003, the wnba overhauled every teams uni from the year prior. they used 3 different templates using a dazzle fabric in 02, and moved to a moisture fabric in 03 utilizing 4 templates.
this full scale change will happen again this year as it will be the first wnba season using adidas as the manufacturer.[/quote]
I don’t think the WNBA counts as a major sports league.
[quote comment=”44432″][quote comment=”44426″]OK so this is three weeks late but I was reading in the Page 2 article that the news from St. L was inaccurate about home/road colors being exchanged (returned to normal).
I attended the December 30 Blackhawks/Bruins game and the Hawks were wearing white jersey and the Bruins black. This may have been covered but if not I was wondering why the change. You can go to the photo gallery from the game to see:
link
That’s because it was an Original 6 matchup, the Bruins wear their black vintage jerseys. This has happened on the road everytime except once vs the Rangers @ MSG and once at Toronto
[quote comment=”44428″][quote comment=”44427″]Did the NHL say why they were getting rid of the alternates?[/quote]
2007-2008 season[/quote]
Why, not when.
[quote comment=”44439″][quote comment=”44428″][quote comment=”44427″]Did the NHL say why they were getting rid of the alternates?[/quote]
2007-2008 season[/quote]
Why, not when.[/quote]
I think it was because they only have two templates for the uniforms, one white based and one colored based.
Hey Paul, thanks for the info. In regards to the sizing I noticed that you can get the new jerseys up to size 60 whereas the old ones only go up to 56 for the fans. Is this because the sizing is different and now a 56 will be smaller and they still want big guys like me to buy them? Also, what size was the jersey you got and would it be comparable to the current size 56 that I have?
Thanks again.
[quote comment=”44437″][quote comment=”44387″]”who are you anyway?”
he must have been looking at you as though you had a physical deformity.
Some remarks by Reebok’s Matt O’Toole (who at one point said, “There’s never been a major professional sports league that’s changed all 30 teams’ uniforms en masse,â€Â
that is an incorrect statement.
in 2003, the wnba overhauled every teams uni from the year prior. they used 3 different templates using a dazzle fabric in 02, and moved to a moisture fabric in 03 utilizing 4 templates.
this full scale change will happen again this year as it will be the first wnba season using adidas as the manufacturer.[/quote]
I don’t think the WNBA counts as a major sports league.[/quote]
i think me and the schwab are the only fans of it. but i do consider it a major sports league. it is the highest level of womens basketball in the united states. i’d say that basketball is a pretty major sport. if you are playing in your sports highest level of competition, whether it be hockey, lacrosse, or football, i would have to say that it is a pretty major league.
[quote comment=”44427″]Did the NHL say why they were getting rid of the alternates?[/quote}
As it was explained to me, they decided that having every team adapting its home/road program to the new uni system was enough to keep everyone busy. They’ll re-evaluate third jerseys for 2008-09.
[quote comment=”44449″]Hey Paul, thanks for the info. In regards to the sizing I noticed that you can get the new jerseys up to size 60 whereas the old ones only go up to 56 for the fans. Is this because the sizing is different and now a 56 will be smaller and they still want big guys like me to buy them? Also, what size was the jersey you got and would it be comparable to the current size 56 that I have?[/quote]
I’m told that the sizing system is the same as with the old jerseys.
Since they’re doing away with third jerseys next year, is there any rule that stipulates the road (colored) jersey must be the exact same pattern as the home (white) jersey? If so, could the Wild keep the same white jersey, but make their current alt. their road for next year?
I don’t see why not. Third jersey are currently not allowed in the playoffs and the Maple Leafs wear their thirds all through the playoffs as their whites. Following this logic, a team should be able to take their third and make it a primary if they choose to do so.
Dennis,
Yeah, bummer, huh? I was hoping to hear the Avs would ditch their ugly home uni, and go full time with the burgundy alt. But, as for Pittsburgh, link
Once and for all, “No Alternate Jerseys” means “Each Team Will Have Only Two Jerseys” — no specific style is being outlawed.
link and link jerseys can have link link now, which should be allowed to continue.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Avs as one of those 6 teams changing things up, greatly.
The blue strips on the shoulders and hem might not work that well with the slim design
Are the goalie jerseys going to be the same slim fit style or are they going to be allowed to still have some bagginess? The extra jersey helps them contain rebounds on shots to the chest and is also something extra the puck can hit. The link at the olympics were link
The NHL might actually like the slim fit on the goalies, hoping it would increase scoring so they don’t have to widen the net.
[quote comment=”44471″]Are the goalie jerseys going to be the same slim fit style or are they going to be allowed to still have some bagginess? The extra jersey helps them contain rebounds on shots to the chest and is also something extra the puck can hit. The link at the olympics were link
The NHL might actually like the slim fit on the goalies, hoping it would increase scoring so they don’t have to widen the net.[/quote]
one of the big reasons of the slimming down of the jersey is to stop goalies from looking like they are wearing sheets. If anything hte goalie sizing will be monitored the most closely to make sure they are not wearing an oversized uniform
Here’s link.
Not much to show, other than some basic info, but they do show the backs of the All-Star jerseys. You’d think Reebok would have more to say than just that little bit of already-known ideas.
Oh, and here’s the NHL.com’s write-up about link.
I really can’t stand the curved hemline. Other than that the only thing making me ill is all of the marketing talk…“The uniform is 14 percent lighter, 25 percent lighter after games. There is nine percent less drag and it is 10 percent cooler. Plus, there is 60 percent more hip protection.”
umm can we get 100% less bullshit please.
someone tell me they have a screen shot of mike ditka on the 6pm sportscenter with a Scott brand button down shirt on.
The mention of the Olympic Jerseys made me remember, I’m pretty sure that one of the goalies was wearing a Deutschland (Germany)jersey or shirt underneath their jersey, and they weren’t from the German team. I wanna say Latvia, which for some reason sticks in my head. Anyone with any info or pics? it would be greatly appreciated
The jerseys don’t look bad – except the travesty that is the front collar.
[quote comment=”44437″]I don’t think the WNBA counts as a major sports league.[/quote]
You don’t consider Uncasville a major league town?
So, does this mean that all NHL players have agreed (or a rep has for them) to wear RBK pants as well? Currently, like helmets, it’s up to the individual if they want to wear CCM, Tackla, Nike/Bauer, RBK, Mission, Easton, etc. I would thin everybody but RBK and CCM (owned by Reebok) would not be too happy about that, but I haven’t seen any reference to it at all. Can helmets be far behind? I can’t imagine Bettman is too thrilled about Teemu going around looking like he borrowed a helmet from the Jetsons, not to mention all the other non-RBK helmets.
Yeah, bummer, huh? I was hoping to hear the Avs would ditch their ugly home uni, and go full time with the burgundy alt. But, as for Pittsburgh, I have an inkling what the new Pens’ jerseys will look like.
Breaking news from Pittsburgh:
A group is in place (consisting mainly of current minority Pens investors) to buy the team from Mario Lemieux and keep the team in Pittsburgh. Lemieux is very close to getting an arena deal in place with the city/state officials. Sorry KC, but link for a while.
I’m interested in how the enforcers in the league will think about the new unis. Is it better to have a loose jersey to come off easily or something tighter so that your opponent has a harder time gripping something during a fight?
Oh yeah, why do you hate the Kings jersey so much? (or if anyone else does then please tell me why) I think the colors and logo and fonts are fine. The only problem would be the LOS ANGELES printed on the horizontal section on the front of the jersey.
I read about Niklas Lidstrom being happy that he would be 9% faster, won’t Marian Gaborik also be 9% faster and thus still able to blow by his old ass on a breakaway?
I didn’t know the old jerseys were so flawed, this is all marketing bullshit. its an f’in jersey not a race car
[quote comment=”44494″]Yeah, bummer, huh? I was hoping to hear the Avs would ditch their ugly home uni, and go full time with the burgundy alt. But, as for Pittsburgh, I have an inkling what the new Pens’ jerseys will look like.
Breaking news from Pittsburgh:
A group is in place (consisting mainly of current minority Pens investors) to buy the team from Mario Lemieux and keep the team in Pittsburgh. Lemieux is very close to getting an arena deal in place with the city/state officials. Sorry KC, but link for a while.[/quote]
That’s news to me. Last I heard, the Penguins were proposed a deal in which they have to share “developing rights” (whatever those are) and parking revenue. Lemieux et al. were reportedly not happy about this, since even their extension at Mellon is a better deal (they’ll be there rent-free and get all the building revenue). link is the article I’m referring to (you might have to register to read it). Is there a link to a more recent article regarding any further developments?
Oh, and from your last sentence I got that we in KC will be seeing Sidney Crosby for a while. That’d be just fine with us! :)
[quote comment=”44447″][quote comment=”44439″][quote comment=”44428″][quote comment=”44427″]Did the NHL say why they were getting rid of the alternates?[/quote]
2007-2008 season[/quote]
Why, not when.[/quote]
I think it was because they only have two templates for the uniforms, one white based and one colored based.[/quote]
They spent a lot of the presentation saying that existing elements of jerseys could fit on these templates. Why can’t the existing elements of third jerseys fit on the template as well – how are third jerseys fundamentally different?
[quote comment=”44490″][quote comment=”44437″]I don’t think the WNBA counts as a major sports league.[/quote]
You don’t consider Uncasville a major league town?[/quote]
Hey, I take that as a jab toward Uniondale. Let’s go Islanders!
The Cubs have said Jason Marquis can take Sammy Sosa’s number 21, which has not been issued since Sosa left after the 2004 season. So far, Marquis is the only player on the 40-man roster who doesn’t have a number listed next to his name.
attribution on that Sosa story, Ben Mailer Fox Sports.
Paul,
I was wondering about the new jersey’s rear-hemline, the previous location of the NHL logo. Looking over some other pictures from today’s Dallas unveiling it appears as though the NHL Players Association logo is present in that vicinity, at least on the All-Star jerseys, seen link. Is this a constant on all of the new jerseys or simply a “stamp of approval” for the uniforms?
Not Funny Jason #80. The Pens will stay put.
[quote comment=”44511″]Paul,
I was wondering about the new jersey’s rear-hemline, the previous location of the NHL logo. Looking over some other pictures from today’s Dallas unveiling it appears as though the NHL Players Association logo is present in that vicinity, at least on the All-Star jerseys, seen link.
Is this a constant on all of the new jerseys or simply a “stamp of approval” for the uniforms?[/quote]
The NHLPA logo has been on the rear next to the NHL logo on All-Star jerseys (at least on the game worns) since 2000, IIRC.
Also, for what it’s worth, the blog here has been so overloaded it’s been hard to get through. Because of that, I have been fondly reminded of link.
From Darren Rovell:
Is it physically possible for Rafael Nadal to wear any more Nike swooshes? In his Australian Open match against Andy Murray, I counted nine swooshes: headband (1), shirt (1), wristbands (2), shoes (2), shorts (1), and socks (2)… For those of you who are really serious about your fantasy sports and have gotten into some legal trouble, there’s now a perfect solution. Just go to link. This sports law professor named Marc Edelman is there to resolve all your fantasy disputes.
[quote comment=”44517″][quote comment=”44511″]Paul,
I was wondering about the new jersey’s rear-hemline, the previous location of the NHL logo. Looking over some other pictures from today’s Dallas unveiling it appears as though the NHL Players Association logo is present in that vicinity, at least on the All-Star jerseys, seen link.
Is this a constant on all of the new jerseys or simply a “stamp of approval” for the uniforms?[/quote]
The NHLPA logo has been on the rear next to the NHL logo on All-Star jerseys (at least on the game worns) since 2000, IIRC.[/quote]
Keee-rec. Interestingly, the NHLPA logo is NOT on the authentic All-Star Game jersey I was given at last week’s media pow-wow.
I noticed it during the game on sunday, but I could only find an old picture. Doesn’t it look like Tully Banta-Cain is wearing the 2-in-1 fake stirrups on his forearms?
link
my big issue is the cost of these uber jerseys……That is just WAY too much loot for a jersey. If they can’t get the costs down drastically you won’t see many fans wearing this new and improved kit.
[quote comment=”44460″]Since they’re doing away with third jerseys next year, is there any rule that stipulates the road (colored) jersey must be the exact same pattern as the home (white) jersey? If so, could the Wild keep the same white jersey, but make their current alt. their road for next year?
I don’t see why not. Third jersey are currently not allowed in the playoffs and the Maple Leafs wear their thirds all through the playoffs as their whites. Following this logic, a team should be able to take their third and make it a primary if they choose to do so.[/quote]
Third Jersey’s are allowed during the playoffs. Last season, the Ducks wore their black alternate jersey’s at all home playoff games. A team has to pick one of their colored jersey’s , either their normal home jersey or the alternate one. However, due to the Buffaslug controversy, the Sabres throwback alternate has been granted an exception in certain occasions for the playoffs.
the NHLPA logo will be on the all star jerseys you can see it here on Heatley Shananhan and Ovechkins jerseys
href=”http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=FrozenMoment”>
Of course there won’t be 3rd jerseys. They want people to go right out and buy the home and away at $300 a pop. Then in 3-4 years, out will come the alternates, and there’s another $300 flying out of your wallet.
I’m just looking forward to the big sales of the current style jerseys, as companies start to clear out their stock for the upcoming EDGE shipments. Not too concerned that I’m not wearing one, personally I don’t think it’ll look all that great anyway on the average person on the street.
This is for anyone and everyone…I host a radio show in southeast Iowa and a caller asked about the history of the “wrist of plays” that some players wear. He traced it back to Tom Matte in Super Bowl V…Matte was forced into action as a backup QB and had to wear the plays on his wrist. Any information on that?
The hockey industry holds its major trade show in January. All the NHL designs are likely in the can. The reason they didn’t show all NHL team designs is because some teams are probably going apeshit over the change – perhaps the more traditional teams; ones whose jerseys haven’t changed in years – Detroit, Montreal, etc.
I can’t imagine Reebok going to this trade show without something to show retailers, especially new product with a story behind it.
Hasn’t the NHL had a major overhaul of jerseys in the past when they used 5 uniform suppliers in the span of 4 years? Starter/CCM, Starter/NIKE/CCM, Pro Player/CCM/NIKE, CCM, Reebok. That’s an overhaul. Each company has their own version of a jersey.
Pro player’s jerseys get ripped and torn all the time. Every team has a part-time seamstress/tailor to do repairs… a neighbor repaired the Oilers sweaters/pants for years.
After a couple of repairs you can kiss the weight advantage goodbye.
No the NHL has not had an overhaul recently. The changed in supplier ony affected what logo and where the brand logo was placed. The jerseys looked the same, they didn’t even changethe fabrics when they changed companies.
It’s not true that the fabrics didn’t change when the NHL changed suppliers. Each company has its own material they use to make jerseys. Remember NIKE adding the ventilated mesh to the Ducks and Sharks jerseys? A new supplier means new materials, new fit…an overhaul. Some teams welcome it, some don’t.
I think the most important question is has the NHL finally done something to get rid of the gayest sports accessory in ANY sport: the garter belt.
Unless Tiger Woods has some dildo shaped clubs, nothing in sports is as gay as guys putting their socks up with garter belts. Nada.
When the Whalers and FLyers went with the one piece pants, it solved the problem but all the old time Edgar Hoover era players got their panties all in a bunch when their sexy undergarment was finally removed.
Years of molestation at the hand of pedophile coaches, rookie ‘initiation’ and such fraternal activities really grinds it in you I guess and boys wanna feel sexy too, I guess.
Hell, you might as well take the whole mesh thing to a new level and go gay all the way because no sport, not even NFL football with its tight leotards and 80’s puffy shoulders, is as gay as hockey as long as these he-men wear lingerie every night on the rink.
Rob
[quote comment=”45131″]I think the most important question is has the NHL finally done something to get rid of the gayest sports accessory in ANY sport: the garter belt.
Unless Tiger Woods has some dildo shaped clubs, nothing in sports is as gay as guys putting their socks up with garter belts. Nada.
When the Whalers and FLyers went with the one piece pants, it solved the problem but all the old time Edgar Hoover era players got their panties all in a bunch when their sexy undergarment was finally removed.
Years of molestation at the hand of pedophile coaches, rookie ‘initiation’ and such fraternal activities really grinds it in you I guess and boys wanna feel sexy too, I guess.
Hell, you might as well take the whole mesh thing to a new level and go gay all the way because no sport, not even NFL football with its tight leotards and 80’s puffy shoulders, is as gay as hockey as long as these he-men wear lingerie every night on the rink.
Rob[/quote]
Don’t we ban people like him?
im sick and tired of bettman and his idea of how hockey should be played (more pims). and now his new uniforms. it seems to me this game has bigger problems (t.v. ratings) then how much less sweat is absorbed in a jersey.as a bruins fan i have already expirenced ugly changes (smokey the bear jersey) to a once classic uniform. bettman is dragging this game down to the lowest point i can ever imagined. he is turning this game into some pickup game (no hitting or fighting). we were promised more flow to the game..please how can there be a flow when there is a penalty called every 3 min. bettmen is a basketball guy (first mistake)he came to hockey with all his basketball ideas. i think there is more contact under the net(basketball game) then in front of the netat a hockey game. people its time for hockey to take its game back. p.s goalie eguipment is still to oversized