Winter Classic Jerseys To Be Unveiled

The Winter Classic 2009 jerseys will be unveiled on Saturday night when the Chicago Blackhawks face the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center. The announcement was made this morning on the Hawks' official web site.

The unveiling will take place during the broadcast of the game tomorrow night on WGN-TV and FSN Detroit. I'm sure pictures will be posted online by both teams. If anyone can record the unveiling and post it on YouTube, I'd be happy to put your video here on Icethetics — that's assuming the teams don't beat you to it.

So anyway, remember how I told you yesterday I'd have Winter Classic news I'd get back to you on? Well there it is. I was just waiting for some confirmation before posting and now we've got it.

I'm also still working on that Penguins news. Basically, it sounds like their new third jersey might not look exactly like what they wore at last year's Winter Classic. Close, but not exact. I'll get you more when I have it.

Third Jersey Fan Concepts & More

We haven't had a good concept art post in almost a month because of the explosion of third jersey news. Now that we're getting a little bit of a break from it, let's take a look at what some fans would like to see as alternate sweaters. And get comfortable, because this is going to be a long one.

We'll start with some update Flyers logos that were submitted.

My personal favorite is the bottom right corner in the sketches. Up next is a great set with some uniquely updated logos.

credit: David Baratta

And speaking of updated logos, check out these for the Sharks.

The artist who submitted these prefers the one on the left but I thought I'd post them both and let you decide for yourself.

Now let's get into those third jersey concepts I was telling you about. We'll start with San Jose. Rumors have circulated that the shield logo could go on the front, but I wouldn't expect to see any white or orange anywhere else on the jersey.

And the Predators concept is purely from the mind of the artist. The Predators haven't announced any plans for a third jersey either this year or next. Neither have the Capitals, but many people are wishing for something like this.

Many Canucks fans were hoping for a green third jersey. Maybe something like this isn't too far off.

Yeah, maybe not the one on the right, though.

Here's a very busy idea for the Canadiens.

Maybe if your jersey was distracting enough, you could just win that way. Sticking with the Canada theme for a moment, how about these for the Senators?

And finally, hoping for the return of a yellow third jersey for the Bruins? Here's one of my favorite concepts from this batch.

What do you think of these? if you have any concept art of your own, feel free to send it along.

AHL Third Jersey Update, Part 4

Part 1 · Part 2 · Part 3

More AHL third jersey news to share tonight, beginning with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. They've apparently got new white third jerseys with the orange tiger on the front.

And I have a picture.

For reference, Bridgeport's regular home jersey is orange while their road sweater is blue.

The other team I'm reporting on is the Chicago Wolves. But they're kind of an enigma. From the photos I found, it looks like they've been using this white third jersey since last season.

If any Wolves fans are reading, maybe you can fill us in. Were the Wolves actually the first to sport a third jersey in the Rbk EDGE era?

And what's all this with white third jerseys? The regular white jersey for Chicago has the primary logo on the front instead of the text.

As always, if you've got a tip on AHL third jerseys, email me and I'll be happy to post it.

Coyotes Third Jersey Leaked!

The leaks just keep coming. Now we're getting our first glimpse at the new third jersey for the Phoenix Coyotes. I revealed the leaked image during tonight's Live Chat but not before first giving readers a 30-minute history lesson on the uniforms of the Coyotes franchise.

We went all the way back to 1972 and the Winnipeg Jets. But I won't bother with that here. If you're interested in it, check out the replay of the Live Chat. But first, here's the picture.

Just like we suspected, it's got the previously leaked logos featuring the leaping coyote and the coyote paw.

It's also got an unusual striping pattern around the sleeves which I'll have to see on a player before I form any opinions about. But otherwise, I think it looks great. The black works. It's got a clean, simple look and fits in well with the Coyotes home and road sweaters. And that's really all you can ask for.

What do you think? Leave a comment.

Another Third Jersey Leak?

I've scheduled a Live Chat for Saturday night at 10 PM EDT for those of you who can make it. And this time I have something to tantalize you with. I'll be showcasing a leaked image of yet another highly anticipated third jersey. And let me assure you it'll be worth the wait.

Which team is it? That'll be a surprise. But I will tell you it's one of the teams whose jersey we haven't seen yet. Could it be the Stars, Kings, Islanders, Senators, Coyotes, Penguins or Sharks?

Be here at Icethetics Saturday night at 10 to find out and be the first to see it!

AHL Third Jersey Update, Part 3

Part 1 • Part 2

In my continuing effort to expand Icethetics beyond the NHL, I have a few more tidbits on third jerseys in the American Hockey League — with a nod to my buddy Mike for helping out with the research. We'll start in Binghamton.

This is kind of a funny story actually. I first reported on the B-Sens last month when an interest not-so-new logo cropped up. Did some investigating and determined it was a one-time deal a couple years ago.

Now that story's changing. Could that logo be on the new third jersey for the Binghamton Senators?

Mike, who shot this picture, tells me he's "seen it in photos on a black third jersey. But [it] looks like they have made the switch from the 'big chin' logo to that third logo on their away jerseys. I'm not sure about there home ones."

So this is a case where I'm not sure whether we're looking at a third jersey or a new logo on a regular dark jersey. Sorry to leave this one so open ended.

The Rockford IceHogs are taking the lead from their NHL affiliate, the Chicago Blackhawks, for their new third jersey. And by taking the lead, I mean copying almost exactly.

Here it is, in all its pork chop glory.

Shoulder patches are different though. Guess the Indian head just wouldn't go with the whole look. Pig gnawing on a hockey stick, etc.

Finally, the Lake Erie Monsters will allegedly have a black alternate sweater this season. No pictures at this point, though. But Mike's on the case.

He writes, "I was on the message boards for the Lake Erie Monsters. I came across a thread about their thirds for the upcoming year. Two people on there said that a photo was passed around and described it a little. It’s not too informative but I was looking around and then I remembered the Avs' Rbk [EDGE] jersey. It seems to fit the bill. So I made this concept based on the Avs' jersey. I think it looks sweet in black."

So there you have it. And as always, should any more news come my way, I will continue to use Icethetics as a proper dispersal device.

By the way, my apologies on the lack of updates the last two days. I've just been absolutely slammed with other work. But not to worry, I have big plans for Icethetics and a big change is coming. I know Icethetics has only existed for four months (technically), but it's about to get so much better. Even I'm excited about it! I can't wait to tell you all about it.

NHL.com Shop Promoting Thirds

I'm not sure how newsworthy this is, but the NHL.com Shop is now advertising third jerseys. The unveiled sweaters have been available for pre-order for a little while already but now they're actually being advertised.

Smart, putting the two best ones in the ad.

Blackhawks Third Jersey Leaks Too!

Seems like the leaks are flowing like water this year — unlike last when the Rbk EDGE first rolled out. First it was the Lightning and Flyers last week. Then the Canucks just last night.

Now, we have our first look at the Chicago Blackhawks' third jersey.

This alternate sweater had the least amount of suspense and buzz about it considering there was no change from what the Hawks wore prior to the EDGE era. The black jersey was simply adapted to the EDGE style.

Right down to the shoulder patch.

These images were provided on a message board called The 300 Level by a user named gusev. There are more images available there if you're interested.

Again, this is not an official unveiling. These are leaked images of the jersey. It's my understanding the sweater will make its on-ice debut on November 3 when the Blackhawks face the Avalanche in Chicago. I wouldn't expect any sort of unveiling ceremony or event. It'll probably just show up that night in the game.

Canucks Third Jersey LEAKED!

Yes, it's true! I have it for you right here on Icethetics. The Vancouver Canucks' third jersey for the 2008-09 season has leaked!

Have a look for yourself. It's got the updated stick-in-the-rink logo as well as the new Johnny Canuck "V" logo on the shoulders.

I'm thrilled about that Johnny Canuck logo making its way onto a jersey. I think it's such a great design. Also interesting to note about this jersey is the complete lack of the orca logo. It's similar in overall design to their current home and road sweaters expect for the the striping pattern. The colors are the same.

It's important to note that this is not an official image. The Canucks have yet to make any sort of announcement regarding their third jersey. This is merely what's believed to be a leaked photo of it.

Pens To Debut 3rd Against Classic Foe

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Pittsburgh Penguins will debut their new third jersey on Saturday, November 15. The date Icethetics has for the unveiling of this sweater is Thursday, November 6.

It's expected the Pens will go with a design similar to, if not the same as, what they wore at the Winter Classic against the Buffalo Sabres — their opponent for the November 15 game.

The article doesn't cite a source but does say the team is finalizing plans for some sort of unveiling event. You can read an excerpt below or click here to read the full text.

The Penguins will debut their alternate uniforms Nov. 15 at home against the Buffalo Sabres, the Tribune-Review has learned.

The uniforms will mirror the retro-themed ones worn against Buffalo at the New Year's Day NHL Winter Classic. The alternate design borrows from several early uniform incarnations and consists of a predominantly baby blue sweater and socks, with navy pants, gloves and helmet.

The Penguins had no comment Monday regarding the alternate uniforms debut date. However, they are finalizing plans for a formal re-introduction, which could include players modeling the alternate uniforms sometime prior to the Nov. 15 contest.

The alternate uniform is slated to be worn at select home games throughout the season.

By the way, the image associated with that article is the jersey from the Winter Classic — NOT the third jersey.

Thanks to Ken for the tip.

By the way, I mentioned a rumor the other day that has the Pens dropping the gold for the two-tone blue color scheme in two years when they move into their new arena.

It wouldn't surprise me considering those were their original colors when they joined the league more than 40 years ago and throwbacks seem to be all the rage. This new jersey may be a step in that direction. But don't shoot the messenger. We'll see what happens.