AHL Third Jersey Update

I've been meaning to update you guys on the AHL's new crop of third jerseys. But like I've said, the AHL really isn't my thing, so my coverage isn't exactly comprehensive. However, I have news on a handful of teams.

We got our first look at the third jersey for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins via their official web site a couple months ago. I've since been provided with this graphic — which more clearly shows just how dull it is.

Interesting how this club has abandoned its own colors, adopting its NHL affiliate's. The AHL Penguins are black, gold and red. Why the blue? A rumor out there suggests that when the Pittsburgh Penguins move into their new arena in 2010, they'll abandon the gold completely for a new blue-based look — a throwback perhaps to their original sweater colors when they joined the NHL in 1967. Will the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton franchise join them?

The Worcester Sharks will don a new third jersey this year. (By the way, this is an update to the previous incarnation of this post where in the information I had was wrong.)

The Sharks have a description of the jersey on their official web site.

The Worcester Sharks will sport a special third jersey this season! The third jersey is grey in color with “SHARKS” written diagonally across the front of the jersey. The jersey has laces on the neck line to secure. The Sharks will debut these special third jerseys when they host the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Saturday, October 25th. Make sure to check back at SharksAHL.com for more information and a preview of the new jersey!

I really don't think this one is even worth dignifying with a mention, but it's my job. The Toronto Marlies are doing exactly what Todd McFarlane said not to!

Sure, maybe it isn't the cutest puppy you've ever seen, but it sure isn't menacing either.

And you guys know how hard it is to find something I don't like. Poor Marlies fans. I just hope they don't wear it too often this season.

The Philadelphia Phantoms are next on my list. I got any email from a fan saying a sweater he recently bought will be the club's third jersey.

He even sent along a picture of the new purple uniform.

See, Los Angeles Kings, it doesn't look so bad. Maybe without the orange. It's always Halloween if you're a Phantoms fan, I guess.

The Milwaukee Admirals will join the ranks of AHL teams with a third jersey for 2008-09 — going with the fashionable powder blue. Not that it matters, but I like this jersey a lot.

It's got the whole pirate — peg leg and all — instead of the skull alone.

Hmm... is he using his amputated foot as a hockey stick? That is one hardcore pirate.

We'll finish up tonight with the Hartford Wolf Pack. Back in March, they held a contest to have fans design the 2008-09 third jersey. Unfortunately, that page of their official web site no longer exists — but Google saves everything.

I got an email from a fan saying the Wolf Pack was supposed to unveil that third jersey yesterday but still have yet to do so. Sadly, I can't help. I didn't even know there was an unveiling planned so I'm not sure why it didn't happen. I'll keep my eyes peeled though.

If there are any other AHL third jerseys out there, send me pictures and I'll be sure to make note of them here on Icethetics.

Canucks Remember Bourdon

The Vancouver Canucks are remembering the late Luc Bourdon this season with a special decal on the back of their helmets. The 21-year-old defenseman was killed in a motorcycle accident in May.

I didn't know about this tribute logo when I wrote about the new specialty logos for the Icethetics Season Preview or I would've included it with that batch.

Thanks to Joshua for sending in the graphic.

Where's The Puck?!

The newest incarnation of the IHL isn't exactly rolling in the dough — and neither is its member clubs. What makes me say that?

That is an actual picture of the ice rink of the Fort Wayne Komets from their official web site. I count 18 logos on the ice — not including the Komets' own at center ice.

Personally, I'd be concerned with not being able to follow the puck from the stands, let alone on TV — not that IHL games are broadcast on TV or anything.

Anyway, the real kicker in that photo is the complete lack of any ads or anything at all on the boards. Hopefully they're in the process of adding something.

Thanks to David for sending in the picture.

NHL Third Jersey Schedule

A handful of teams have released schedules for when they'll be wearing their third jersey throughout the season. Others, I suppose, want to keep it a surprise — like the Maple Leafs.

From the information that's been released, I'm putting together a master third jersey schedule. Here's what we've got so far.

Click to enlarge. Abbreviations: Deb - Debut for third jersey; O6 - Worn against Original Six team; 1st - Worn in first game of the season; Fin - Worn in finale game of the season; Rd - Worn in a road game.

At some point, I'll make this spreadsheet available via Google Docs. For now, have a look. See how many times your favorite team shows up either wearing a third jersey for facing a team that is.

Carolina, Edmonton and Atlanta dominate the list because they are the only three teams that have released complete schedules (that I know of).

By the way, I've read the comments and emails. I know you guys are longing for concept art but it's been pretty nuts around here with all the third jersey news. I haven't quite had time for it. But fret not, I'll have a treat for you later today. It's Friday!

Leafs Go With Third For Opener

The Toronto Maple Leafs began their season on a high note, defeating the Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings tonight. And they did so wearing their new third jersey — unveiled earlier this week.

That makes the Leafs the first team to wear a third jersey in the Rbk EDGE era. Hooray for them. Pics ensue!

credit: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images

First up, Niklas Hagman in action in his new alternate uniform.

credit: Michael Sackett / US PRESSWIRE

That would be Mike Van Ryn above. And below, I have to say, I did not recognize Pavel Kubina in that No. 77 sweater.

credit: Michael Sackett / US PRESSWIRE

Kubina was No. 13 forever when he played for the Lightning but I believe opted for for No. 31 when first joining the Leafs.

Whatever, not the point. The point is, the first third jersey has hit the ice. A momentous night!

Bolts, Flyers Thirds Leak!

My Reebok mole — who shall remain nameless to protect the innocent — has more offerings. I first broke these during the Live Chat earlier tonight, so if you participated or watched the replay, then you already know.

I have high quality promotional images for the third jerseys of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Philadelphia Flyers to share with you today. My team first.

All the rumors were right for the Lightning's new third jersey. It's blue and it spells BOLTS right across the front, slanting downward. Even looking at it now, the colloquialism surprises me. It's an unusual sight for a professional sports uniform — but then so was a giant humanoid duck bursting from beneath a sheet of ice until 1995.

The first thing you'll probably notice is the obviously misspelling of Lecavalier on the back of the jersey. That particular image was probably never meant to be made public. Oops. But allow me to draw your attention away from that and to the bottom of the sweater.

Notice the TAMPA BAY stitched along the black stripe? Are we taking a page out of the Kings' book now? At least it's on the back. So speaking as a Lightning fan, there are some things I'm not thrilled with, but overall I'm happy with it and I will be wearing it on Christmas morning — likely before then too.

Next we move onto the Lightning's first ever playoff foe, the Philadelphia Flyers. This is another one the rumors got right. But then we've known what it will look like since March when cell phone photos first surfaced.

The Flyers are joining the handful of teams going retro with their new third jerseys — as you can see.

No egregious spelling errors on this jersey, but the nameplate is a cool feature. They're leaving out no detail on this throwback sweater, opting for black text on a white nameplate on an orange jersey. Bold. Well done.

You may have noticed the orange numbers on the sleeves seem to be overlapping onto the orange of the jersey. I'm not sure if this is accurate as the numbers were clearly added digitally and weren't on the photographed jersey. For that, we'll have to wait for the official announcement and unveiling by the team.

Keep in mind that these images are not from the teams and I do not consider them to be official unveilings. They're leaks and I almost feel bad about posting them, ruining the surprises for the teams. However, they're out now and I'd like to get your feedback.

By the way, if you decide to post these images elsewhere on the interwebs, I'd love it if you could link back to Icethetics!

Goalies Get New Looks

Lots of emails on this. Martin Brodeur has had his mask repainted and Dwayne Roloson debuted his specially-designed third jersey equipment.

Brodeur is changing a mask design he hasn't touched in years while Roloson will wear a special mask paying homage to Oiler great Grant Fuhr.

There will be further coverage of both of these items at a later date. For now, discuss...

Thrashers Unveil Third Jersey!

The Atlanta Thrashers unveiled their new third jersey tonight before season ticket holders at the 2008 Face Off Event. The team also used the opportunity to introduce Niclas Havelid, Coby Armstrong, Ilya Kovalchuk, Slava Kozlov and Mathieu Schneider as alternate captains.

The Thrashers posted a bunch of great photos on their web site tonight, including these of Kovalchuk wearing the new sweater.

I think this is a great jersey if you can look past the front of it. I like sleeves, the logo element on the shoulders and the striping looks great. I just can't quite get past the text and the giant number on the front.

What sport is this again?

Look's like our sneak peek was right on the money again.

This post will be updated later.

Sneak Peek At Thrashers Third

The Atlanta Thrashers have officially announced via their web site that they will be unveiling their new alternate uniform to season ticket holders tomorrow night at the 2008 Face Off Event.

The even takes place from 6 to 9 PM so the unveiling will happen somewhere in that timeframe. The announcement also lists the 14 games during which the new third jersey will be worn. In addition, the Thrashers will take this opportunity to publicly name their alternate captains.

But you don't think I'd leave you with so little, do you? Think back to the day before the St. Louis Blues unveiled their new third jersey. Remember the sneak peek pic that turned out to be right on the money?

My friend, the Reebok mole, has more to share. Behold what may well be the new third jersey for the Atlanta Thrashers.

I'm not crazy about the text and giant numbers on the front, but for some reason, I love that bird head logo on the shoulders. I like large shoulder patches. I also like the way the white stripes work around the sleeves.

This is a sharp jersey if you can forgive the front of it.

For what it's worth, this graphic is of slightly better quality than the Blues one was. But of course there's nothing like looking at pictures of the actual jersey over a rendering like this. I'll wait and make final judgments when I see photos tomorrow night.

By the way, I'm rescheduling the Live Chat for tomorrow to 11:30 PM EDT if you feel like dropping in. (This is 12 hours later than I previously said.) This way we can talk about all of the third jerseys unveiled this week as well as what's to come.

Oilers Unveil Third Jersey!

The Edmonton Oilers became the sixth team to unveil their third jersey for the 2008-09 season. They did so today by launching a beautifully produced seven-minute video on their official web site.

The jersey is similar to the blue sweater worn prior to 1996 with a few slight tweaks. The collar has been changed and the 30th anniversary logo will be on the right shoulder. Here you can see the captains wearing their new duds.

And here's another great photo from the team's web site.

The video delves into the history of Oilers sweaters and it's explained that the fans were very much a part of the process of choosing the final design for this third jersey. Overall the video is very much worth watching whether you're an Oilers fan or not.

Even Todd McFarlane gets a shoutout. Funny, I just wrote a post about him yesterday.